How should infant treatment for HIV be administered after birth?

Infants born to mothers who are HIV-positive require immediate antiretroviral treatment to reduce the risk of HIV transmission and to support their overall health. The most effective treatment regimen for infants is typically the administration of Zidovudine (AZT), which has proven effective in preventing the replication of the virus in the young immune systems of infants.

Administering Zidovudine syrup every 6 hours is recommended because this dosage schedule maximizes the drug's protective effects during the critical early days of life. Consistent and frequent dosing helps maintain therapeutic levels of the medication in the bloodstream, ensuring effective suppression of the virus. This approach is particularly important since infants have rapid metabolism and may require more frequent dosing to achieve adequate drug concentration.

The other suggested administration frequencies would not adequately maintain the necessary levels of the medication, potentially compromising treatment effectiveness for the infant. Additionally, the option that suggests the infant should not receive treatment entirely overlooks the critical need for such intervention in the context of preventing HIV transmission and managing the health of the newborn. Therefore, Zidovudine syrup administered every 6 hours is the correct approach for the treatment of HIV in infants after birth.