Background The pharmacokinetics of zidovudine (AZT) are possibly influenced by weight,age,sex,liver and renal functions,severity of disease,and ethnicity.Currently,little information is available on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of AZT in Chinese HIV-infected patients.The current study aimed to characterize the steady-state pharmacokinetics of AZT in a Chinese set-up.Methods Eleven Chinese HIV-infected patients were involved in the steady-state pharmacokinetic study.In total,300 mg of AZT,as a part of combination therapy,was given to patients,and serial blood samples were collected for 12 hours.The samples were measured by a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay,and the results were analyzed by both the non-compartment model and the one-compartment model.Results The Cmax of AZT in Chinese patients was higher than that in non-Asian patients.The half-life of AZT,analyzed by the non-compartment model (P=0.02),in male patients ((1.02±0.22) hours) was shorter than that of AZT in female patients ((1.55±0.29) hours).The AZT clearance,analyzed by the one-compartment model (P=0.045),in male patients ((262.60±28.13) L/h) was higher than that in female patients ((195.85±60.51 ) L/h).Conclusion The present study provides valuable information for the clinical practice of AZT-based highly active antiretroviral therapy in a Chinese set-up.