Zalcitabine (ddC): Chemical Structure, Mechanism of Action, Uses & Side Effects

Chemical Formula:

• C9H13N3O3

Structure of Zalcitabine

Mechanism of Action:

• Zalcitabine is another NRTI that works against HIV.

• It is a nucleoside analogue that, after phosphorylation, competes with natural nucleotides for incorporation into the growing viral DNA chain by reverse transcriptase, leading to chain termination and inhibition of viral replication.

Uses:

• Zalcitabine is used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs to treat HIV infection.

Side Effects:

Some common side effects of zalcitabine include:

• Fatigue

• Nausea

• Headache

• Diarrhea

Serious side effects may include:

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Pancreatitis

• Lactic acidosis

• Hepatomegaly with steatosis

• Oral and esophageal ulcers