zalcitabine

zalcitabine /zal·ci·ta·bine/ (zal-si´tah-bēn) 2′3′-dideoxycytidine, an antiretroviral agent that inhibits the action of reverse transcriptase; used in the treatment of HIV infection.

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zal·ci·ta·bine (zls-t-bn)

n.

See ddC.

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zalcitabine,

an antiretroviral nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor analog. Also called ddC, dideoxycytidine.

indications It is prescribed in combination with other drugs for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus infections.

contraindications The drug should not be given to patients with an allergy to zalcitabine or any of its components. Zalcitabine is not a cure, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients may continue to acquire symptoms associated with the disease. Caution is recommended in patients with low CD4 cell counts, esophageal ulcers, numbness or tingling in the extremities, or a history of pancreatitis or alcohol abuse.

adverse effects The side effects most often reported include nausea, appetite loss, stomach pain, headache, dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, and night sweats.

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zalcitabine, (zal´sit-bēn´),

n brand name: Hivid;
drug class: synthetic pyrimidine antiviral;
action: converted by cellular enzymes to active drug; functions as antimetabolite to inhibit replication of HIV in vitro;
uses: used in combination with zidovudine in advanced HIV infection, second-line monotherapy if AZT tolerant.

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zalcitabine

ddC, Hivid AIDS A purine analogue that inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase; it is similar didanosine vis-á-vis survival, progression, CD4 count, adverse effects, efficacy. See Didanosine, Reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Cf Protease inhibitor.