General Information on Retrovir Syrup

Retrovir Syrup is used to treat HIV infection when used in combination with other medicines. It is also used with other drugs to prevent the passage of the HIV virus to the fetus during a pregnancy. Its generic name is Zidovudine. It is an oral medication that fights the infection caused by HIV. Retrovir Syrup belongs to a class of drugs called Reverse Transcriptase inhibitors.

During infection, the HIV virus keeps multiplying in the body. When producing new viruses, the HIV virus manufactures DNA for each virus by using an enzyme called Reverse Transcriptase. Zidovudine restrains the activity of Reverse Transcriptase and blocks the production of DNA and new viruses. Zidovudine neither kills the HIV nor cures it. It only prevents the growth of HIV. Retrovir Syrup 50mg/5ml is the only strength available.

Side effects of Retrovir Syrup

Severe blood problems have occurred in patients using Retrovir Syrup, such as low white blood cell count and severe anemia. Lactic acidosis could also be a fatal side effect caused by the drug. Do not buy Retrovir Syrup if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. If you are taking any drug that has Zidovudine, avoid using Retrovir Syrup. Consult your doctor in case any of the above mentioned circumstances pertain to you.

Given below are some of the major side effects of Retrovir Syrup. You must contact your doctor immediately if they surface-

• Severe allergic reactions like rash, hives, itching etc..
• Dark urine
• Drowsiness
• Fast breathing
• Fever, chills or persistent sore throat
• Muscle pain or aches
• Red, swollen or blistered skin
• Stomach pain, weakness
• Yellowing of skin and eyes

The less severe and manageable side effects are given below:

• Constipation
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• tiredness
• weakness

Before you buy Retrovir Syrup, you should tell your doctor if you have any allergy, or if you are overweight, pregnant, or planning for a pregnancy.

Dosage of Retrovir Syrup

Check the label on Retrovir Syrup for the exact dosage instructions and follow the doctor’s advice on the same. For adults, the recommended dosage is 100mg after every 4 hours. For children aged between 3 months to 12 years, 180mg per 6 hours should be given. Infants should be given 2mg/kg every 6 hours. During pregnancy, the treatment should begin between the 14th and 34th week of pregnancy and continued until the time of labor. Retrovir Syrup may be taken with or without food.

Interactions

A total of 244 drugs interact with Zidovudine, out of which 19 are major drug interactions. Some of them are:

• Actimmune
• Arava
• Betaseron
• Certolizumab
• Enbrel
• Ganciclovir
• Infergen
• leflunomide
• Tysabri

There is one minor food interaction with Retrovir Syrup, which is consuming fatty foods during treatment, as fats slow down the rate of absorption of Zidovudine. There are 4 disease interactions- namely, bone marrow toxicity, myopathy, hepatotoxicity, and renal dysfunction. Consult your doctor about all your medical history before you buy Retrovir Syrup online.