Antivirals

Question 1

Antiviral Non-HIV

Answer 1

MOA: blocks enzymes that promote synthesis of new viral genomes

Indications: Herpes Simplex Virus, chickenpox, cytomegalovirus

Contraindications: severe drug allergy

Adverse Effects: specific to each drug Table 40-2

Interactions: CNS stimulants (additive effect), antibiotics

Nursing Considerations:

- look for s/s of seizures
- watch for additive effects in pts taking CNS stimulants

Question 2

Key Drugs: Antivirals Non-HIV

Answer 2

acyclovir-
Drug of choice for initial and recurrent HERPES infections
Oral, topical and injectable formulas

ganciclovir-
Treatment of infections caused by CMV (cytomegalovirus)
Dose limiting toxicity is bone marrow suppression (look at RBC to see about this)

Question 3

Antiretrovirals: HIV Drugs

Answer 3

MOA: varies depending on type of medication

Indications: only indication is active HIV infection

Contraindications: severe drug allergy or intolerable toxicity

Adverse Effects: specific to each medication

Interactions: oral contraceptives, antivirals

Nursing Considerations:

• no cure for HIV
• talk with pts about goal of therapy (to manage symptoms and decrease viral load…CD4 cell count)
• keep up with taking drugs!
• must visit Dr. frequently
• get serum levels of drugs
• use 2nd form of BC

Question 4

Key Drugs: Antiretrovirals

Answer 4

indinavir-
Protease inhibitor
Taken in combo w/ other HIV drugs or alone
BEST ABSORBED if given in a FASTING state

nevirapine-
NNRTI (nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor)
Better tolerated adverse effects than other HIV drugs

zidovudine-
SAFE in PREGNANT women & newborns
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor
Causes bone marrow suppression