An antiviral drug; an AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) drug. Zaicitabine, or ddC (Hivid), is used alone or in combination with other drugs in the treatment of the infection caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Zaicitabine (ddC) cannot cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS, although it can keep HIV from reproducing, and it seems to slow the destruction of the immune system by the virus, which may delay development of problems associated with AIDS.
A nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used in the treatment of AIDS/HIV, in combination with other antiretroviral drugs. Serious side effects include the risk of peripheral neuropathy and of pancreatitis.