Burroughs Wellcome produces Retrovir (AZT, zidovudine), the first anti-HIV drug approved by the FDA.
AZT inhibits reverse transcriptase that the virus uses to copy its genes. It is currently being studied
as a possible Hep C treatment. Zidovudine is easily absorbed from the stomach and spreads widely
to most body tissues, including the cerebrospinal fluid. Studies have shown that zidovudine crosses
placenta and is present in breast milk. The kidney partly metabolizes zidovudine, so decreased doses
are recommended for people with kidney disease. The drug is available in pill form or in IV formulation (
).
