Management of Zidovudine Administration

Description

• Oral solution (Retrovir 10mg/ml)
  • Clear, pale yellow, strawberry-flavoured, sugar-free solution.
• IV Preparation (Retrovir 10 mg/ml)
  • Clear, almost colourless solution.
  • pH 5.5

• Maintenance doses are charted on prescription chart in mg/dose.

Administration

1. Must be diluted to 2 mg/ml with glucose 5%.
2. Compatible diluents: glucose 5 % and sodium chloride 0.9%.
3. Administer dose over one hour.
4. Flush well between different infusions, fluids, or medications.
5. Compatible at Y-site junction with the following drugs when they are diluted according to NICU
   protocols: acyclovir, amikacin, fluconazole, gentamicin, heparin.
6. Incompatible with meropenem when it is diluted according to NICU protocol.

Oral

1. Can be given with food.  Best given between 2 feeds to optimise absorption.

Observation and Documentation

1. Assess for signs of adverse effects.
2. Assess IV site for signs of extravasation.
3. Record urine output.

Storage

• Store unopened Retrovir® injection vials below 30°C and protect from light.
• Store Retrovir® Oral Liquid below 30°C.

Selected References