Antivirals - Influenza

Question 1

What is Tamiflu? Name its drug class, indication, and mechanism of action.

Answer 1

Tamiflu is a neuraminidase inhibitor used for treatment of influenza. Its mechanism of action is inhibition of virion surface neuraminidase activity necessary for release of newly synthesised viruses.

Question 2

What is Symmetrel? Name its drug class, indication, and mechanism of action.

Answer 2

Symmetrel is an M2 inhibitor used for treatment of influenza. Its mechanism of action is inhibition of viral M2 ion channel needed for particle uncoating before endocytosis.

Question 3

What is Oseltamivir? Name its drug class, indication, and mechanism of action

Answer 3

Oseltamivir is a neuraminidase inhibitor used for treatment of influenza. Its mechanism of action is inhibition of virion surface neuraminidase activity necessary for release of newly synthesised viruses.

Question 4

What is Amantadine? Name its drug class, indication, and mechanism of action.

Answer 4

Amantadine is an M2 inhibitor used for treatment of influenza. Its mechanism of action is inhibition of viral M2 ion channel needed for particle uncoating before endocytosis.

Question 5

What is Ribavirin? Name its drug class, indication, and mechanism of action.

Answer 5

Ribavirin is an IMP dehydrogenase inhibitor used for treatment of influenza. Its mechanism of action is antimetabolite which interferes with viral replication.