Influenza Case Drugs

Question 1

Oseltamivir

Answer 1

Neuraminidase inhibitor preventing the cleaving of sialic acid

●Mechanism:
○New, budding viral cells are attached by hemagglutinin on their surface, to sialic acid in glycoproteins on the surface of infected cells.
○Viral neuraminidase cleaves the sialic acid, releasing new virions.
○Neuraminidase also helps viral entry into cells by allowing for the movement of viral cells across the surface membrane of host cells. (Acid to acid.)
○Oseltamivir competitively inhibits neuraminidase, binding to it and preventing the cleaving of sialic acid.

●Effects:
○Reduced viral shedding and infectivity.
○Increased resistance of host cell membranes.

●Side Effects:
○Cough
○Nausea
○Headache
○Vomiting

Question 2

Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)

Answer 2

●Mechanism:
○Inhibits COX2 enzyme.
○Binds to POX active site which inhibits the formation of prostaglandin H2 from G2.
○Without prostaglandin H2, active prostaglandin (E2) can’t be formed.
○E2 usually sensitises nociceptors, without this, pain sensitivity is reduced.

●Effects:
○Reduced pain sensitivity.

●Side Effects (Mild):
○Nausea
○Stomach pain
○Headache
○Heartburn

Toxic dose- >150 mg/kg in a 24 hour period