Zidovudine, widely known as AZT, stands as a cornerstone in the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. As a nucleoside analog reverse-transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), its primary function is to disrupt the viral replication cycle. To fully appreciate its role, understanding how does Zidovudine work is paramount. HIV utilizes an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to convert its RNA into DNA, a critical step for the virus to integrate into the host cell's genome and replicate. Zidovudine, after being converted into its active triphosphate form within the body, acts as a faulty building block for this DNA synthesis. It gets incorporated into the growing viral DNA chain, but due to its molecular structure, it terminates further chain elongation, effectively halting the virus's ability to multiply.

The effectiveness of Zidovudine hinges on consistent and accurate administration. The typical adult dosage for HIV treatment is 300 milligrams (mg) taken twice daily, with doses spaced approximately 12 hours apart. It can be taken with or without food, which offers flexibility for patients. However, adhering to the prescribed schedule is critical, as interrupted or inconsistent dosing can lead to the development of HIV drug resistance. Missing a dose requires taking it as soon as remembered, unless it's almost time for the next dose, in which case the missed dose should be skipped to avoid doubling up. This precision is vital, as highlighted in discussions about zidovudine dosage and administration.

While Zidovudine is a powerful tool, like all medications, it can have side effects. Patients might experience common effects such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and fatigue. More serious, though less common, side effects can include anemia (low red blood cell count) and neutropenia (low white blood cell count), which increase the risk of infection and affect healing. Regular blood monitoring is essential for patients on Zidovudine to detect these changes early. Healthcare providers must be aware of potential zidovudine side effects and dosage adjustments needed based on individual patient response and health status. Understanding these aspects allows for a more informed approach to HIV management, maximizing therapeutic benefits while minimizing risks.