Antivirals Flashcards
1
Q
Acyclovir (ACV)
A
An anti-herpesvirus agent that inhibits viral DNA replication and is highly specific for cells infected with HSV 1 & 2 for the following reasons.
- Requires phosphorylation to become active and is accomplished by HSV viral thymidine kinase.
- Has greater affinity for viral polymerase.
- Result: Less cellular toxicity!
- also works for VZV infected cells but not other herpesviruses.
2
Q
Ganciclovir (GCV)
A
An anti-herpesvirus agent against CMV replication.
- Similar mechanism of action as acyclovir but has high specificity for CMV infected cells.
- Has greater side effects.
3
Q
Adamantanes (Class)
A
An anti-influenza virus agent effective against Influenza A by inhibiting its M2 protein (unique to A and absent in B) that is necessary for viral uncoating in the host cell.
- Generic Names: Amantadine & Rimantadine
4
Q
Neuraminidase Inhibitors (Class)
A
An anti-influenza virus agent effective against Influenza A & B by inhibiting release of virus from the host cell.
- Generic Names: Oseltamivir & Zanamivir
5
Q
Antiretroviral Agent
A
Reverse Transcriptase inhibitors are the most commonly used agents.
- Effective against HIV replication.
