Home / Glossary Zidovudine (ZDV) By Motherly Editors April 3, 2024 Rectangle Inside this article DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of Zidovudine (ZDV)Frequently Asked Questions about Zidovudine (ZDV)What is Zidovudine (ZDV)?How does Zidovudine (ZDV) work?What are the side effects of Zidovudine (ZDV)?Can pregnant women take Zidovudine (ZDV)?How should Zidovudine (ZDV) be taken?Related Motherhood TermsSources for More Information Table of Contents Toggle DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of Zidovudine (ZDV)Frequently Asked Questions about Zidovudine (ZDV)What is Zidovudine (ZDV)?How does Zidovudine (ZDV) work?What are the side effects of Zidovudine (ZDV)?Can pregnant women take Zidovudine (ZDV)?How should Zidovudine (ZDV) be taken?Related Motherhood TermsSources for More Information Definition Zidovudine (ZDV), also known as AZT, is a type of antiretroviral medication used primarily in the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS. It plays a significant role in preventing mother-to-child transmission of the virus during pregnancy. It works by inhibiting the replication of the virus within the body. Key Takeaways Zidovudine (ZDV), also known as AZT, is an antiretroviral medication primarily used for the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. For expecting mothers who are HIV-positive, ZDV is crucial in preventing vertical transmission of the virus to the baby during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. The drug works by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme, thus preventing the HIV virus from multiplying in the body. It significantly reduces the mother’s viral load, thereby decreasing the risk of the infant acquiring the infection. Importance Zidovudine (ZDV), also known as AZT, is important in the context of motherhood due to its role in preventing maternal-to-child transmission of HIV. This antiretroviral drug is commonly used in prenatal and perinatal care when the mother is HIV positive. ZDV is administered to the mother during pregnancy and labor and to the newborn after birth. It greatly reduces the risk of the baby contracting HIV from the mother. ZDV has proved to be extremely effective in lowering the rates of perinatal HIV transmission, thus playing a critical role in promoting the health and well-being of both the mother and the child. Hence, the term Zidovudine is significant in the realm of motherhood, particularly pertaining to maternal and child health in the context of HIV. Explanation Zidovudine (ZDV), also known as AZT, is a critically essential antiretroviral medication used to prevent the transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) from a positive mother to her unborn child. Since the virus is most commonly transmitted during labor and delivery, ZDV is administered intravenously during these times to significantly reduce the chance of viral transmission. It is also used in combination with other antiretroviral medications in the routine treatment of adults and children with HIV infection. In terms of motherhood and pregnancy, women who are HIV-positive and pregnant will usually begin Zidovudine therapy in their second or third trimester. This continues throughout the pregnancy term, during childbirth, and the newborn is given ZDV for several weeks post birth. This established protocol has proven incredibly successful at reducing the vertical transmission of HIV, thus allowing HIV-positive women securely to have children with minimized risk of infecting their babies. Ultimately, Zidovudine serves a dual purpose: not only acting as a treatment for HIV but as a strategic preventive measure against mother-to-child transmission. Examples of Zidovudine (ZDV) Zidovudine (ZDV), also known as AZT, is a medication used to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, including preventing mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding. Here are three real-world examples or scenarios about motherhood involving the use of Zidovudine: HIV-Positive Pregnant Woman: A pregnant woman finds out she is HIV-positive during one of her prenatal visits. To lower the risk of transmitting the virus to her baby, her doctor prescribes Zidovudine. She takes this medication during her pregnancy, and the neonatologist gives the same to her newborn for the first six weeks of life to further reduce the risk of transmission. Labor and Delivery: A woman who did not receive prenatal care is found to be HIV positive during labor. She is immediately put on an intravenous infusion of Zidovudine to decrease the risk of transmitting HIV to her baby. The newborn also receives Zidovudine treatment post-birth. Breastfeeding Mother: A woman with HIV has just given birth. In addition to the recommended antiretroviral therapy (ART) for her health, she takes Zidovudine to lower the chance of infant infection via breastfeeding. Even with the medication, she opts to formula-feed her baby to eliminate the risk of transmission, since breastfeeding isn’t generally recommended for HIV-positive mothers. Frequently Asked Questions about Zidovudine (ZDV) What is Zidovudine (ZDV)? Zidovudine (ZDV) also called AZT, is an antiretroviral medication used to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS. It is generally suggested to be used in combination with other antiretrovirals. It is available by mouth, intravenously, and as a skin cream. How does Zidovudine (ZDV) work? Zidovudine (ZDV) works by inhibiting the activity of reverse transcriptase, an enzyme produced by HIV. This slows down the spread of HIV in the body and can help prevent damage to the immune system. What are the side effects of Zidovudine (ZDV)? Side effects of Zidovudine (ZDV) may include headache, general illness feeling, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, weight loss, skin rash, and changes in the shape or location of body fat. Severe side effects may include blood count abnormalities such as anemia and granulocytopenia. Can pregnant women take Zidovudine (ZDV)? Yes, Zidovudine (ZDV) is considered safe for use during pregnancy and is commonly used to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV. However, it’s important that the use of this medication is guided by a healthcare professional who can consider the benefits and risks involved. How should Zidovudine (ZDV) be taken? Zidovudine (ZDV) is taken orally with or without food, usually every 4-5 hours. It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by a healthcare professional, do not increase your dose or take it more often than directed. Related Motherhood Terms Antiretroviral Therapy Vertical Transmission HIV/AIDS Neonatal Medication Prenatal Care Sources for More Information Sure, here are four reliable sources for information about the term “Zidovudine (ZDV)”: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Mayo Clinic World Health Organization (WHO) MedlinePlus Inside this article DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of Zidovudine (ZDV)Frequently Asked Questions about Zidovudine (ZDV)What is Zidovudine (ZDV)?How does Zidovudine (ZDV) work?What are the side effects of Zidovudine (ZDV)?Can pregnant women take Zidovudine (ZDV)?How should Zidovudine (ZDV) be taken?Related Motherhood TermsSources for More Information More terms Fetal movement counts April 2, 2024 Incompetent cervix (cervical insufficiency) April 2, 2024 In vitro fertilisation (IVF) April 2, 2024 Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) April 2, 2024 Stillbirth April 3, 2024