Zidovudine

Definition

A synthetic dideoxynucleoside. After intracellular phosphorylation to its active metabolite, zidovudine inhibits DNA polymerase, resulting in the inhibition of DNA replication and cell death. This agent also decreases levels of available pyrimidines. (NCI04)

Also known as 1-(3-Azido-2,3-dideoxy-beta-D-ribofuranosyl)-5-methylpyrimidine-2,4-(1H,3H)-dione, 3'-Azido-3'-deoxythymidine, Azidothymidine, AZT, Aztec, BW A509U, BW-A 509U, BW-A509U, Compound S, DRG-0004, Retrovir, ZDV, ZIDOVUDINE — per NCIT

Also identified as

• ATC J05AF per NCIT
• ATC J05AR per NCIT
• NCIT NCIT:C947 per NCIT

Indications