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

Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.

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

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 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 Saint John's wort, which can cause a decrease in antiretroviral activity.
Rationale 2: 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 Saint John's wort, which can cause a decrease in antiretroviral activity.
Rationale 3: 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 Saint John's wort, which can cause a decrease in antiretroviral activity.
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 Saint 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 Saint John's wort, which can cause a decrease in antiretroviral activity. Mulivitamins and penicillin do not cause a drug to drug interaction.