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Erratic zidovudine bioavailability in HIV seropositive patients
K A Macnab1, M J Gill, L R Sutherland
1Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Zidovudine bioavailability in HIV patients varied significantly. Mild diarrhea and lower CD4 counts were linked to erratic zidovudine absorption, indicating potential absorption issues in certain patient groups.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacokinetics
- HIV/AIDS Research
Background:
- Zidovudine is a key antiretroviral medication.
- Understanding its bioavailability is crucial for effective HIV treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate zidovudine bioavailability in HIV-positive patients.
- To identify clinical indicators of poor zidovudine absorption.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 16 HIV-positive patients.
- Measured zidovudine pharmacokinetics (Tmax, Cmax, half-life).
- Assessed D-xylose absorption, immune status (CD4 counts), and bowel habits.
Main Results:
- Mean zidovudine bioavailability was 64.0 +/- 21.3%.
- Absorption showed significant variability.
- Mild alterations in bowel habits (diarrhea) and lower CD4 lymphocyte counts correlated with low bioavailability.
Conclusions:
- Zidovudine absorption can be erratic in HIV patients.
- Mild diarrhea and reduced CD4 counts may predict poor zidovudine bioavailability.
- These factors could impact treatment efficacy.