Hivid Disease Interactions

The use of zalcitabine (ddC) has been associated rarely with cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure in patients with AIDS. Therapy with ddC should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting cardiomyopathy or a history of congestive heart failure.

The nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, didanosine (ddI), zalcitabine (ddC) and stavudine (d4T), may infrequently cause bone marrow suppression at recommended dosages. Anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia have been reported. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting bone marrow depression or blood dyscrasias. Routine blood counts are recommended.

The nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, didanosine (ddI), zalcitabine (ddC), and stavudine (d4T), may commonly cause dose-related peripheral neuropathy, particularly in patients with advanced HIV disease. Usually, the neuropathy resolves slowly following prompt discontinuation of therapy, but it can be irreversible. These agents should be administered cautiously to patients with a history of neuropathy and avoided in patients with existing polyneuropathy. Therapy may be reinstituted following resolution of symptoms in patients who have previously experienced neuropathy with these drugs, but reduced dosages are recommended.