When should Zidovudine treatment be initiated in the exposed newborn?

• A. Within 6-12 hours of birth
• B. Within 12-24 hours of birth
• C. Within 24-48 hours of birth
• D. Within 48-72 hours of birth

Answer: (A)

Starting Zidovudine as soon as possible after birth, specifically within the first 6 to 12 hours, is essential. Prophylaxis aims to suppress HIV replication during the newborn’s immediate postnatal period when exposure at delivery poses the highest risk of establishing infection. Initiating within this early window maximizes the chance of preventing transmission; delaying beyond the first day reduces the effectiveness of the prophylaxis because the virus may already begin to establish infection in the neonate. Zidovudine acts to inhibit viral replication, making the earliest possible treatment the most protective step for the exposed newborn.