A Study of Dideoxycytidine in HIV-Infected Patients

To determine how much of a dose is absorbed by the body when zalcitabine ( dideoxycytidine; ddC ) is given orally and how long the drug stays in the body after absorption or intravenous (IV) administration. Laboratory tests have shown that ddC is effective in stopping the growth of the HIV in test tubes. The study will reveal the pharmacokinetic (blood levels) properties of this new drug and how long the drug remains in the body at each of six doses. This should be useful background information and should allow a simple and efficient comparative study of any new oral formulation, such as a tablet or capsule, since dose-related problems will already be known.