The nurse is preparing to discharge a client with a prescription for zidovudine (Retrovir). Which drugs should the client avoid while taking this medication?(Select all that apply.)

Question

1. Aspirin
2. Herbal supplements
3. Penicillin (PCN)
4. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
5. Oral multivitamin

Answer 1

1,2, 4

Rationale 1: Zidovudine interacts with many drugs. Acetaminophen and ganciclovir can worsen bone marrow depression. The following drugs can increase the risk of AZT toxicity: atovaquone, amphotericin B, aspirin, fluconazole, methadone, and valproic acid. Use with caution with herbal supplements, such as St.John's wort, which can cause a decrease in antiretroviral activity.
Rationale 2:Herbal supplements, such as St.John's wort, can cause a decrease in antiretroviral activity.
Rationale 3:Penicillin does not interact with zidovudine (AZT).
Rationale 4: Zidovudine interacts with many drugs. Acetaminophen and ganciclovir can worsen bone marrow depression. The following drugs can increase the risk of AZT toxicity: atovaquone, amphotericin B, aspirin, fluconazole, methadone, and valproic acid. Use with caution with herbal supplements, such as St.John's wort, which can cause a decrease in antiretroviral activity.
Rationale 5:The client can continue to take an oral multivitamin without an interaction with this medication.

Global Rationale: Zidovudine interacts with many drugs. Acetaminophen and ganciclovir can worsen bone marrow depression. The following drugs can increase the risk of AZT toxicity: atovaquone, amphotericin B, aspirin, fluconazole, methadone, and valproic acid. Use with caution with herbal supplements, such as St.John's wort, which can cause a decrease in antiretroviral activity. Multivitamins and penicillin do not cause a drug-to-drug interaction.