MeSH definition : A dideoxynucleoside compound in which the 3'-hydroxy group on the sugar moiety has
been replaced by a hydrogen. This modification prevents the formation of phosphodiester
linkages which are needed for the completion of nucleic acid chains. The compound
is a potent inhibitor of HIV replication at low concentrations, acting as a chain-terminator
of viral DNA by binding to reverse transcriptase. Its principal toxic side effect
is axonal degeneration resulting in peripheral neuropathy.;
A dideoxynucleoside compound in which the 3'-hydroxy group on the sugar moiety has
been replaced by a hydrogen. This modification prevents the formation of phosphodiester
linkages which are needed for the completion of nucleic acid chains. The compound
is a potent inhibitor of HIV replication at low concentrations, acting as a chain-terminator
of viral DNA by binding to reverse transcriptase. Its principal toxic side effect
is axonal degeneration resulting in peripheral neuropathy.