Antivirals Flashcards
What are the 5 mechanisms of action of different antivirals
1) To inhibit penetration/fusion and uncoating
2) To inhibit viral DNA/RNA synthesis (transcription)
3) To inhibit viral protein synthesis
4) To inhibit the release of viral particles
5) Interferons.
What are examples of drugs which inhibit penetration/fusion and uncoating of virus’
- Amantadine
- Enfuvirtide/maraviroc
What is amantadine used to treat
Influenza A
What is the mechanism of action of amantadine
Amantadine interferes with viral protein channels and effects uncoating of viruses
What are the adverse effects of amantadine
Insomnia and depression, especially in the elderly
What are enfuvirtide/maraviroc used to treat
HIV
What is the mechanism of action of maraviroc
It affects the chemokine co-receptor 5 on CD4 cells
What is the mechanism of action of enfuvirtide
It affects gp41 attachment
What are the side effects of enfuvirtide/maraviroc
Injection site reactions.
What are 6 examples of antivirals which inhibit viral DNA/RNA synthesis (transcription)
- Aciclovir
- Ribavirin
- Zidovudine
- Nevirapine
- Efacrine
- Etravarine
What is aciclovir used to treat
Herpes Simplex Virus
What is the mechanism of action of aciclovir
Treatment and prophylaxis.
Viral DNA synthesis is halted so there is premature chain termination, and viral DNA polymerase is irreversibly inactivated.
What are the adverse effects of aciclovir
Aciclovir has relatively low toxicity but resistance can occur.
What does ribavirin do
It is an antiviral which inhibits viral transcription.
What is ribavirin used to treat
- Severe RSV in babies
- Lassa
- Marburg
- Ebola
- Hep C
