Exam 3: Antivirals Flashcards
Describe the mechanisms of Antivirals
- Alter uncaring of virus
- virus uncoats to begin replication
- drugs prohibit this phase, so cannot penetrate host
- Polymerase inhibitors
- Inhibit viral protein synthesis
What antiviral drugs are indicated for Influenza A?
amantadine (Symmetril)
rimantidine (Flumadine)
Mechanism of amantadine and rimantidine
Blocks uncaring of virus preventing penetration into host
- rimantidine is significantly more active than amantadine
Side effects of amantadine and rimantidine
- CNS stimulation
- enhanced by antihistamines and caffeine
- Insomnia
- Grand Mal Seizures
Indications for Tamiflu
Influenza A or B
What drug is considered the classic prodrug?
Tamiflu
- hydrolyzed to active form
Action of Tamiflu
Neuraminidase inhibitor
- drug is an enzyme inhibitor that cleaves the budding viral progeny from its cellular envelope attachment point just prior to release
Indications for ribavirin (Rebetol, Virazole)
Treatment of respiratory syncytial virus
Mechanism of ribavirin
prevents synthesis of viral proteins encoded by viral mRNA
- inhibits virus RNA polymerase
- Disrupts transcription, translation or promotes degradation of viral RNA
Side effects of ribavirin
mutagenic
teratogenic
carcinogenic
Indications for trifluridine (Viroptic)
herpes simplex keratitis (in eye)
keratoconjunctivitis
Mechanism of trifluridine
interferes with viral replication by incorporating into viral DNA in place of thymidine, causing formation of defective proteins
What is the IV drug of choice for HSV encephalitis?
acyclovir (Zovirax)
Action of acyclovir (Zovirax)
Inhibits viral DNA polymerase preferentially (Cell cycle specific)
Indications for acyclovir
IV drug of choice for HSV encephalitis
- primary and recurrent herpes in immunocompromised patients
How often does acyclovir need to be used?
Every 3 hours, which is consistent with cycle phases of viruses
Indication of ganciclovir (Cytovene)
human cytomegalovirus (CMV) - treats CMV retinitis
Action of ganciclovir (Cytosine)
inhibits viral DNA synthesis
Which drugs are indicated to treat recurrent genital herpes
famciclovir and valacyclovir
T or F, famciclovir and valacyclovir are classic prodrugs
true
What are interferons?
a family of naturally occurring, inducible glycoproteins that interfere with the ability of viruses to infect cells
- antiviral, cytotoxic, immunomodulatory actions
3 types of interferons?
alpha
beta
gamma