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Retrovir and Alcohol/Food Interactions

There is 1 alcohol/food/lifestyle interaction with Retrovir (zidovudine).

Minor

Zidovudine Food

Minor Food Interaction

Food may have variable effects on the oral bioavailability of zidovudine. Fatty foods have been reported to decrease the rate and extent of zidovudine absorption following oral administration. In a study of 13 AIDS patients, mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of zidovudine were 2.8 and 1.4 times higher, respectively, in fasting patients than in those administered the medication with breakfast. In addition, variations in plasma zidovudine concentrations were increased when administered in the fed state. In another study of eight patients, the time to reach peak concentration (Tmax) was increased from 0.68 to 1.95 hours, and Cmax was reduced by 50% when zidovudine was administered with a liquid high-fat meal relative to fasting. Protein meals can also delay the absorption and reduce the Cmax of zidovudine, although the extent of absorption is not significantly affected. The clinical significance of these alterations, if any, is unknown. The product labeling states that zidovudine may be taken with or without food.

References (4)
  1. Lotterer E, Ruhnke M, Trautman M, et al. (1991) "Decreased and variable systemic availability of zidovudine in patients with AIDS if administered with a meal." Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 40, p. 305-8
  2. Unadkat JD, Collier AC, Crosby SS, et al. (1990) "Pharmacokinetics of oral zidovudine (azidothymidine) in patients with AIDS when administered with and without a high-fat meal." AIDS, 4, p. 229-32
  3. (2001) "Product Information. Retrovir (zidovudine)." Glaxo Wellcome
  4. Sahai J, Gallicano K, Garber G, et al. (1992) "The effect of a protein meal on zidovudine pharmacokinetics in HIV-infected patients." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 33, p. 657-60

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Retrovir drug interactions

There are 386 drug interactions with Retrovir (zidovudine).

Retrovir disease interactions

There are 4 disease interactions with Retrovir (zidovudine) which include:

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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

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