What is the use of Zidovudine Tablet?
In the pharmaceutical industry, Zidovudine (AZT) 300 mg is a landmark nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). As a pharmacist and manufacturer, I view this as a cornerstone of antiretroviral therapy (ART). It was the first breakthrough drug approved for the treatment of HIV and remains a vital component of maternal-fetal health protocols.
Primary Clinical Uses
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HIV-1 Infection: Used in combination with other antiretroviral agents to manage and control HIV infection, reducing the viral load and increasing CD4 cell counts.
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Prevention of Maternal-Fetal Transmission: Crucial for pregnant women living with HIV to prevent the virus from passing to the baby during pregnancy and childbirth.
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Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): Used in emergency situations (like healthcare needle-stick injuries) to prevent HIV infection after potential exposure.
Mechanism of Action: Chain Termination
Zidovudine works by “tricking” the virus during its replication process.
Phosphorylation: Once inside the human cell, Zidovudine is converted by cellular enzymes into its active form, Zidovudine Triphosphate.
Molecular Mimicry: It structurally resembles Thymidine, one of the natural building blocks the HIV virus uses to create its DNA.
Reverse Transcriptase Inhibition: The viral enzyme, Reverse Transcriptase, mistakenly incorporates Zidovudine into the growing viral DNA chain instead of the natural thymidine.
Chain Termination: Because Zidovudine lacks the necessary chemical “hook” (the 3′-OH group) to attach the next building block, the DNA chain is terminated. The virus cannot finish copying its genetic material and fails to replicate.
The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Technical & Export
From a production and B2B standpoint at your WHO-GMP facility in Mumbai, Zidovudine 300 mg is a high-impact global health product:
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The 300 mg Standard: This is the international therapeutic standard for adults. For your digital platforms, highlighting your ability to produce high-volume Fixed-Dose Combinations (FDCs)—such as Zidovudine + Lamivudine—is a major strategy for securing international NGO contracts.
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Bone Marrow Suppression Monitoring: As a pharmacist, you know the primary side effect is anemia/neutropenia. Including technical guidance on Hematological Monitoring in your B2B dossiers and product literature builds immense professional trust.
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Stability & Light Sensitivity: Zidovudine is sensitive to light. At our facility, we utilize Alu-Alu or Amber-colored PVC/PVDC blisters to ensure a 36-month shelf life, which is a requirement for export to Zone IVb regions.
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Dossier & Tenders: This is a priority molecule for PEPFAR, the Global Fund, and UNAIDS. We provide full CTD/eCTD Dossiers to support your firm in bidding for these massive international supply tenders.