What each one is for, how to take it, side effects and warnings, side by side from the official labels.
| Zidovudine | Emtricitabine | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | An antiviral | An antiviral |
| Used for | Zidovudine tablets are a nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor indicated for: •Treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) infection in combination with other antiretroviral agents. ( 1.1 ) • Prevention of maternal-fetal HIV-1 transmission.… | Emtricitabine is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Emtricitabine, a nucleoside analog HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitor, is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the trea… |
| Usual adult dose | Treatment of HIV-1 infection: Adults: Recommended oral dosage is 300 mg twice a day with other antiretroviral agents. | Adult Patients (18 years of age and older) : Emtricitabine capsules: One 200 mg capsule administered once daily orally. |
| Infancia | Pediatric patients (aged 4 weeks to less than 18 years): Dosage should be calculated based on body weight not to exceed. | Pediatric Patients (3 months through 17 years of age) : Emtricitabine capsules: For children weighing more than 33 kg who can swallow an intact capsule, one 200 mg capsule administered once daily orally. |
| Prescription (U.S.) | Yes | Yes |
| Common side effects | The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: • Hematologic toxicity, including neutropenia and anemia [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. • Symptomatic myopa… | The following adverse reactions are discussed in other sections of the labeling: Severe Acute Exacerbation of Hepatitis B in Patients Coinfected with HIV-1 and HBV [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Immune Reconstitution Syn… |
| Serious warning | WARNING: RISK OF HEMATOLOGICAL TOXICITY, MYOPATHY, LACTIC ACIDOSIS AND SEVERE HEPATOMEGALY WITH STEATOSIS Zidovudine tablets have been associated with hematologic toxicity including neutropenia and se… | HEPATITIS B Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B (HBV) have been reported in patients who are coinfected with HIV-1 and HBV and have discontinued e mtricitabine. Hepatic function should be monito… |
| Pregnancy | 8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to zidovudine during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged t… | 8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to emtricitabine during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encourage… |
From the official U.S. labels. Brands and strengths differ between countries.
Neither official label mentions the other. That does not prove they are safe together: ask a pharmacist, and use the free interaction checker.
Check them togetherZidovudine is an antiviral and Emtricitabine is an antiviral. Zidovudine is used for: Zidovudine tablets are a nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor indicated for: •Treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) infection in combination with other antiretroviral agents. ( 1.1 ) • Prevention of maternal-fetal HIV-1 transmission.… Emtricitabine is used for: Emtricitabine is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Emtricitabine, a nucleoside analog HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitor, is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the trea…
Neither official label mentions the other. That does not prove they are safe together: ask a pharmacist, and use the free interaction checker.
It depends on what you are treating, your health and other medicines. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you which one suits you; this page shows what each official label says.