Antiviral drugs

Definition

Antiviral drugs are medications used to treat viral infections by inhibiting the development of the pathogen inside the host. Unlike antibiotics, they do not kill the virus but prevent its replication.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Antiviral drugs target specific stages in the viral life cycle such as entry, replication, and release.
2. Common antiviral drugs include acyclovir for herpes viruses and oseltamivir for influenza.
3. Resistance to antiviral drugs can develop due to mutations in the viral genome.
4. Antiviral drugs like remdesivir have been used in the treatment of COVID-19.
5. They can be classified as nucleoside analogs, protease inhibitors, or neuraminidase inhibitors among others.

Review Questions

• What are the common targets of antiviral drugs in the viral life cycle?
• Name two antiviral drugs and their respective targeted viruses.
• Why is resistance an important consideration when using antiviral therapy?

Related terms

Nucleoside Analog: A type of antiviral drug that mimics nucleosides and disrupts viral DNA/RNA synthesis.

Protease Inhibitor: An antiviral drug that inhibits viral protease enzymes, preventing viral replication.

Neuraminidase Inhibitor: An antiviral drug that blocks neuraminidase enzyme activity, hindering virus release from host cells.