Exam 1 - Antivirals

Question 1

why are there so few antivirals

Answer 1

• often the virus has finished replicating by the time signs and symptoms develop
• antivirals only work during cell replication
• viruses live inside the body’s cells, so drugs that kill a virus could also kill healthy cells

Question 2

acyclovir MOA

Answer 2

• interferes with viral nucleic acid synthesis, its regulation, or both DNA and RNA
• prevents virus from binding to cells so virus cannot get into cells thus preventing viral replication
• stimulates the body’s immune system to kill the virus

Question 3

acyclovir indications

Answer 3

• used to suppress replication of: HSV 1, HSV2, VZV

Question 4

is acyclovir a cure for herpes

Answer 4

• NO!
• it can decrease symptom severity and frequency of outbreaks but it is not a cure

Question 5

side effects of acyclovir

Answer 5

• GI distress
• renal impairment
• seizures
• ITP
• IV form: tissue necrosis

Question 6

oseltamivir MOA

Answer 6

• inhibit neuraminidases in influenza viruses
• treats the flu

Question 7

indications for oseltamivir

Answer 7

• used for prophylaxis and to treat active disease
• most often given to elderly and immunocompromised

Question 8

side effects of oseltamivir

Answer 8

• nausea and vomiting
• seizures
• renal impairment

Question 9

what is ganciclovir used to treat

Answer 9

• cytomegalovirus (CMV)
• controls but doesn’t cure

Question 10

MOA for ganciclovir

Answer 10

• inhibits viral DNA polymerases resulting in chain termination

Question 11

what is the black box warning for ganciclovir

Answer 11

• hematologic toxicity
• fertility impairment
• fetal toxicity
• carcinogenesis

Question 12

what should you not give ganciclovir with

Answer 12

• imipenem-cilastin because of seizure potential