Anti-Viral Drugs Flashcards
What is the mechanism of action for Acyclovir and related drugs?
Acyclovir acts as a nucleotide analog.
- It is converted to active drug through 3 phosphorylation steps by viral thymidine kinase; next 2 by host cell enzymes.
- It is then added to the growing chain of herpes virus DNA, resulting in chain termination.
Which drugs are related to Acyclovir?
Valacyclovir
Famciclovir
Penciclovir
What are associated side effects of Acyclovir, et al?
Very few. N/V/D most common.
How are Acyclovir and related drugs administered?
Acyclovir: oral, IV
Valacyclovir: oral
Famciclovir: oral
Penciclovir: topical
What enzyme is required for the mechanism of action of Acyclovir?
Viral thymidine kinase
How would you treat cold sores?
Topical Penciclovir. If something stronger is needed, then Acyclovir.
How would you treat HSV Keratitis?
Trifluridine or Idoxuridine
What is the mechanism of action for Trifluridine and Idoxuridine?
Both are analogs of thymidine. Inhibit viral DNA polymerase. Same mechanism as Acyclovir.
How would you treat CMV?
- Ganciclovir, Valganciclovir, Cidofovir
2. Foscarnet, Fomivirsen
What is the mechanism of action for Ganciclovir, et al?
They act as nucleotide analogs. Because CMV-infected cells lack viral thymidine kinase, phosphorylation occurs by a different kinase.
What is a common side effect of Ganciclovir?
Neutropenia (20-40% of patients)
What are common side effects of Valganciclovir and Cidofovir?
Valganciclovir–similar to ganciclovir
Cidofovir–dose-dependent nephrotoxicity
What is the mechanism of action of Foscarnet? What is it used for?
A pyrophosphate that inhibits viral replication at pyrophosphate-binding site on virus-specific DNA polymerases.
Used to treat CMV.
What is the mechanism of action of Fomivirsen?
An oligonucleotide that inhibits CMV replication through anti-sense mechanism.
What is the mechanism of action of Interferons?
Upregulate MHC I expression on hepatocytes; enhance activity of CD8 cells and NK cells.
What is the mechanism of action of PEG Interferon?
- Attach recombinant IFN-alpha to polyethylene glycol
2. Results in slowed degradation of IFN–>reduces number of weekly doses
What is the role of Type 1 IFN?
- In uninfected cells: induction of enzymes that block viral replication.
- In infected cells: increased expression of MHC I; killing by CTLs.
How is Hepatitis B treated?
Peg IFN + NRTI
Drugs used for Hepatitis B and their mechanisms
Lamivudine and Telbivudine –> inhibit HBV reverse transcriptase
Adefovir, Tenofovir, Entecavir –> inhibit reverse transcriptase AND DNA polymerase