Antiviral Handout

Question 1

why is selective toxicity more difficult for viruses v. bacteria?

Answer 1

• viruses use host cell machinery = fewer difference b/w host and virus cell parts = fewer targets to go after

Question 2

difficulties in developing antiviral drugs

Answer 2

• wide spectrum of heterogeneous agents
• few viral proteins and fewer host proteins have turned out to be useful drug targets
• antivirals usually effective against only a few viruses = difference from antibacterials

Question 3

3 indications for acyclovir

Answer 3

• mucocutaneous herpetic lesions
• genital herpes lesions
• prophylaxis in AIDS and other IC pts

Question 4

2 blood-related adverse effects of ganciclovir

Answer 4

• leukopenia = low leukocytes in blood

- thrombocytopenia = low platelets in blood

Question 5

what can you monitor to determine duration of foscarnet action?

Answer 5

• check creatinine, BUN, and ions weekly if therapy is used

Question 6

major toxicity of zanamavir and who should it NOT be prescribed to

Answer 6

• major toxicity = bronchospasm and decline in respiratory function
• so don’t give to pts w/ an airway disease i.e. asthma, COPD