How to use
Zidovudine should be taken orally with a full glass of water, usually 2-3 times per day. You can take this medication with or without food. If you are using Zidovudine in liquid form, make sure your take the precise dosage by measuring it with a marked spoon or medicine cup.

Follow the instructions of your doctor exactly, even if they differ from the recommended dosage.

Take Zidovudine regularly and make sure you renew your prescription on time. Do not change your dosages or medication schedule without consulting your doctor first. It is recommended that anyone who suffers from HIV or AIDS remains under strict observation of a doctor.

Overdose

Seek immediate medical attention if you think that you have taken too much of this medication.

Missed dose

You should take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. If it is, then simply skip the missed dose and take the next regularly scheduled one. Do not attempt to double up on Zidovudine to make up for a missed dosage.

Notes

Your doctor may require you to have regular tests and medical check-ups while taking this medication, to chart your progress and examine you for potential side effects. Make sure you do not miss any of these appointments.

Do not share Zidovudine with others, as they may have a condition that is not effectively treated by this medication

Storage

Store Zidovudine at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), away from heat and moisture. KEEP THIS AND ALL OTHER MEDICATION OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Important note
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed that the taking of this medication is safe, appropriate or effective for you.

Precautions
Before taking Zidovudine, you should discuss your medical history with your doctor, especially:

• Any allergies
• Kidney problems
• Liver problems (such as hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis)
• Alcohol use
• Low red or white blood cells

I you have or have had any of these conditions, your doctor may have to perform additional tests or your dosage may be altered.

Zidovudine is classed as Pregnancy Category C by the FDA. This means it is not yet known whether this medication can be harmful for an unborn baby. However, HIV medications are usually given to pregnant women when clearly needed and the risks and benefits have been thoroughly weighed up. Treatment with this medication has also been shown to decrease the risk of HIV transmission to the baby.
Women who are HIV-positive and/ or under treatment with Zidovudine should not breastfeed. Even if a baby is born without HIV, the virus can still be passed on through breast milk.

Drug Interactions
Before taking Zidovudine, inform your doctor of all other medication you are currently using, including:

• Atovaquone (Mepron)
• Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
• Fluconazole (Diflucan)
• Ganciclovir (Cytovene)
• Interferon-alfa (Roferon, Intron, Rebetron)
• Methadone (Dolophine, Methadose) 
• Nelfinavir (Viracept)
• Phenytoin (Dilantin)
• Probenecid (Benemid)
• Ribavirin (Rebetol, Ribasphere, Copegus Virazole)
• Ritonavir (Norvir)
• Stavudine (Zerit)
• Other medication containing Zidovudine

The above list is not complete and other medication may interact with Zidovudine. You must tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medication you use, including vitamins, minerals, herbal products and medicines prescribed by another doctor. Do not start or stop using any medication without discussing it with your doctor first.

Common and not very serious potential side effects of Zidovudine include:

• Sleep problems (insomnia), strange dreams
• Mild nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation
• Muscle or joint pain
• Headache, tired feeling
• Skin rash
• Changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts and trunk)

You inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

• Symptoms of Pancreatitis (e.g. severe pain in the upper stomach spreading to the back, nausea and vomiting, rapid heart rate
• Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g. numbness, tingling or pain in the hands or feet)
• Easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, pale skin
• White patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips
• Fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
• Any other signs of new infection

Stop using Zidovudine and seek emergency medical attention if you notice any of the following signs of an allergic reaction:

• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat

Some people who took Zidovudine have reportedly developed the life-threatening condition Lactic Acidosis. Symptoms of this disease include:

• Muscle pain or weakness
• Numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs
• Trouble breathing
• Nausea with vomiting
• Fast or uneven heart rate
• Dizziness
• Feeling very weak or tired

You are more at risk of developing Lactic Acidosis if you are a woman, if you are overweight or have a liver disease or if you have taken certain HIV or AIDS medications for a long time. Talk with your doctor about your personal risk of developing this condition.

Zidovudine has also been known to cause severe or life-threatening effects on your liver or pancreas. You should call your doctor immediately if you encounter any of the following symptoms while taking Zidovudine:

• Severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back
• Fast heart rate
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Low fever
• Dark urine
• Clay-colored stools
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

This is not a full list of possible side effects associated with Zidovudine. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any other side effects than the ones mentioned above, especially if they are bothersome.