antivirals Flashcards
how does a virus replicate?
when it gets inside living organisms, so antivirals only work when it gets INSIDE host cells
there are few antivirals because
- virus has finished replicating by the time symptoms develop
- antivirals only work DURING cell replication
- viruses live inside body’s cells, so drugs that kill a virus could also kill healthy cells
antiviral therapy for NON-HIV infections
virus
parasitic microbe
no cell wall
lives by inserting a speck of its own RNA/DNA into healthy cell - then replicates
how do antivirals kill viruses?
inhibiting their ability to replicate –> body’s immune system destroy’s virus
what viruses are antivirals effective against?
-herpes simplex virus
-herpes zoster virus (shingles)
-flu A and B
-RSV
-hepatitis
-HIV
-cytomegalovirus (CMV)
acyclovir routes
PO: tablets & liquid
IV
TOPICAL: cream & ointment
acyclovir: MOA
- interferes with viral nuclic acid synthesis, its regulation or both (RNA/DNA)
- prevents virus from binding to cells so virus can’t get inside - prevents replication
- stimulates body’s immune system to kill virus
acyclovir: indications
suppress replication of:
-HSV1 and 2
-shingles + chickenpox
used for initial and recurrent infection
NOT A CURE, decreases severity of symptoms & duration
reduces viral shedding
acyclovir: SE
GI distress
kidney/renal impairment
seizures
ITP
IV: tissue necrosis if IV not patent
oseltamivir: MOA
(tamiflu)
inhibit neuraminidase in influenza viruses
oseltamivir: indications
flu A and B, swine flu
elderly and immunocompromised
used for prophylaxis and treat active disease (!!!48hr of symptom onset!!!)
*not really recommended unless you have some kind of risk
ganciclovir: MOA
inhibits viral DNA polymerases resulting in chain termination
ganciclovir: indications
cytomegalovirus (CMV) –> immunocompromised patients
controls DOESN’T cure!
ganciclovir: route
IV or PO
