Zidovudine

(Retrovir®, Combivir®(with lamuvidine), Zidovudine)

Available as tablets or capsules.
Capsules
Available as soluble tablets?
No
Available as a liquid?
Yes
Available as something for placing under your tongue?
No
Available as something for placing on your gum?
No
Available as granules?
No
Available as a patch for putting on your skin?
No
Available as an injection?
Yes
Available as nasal/oral spray?
No
Safe or appropriate to crush
Licensed alternative formulations available and therefore crushing is not recommended. SPC states Combivir® tablets may be crushed and added to a small amount of semi-solid food or liquid, all of which should be consumed immediately.
Additional information for Healthcare Professionals+
Generic name
Zidovudine
Usual formulation brand names
Retrovir®, Combivir®(with lamuvidine)
Is tablet/capsule specially coated?
No
Modified release
No
Film coated
No
Enteric coated
No
Sugar coated
No
Soluble tablet strength
-
Sublingual/buccal formulation strength
-
Granule strength
-
Transdermal patch strength
-
Injection strength
10mg/ml infusion
Nasal/oral spray Strength
-
Available as a licensed liquid or special?
Licensed
Are specials or imports available?
N/A licensed alternative available
Liquid strengths
50mg/5ml
Is the liquid medicine sugar free?
Yes
Licensed for administration via enteral tube
No
Advice on administration via enteral tube
Cuurent resources suggest using the parenteral injection as first line if possible. Current resources suggest that it is likely to be safe to administer via enteral feeding tubes, however this is an unlicensed use of the medication. Clinicians should refer to specialist resources for advice on how to administer this medication via enteral feeding tubes.
Notes
Monitor for increased side effects or loss of efficacy (if administering via enteral route).