Definition of Azt (zidovudine [zdv]¸ azidothymidine¸ retrovir)

a nucleoside (thymidine) analog drug that suppresses the replication of HIV by terminating DNA synthesis. AZT is FDA-approved for the treatment of HIV infection; current practice favors the use of AZT in combination with other antiretroviral drugs. AZT crosses the blood-brain barrier and may be effective against AIDS dementia complex. Adverse side effects include nausea, myopathy and bone marrow suppression.