Thymidine analog phosphorylated intracellularly to active triphosphate that competitively inhibits retroviral reverse transcriptase, terminating viral DNA chain elongation. Used for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV).
At a glance
Class
Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NRTI)
Storage
Store at room temperature 15–25°C; protect from light and moisture
Dosing
Canine retroviral diseases are rare
Used for FIV and FeLV to reduce viral load, improve CD4 counts, and treat FeLV-a
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Safety
CBC every 2 weeks for first 2 months then monthlyReticulocyte countHepatic enzymesFeLV/FIV viral load if availableClinical improvement
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Zidovudine (AZT)?
Zidovudine (AZT) is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (nrti) used in pets. Thymidine analog phosphorylated intracellularly to active triphosphate that competitively inhibits retroviral reverse transcriptase, terminating viral DNA chain elongation. Used for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV).
›What is Zidovudine (AZT) used for in pets?
Zidovudine (AZT) is used in veterinary medicine for: Canine retroviral diseases are rare; Used for FIV and FeLV to reduce viral load, improve CD4 counts, and treat FeLV-a.
›What is the Zidovudine (AZT) dose for dogs?
For dogs, Zidovudine (AZT) is typically dosed as follows — Canine retroviral diseases are rare: undefined undefined N/A N/A. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Zidovudine (AZT) dose for cats?
For cats, Zidovudine (AZT) is typically dosed as follows — Used for FIV and FeLV to reduce viral load, improve CD4 counts, and treat FeLV-a: 5–10 mg/kg PO/SQ q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Zidovudine (AZT) need a prescription?
Yes. Zidovudine (AZT) is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database