Which dose-limiting adverse effect of zidovudine is monitored by regular full blood counts during HIV therapy?
- A Peripheral neuropathy
- B Bone marrow suppression causing anaemia and neutropenia ✓
- C Pancreatitis
- D Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
Correct answer: B. Bone marrow suppression causing anaemia and neutropenia
Explanation
Zidovudine is phosphorylated to zidovudine triphosphate, which terminates proviral DNA synthesis, but it also inhibits human mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma in haematopoietic precursors. The result is macrocytic anaemia and neutropenia, which are dose related and require monitoring with full blood counts. Peripheral neuropathy is characteristic of didanosine, stavudine and zalcitabine, while pancreatitis is a classic didanosine toxicity.
Reference: Katzung's Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 16th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.