Ribavirin is given to HIV-infected patients intravenously as a timed 30-min infusion at 1 of 5 single doses; 2 weeks later, the same doses are given orally in a single dose. Following at least 2 additional weeks, 6 patients are then given ribavirin at the lowest dose twice a day for 16 weeks. They are evaluated for tolerance and the next group is given a higher dose. Each successive group begins at 3-week intervals to receive doses that increase each day until the MTD is reached. Blood samples taken periodically during the treatment period and for 8 weeks after treatment is stopped are used to measure blood levels of ribavirin and to determine the effects of ribavirin on the HIV and immune system of the patients.