Retrovir
Retrovir (zidovudine) is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) that works by inhibiting the replication of HIV. It is used as part of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) to manage HIV infection and to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV during pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage must be prescribed and monitored by an infectious disease specialist. For adults, the standard dose is 300 mg twice daily. Pediatric dosing is highly individualized, calculated based on body weight or body surface area, and is typically administered twice daily.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 2 mg/kg to 4 mg/kg (Oral Solution)
- Frequency
- Every 12 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Primarily used for neonatal prophylaxis. Requires precise weight-based calculation by a pediatrician.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 60 mg (6 mL of 10 mg/mL Oral Solution)
- Frequency
- Every 12 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Ensure accurate measurement using a pediatric oral dosing syringe.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 90 mg (9 mL of 10 mg/mL Oral Solution)
- Frequency
- Every 12 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Monitor blood counts regularly for potential side effects like anemia.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 120 mg (12 mL of Oral Solution or 100 mg capsule + 2 mL solution)
- Frequency
- Every 12 hours
- Tracking Notes
- May transition to capsule form if the child is able to swallow capsules whole.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 150 mg to 180 mg (Oral Solution or combination of 100 mg capsules)
- Frequency
- Every 12 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Dosing should be adjusted dynamically as the child's weight increases.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 2 mg/kg to 4 mg/kg (Oral Solution) | Every 12 hours | Primarily used for neonatal prophylaxis. Requires precise weight-based calculation by a pediatrician. |
| 5-7 kg | 60 mg (6 mL of 10 mg/mL Oral Solution) | Every 12 hours | Ensure accurate measurement using a pediatric oral dosing syringe. |
| 8-10 kg | 90 mg (9 mL of 10 mg/mL Oral Solution) | Every 12 hours | Monitor blood counts regularly for potential side effects like anemia. |
| 11-15 kg | 120 mg (12 mL of Oral Solution or 100 mg capsule + 2 mL solution) | Every 12 hours | May transition to capsule form if the child is able to swallow capsules whole. |
| 16-20 kg | 150 mg to 180 mg (Oral Solution or combination of 100 mg capsules) | Every 12 hours | Dosing should be adjusted dynamically as the child's weight increases. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of HIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral agents, and prevention of maternal-fetal HIV-1 transmission.
Generic Name
ZidovudineScheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.