Non-HIV Anti-virals

Question 1

Characteristics of viruses

Answer 1

Do not contain:
Cellular organelles
DNA and RNA (have one or the other)

Can be classified as intracellular parasites:
-must be in host cell to replicate and cause infection
-many infect specific host cells

They do have their own enzymes which can be targeted with meds

Prevention is the best treatment

Question 2

Most viruses are self-limiting

Answer 2

They heal on their own

Ex: rhinovirus=common cold

Question 3

Some viruses cause serious disease

Answer 3

Require aggressive therapy

Ex: HIV, Herpes virus

Question 4

Challenges of antiviral therapy

Answer 4

Viruses mutate fast and drugs become ineffective

Difficult for drug to find virus without causing injury to normal cell bc the viruses are inside the cell

Each antiviral drug specific to one single virus

Meds are expensive

Question 5

Pharmacotherapy of Herpes Virus infections
What virus does and what drug does

Answer 5

Causes blister-like lesions on skin, genitals and mucosal surfaces

Antiviral drugs can:
lower the frequency
diminish the intensity

Relieve acute symptoms, prevent recurrences
Do not cure patients

Question 6

Pharmacotherpy of Herpes virus infection
Different types

Answer 6

Herpes simplex
varicella (chicken pox)
zoster (shingles) virus

Meds given IV, PO, topical

Inhibits viral replication

Question 7

Herpes virus med info

Answer 7

Acyclovir (Zovirax)

MOA: prevent viral DNA synthesis

Use: decrease duration/severity of acute herpes episodes (not a cure)

Administer around the clock even if sleep is interrupted bc viruses are always mutating

Question 8

Acyclovir (Zovirax) SE/AR

Answer 8

SE:
N/V/D, rash, elevated liver enxymes, anemia

AR:
IV= nephrotoxicity & neurotoxicity

Question 9

Other common herpes meds

Answer 9

Docosanol (Abreva)=shortens duration
-vir

Question 10

Antiviral therapy nursing implications

Answer 10

Use drugs with extreme caution with:
-pre-existing renal or hepatic disease

Judicious use during pregnancy

Take with food (GI distress)

Question 11

Pharmacotherapy of influenza

Answer 11

Vaccination=prevention

Antivirals to prevent, decrease severity of acute symptoms

Ex:
Zanamivir (Relenza)
Oseltamivir phosphate (tamiflu) *only shorten s/s 1-2 days

If symptoms persist too long then its too late to give meds