Common side effects of zidovudine may include nausea, headache, fatigue, anemia, and loss of appetite. Serious side effects can include bone marrow suppression (leading to low blood cell counts), liver problems, and muscle pain or weakness.

Zidovudine should be used with caution in individuals with liver disease, kidney problems, or bone marrow suppression, as it may exacerbate these conditions. Regular blood tests are required to monitor for potential side effects such as anemia and neutropenia (low white blood cell count). It is not a cure for HIV and must be used as part of a combination therapy regimen to help control the virus. Zidovudine should not be used in combination with other medications that contain zidovudine or other NRTIs due to the risk of drug interactions and increased side effects.

Is primarily used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS as part of a combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen. It works by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which HIV needs to replicate, thereby helping to lower the viral load in the blood and improve immune function. Zidovudine is also used to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, reducing the risk of passing the virus from an HIV-positive mother to her baby. Additionally, the newborn may receive zidovudine for a short period after birth to further minimize transmission. Zidovudine is typically most effective when used alongside other antiretroviral medications in a comprehensive treatment plan for managing HIV.