Canadian multicenter azidothymidine trial: AZT pharmacokinetics
Article Abstract:
Zidovudine (ZDV, also known as AZT) is used to prolong survival of patients with AIDS and slow the development of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection to AIDS. Many studies have been completed on the way ZDV acts in the body (pharmacokinetics) during advanced stages of HIV disease. Little is known about how ZDV works in the body during the early stage of the disease, when there are no symptoms of HIV infection. The pharmacokinetics of ZDV was examined in 65 homosexual men with HIV infection who were in the early asymptomatic stage of disease. The men received a single dose of ZDV and were tested over an eight-hour period to analyze the maximum concentration of ZDV achieved in the body, the time it took to reach this concentration, and how long the drug remained in the body. No significant differences were seen in the results of these patients when compared with the results from other studies of patients in later stages of HIV disease. There were no variations in ZDV metabolism in smokers compared with nonsmokers. No significant differences were observed among patients with liver abnormalities, such as chronic hepatitis. However, the data suggest that patients with liver dysfunction may absorb more or eliminate less ZDV than other patients, which may warrant that the dose given to these patients be reduced. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0894-9255
Year: 1991
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Pharmacokinetics of zidovudine alone and in combination with oxazepam in the HIV infected patient
Article Abstract:
There does not appear to be any significant drug-drug interaction between zidovudine and oxazepam in HIV-infected patients. Zidovudine is the only approved drug for treating HIV infection. Oxazepam is a benzodiazepine that is frequently prescribed to HIV patients to treat anxiety and muscle spasms. In a three phase study, six patients infected with HIV were treated first with zidovudine alone, second with oxazepam alone and third with both zidovudine and oxazepam. No statistically or clinically important drug interactions were seen. However, five of six patients complained of headaches when treated with both drugs, compared to one patient taking oxazepam alone and none of those taking zidovudine alone. Patients taking both oxazepam and zidovudine who complain of headaches should discontinue oxazepam rather than zidovudine.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0894-9255
Year: 1993
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