AZT (zidovudine, Retrovir) is often prescribed to children and infants. It was licensed for use in a syrup formulation in HIV-infected children aged over three months in May 1990. The recommended dose for children is currently 360 to 480 mg/m² per day, divided into three or four doses, with a maximum of 200mg per dose^[1]. Large volumes of the syrup are not well tolerated by older children.

A small study has shown that twice-daily administration of AZT produces similar total exposure and maximal drug concentrations to a three times daily dosing^[2]. However, further research is required to establish whether this is safe and effective in HIV-positive children.

Side-effects of AZT in children are similar to adults, with anaemia being the most common^[3][4].

Combivir is only approved for use in children over 12 years of age, while Trizivir is not approved for use in people below 18 years of age.