Which drug is considered the most common NRTI used in HIV treatment?

The most common NRTI (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor) used in the treatment of HIV is AZT, also known as zidovudine. Zidovudine was one of the first antiretroviral drugs approved for the treatment of HIV and has been widely used since the late 1980s. Its effectiveness at inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme allows for a reduction in the replication of the virus, making it a critical component in many antiretroviral therapy regimens.

Zidovudine is not only known for its efficacy but also for its potential to be used in various treatment settings, including prevention of maternal-fetal transmission of HIV. While there are other NRTIs like lamivudine, abacavir, and didanosine that are also utilized in therapy, zidovudine's long-standing history and initial position in HIV treatment protocols contribute to it being recognized as the most common NRTI in practice.

Understanding the historical impact and clinical applications of zidovudine highlights its significance in the management of HIV, as it paved the way for the development of additional antiretroviral therapies.