Viral Hepatitis

Question 1

Drugs available for viral hepatitis

Answer 1

IFN-α
Lamivudine
Adefovir dipivoxil
Entecavir
Ribavirin

Question 2

MoA of IFN-α

Answer 2

increases the activity of janus kinases => increases the formation of antiviral proteins

Question 3

IFN-α clinical use

Answer 3

Chronic HBV (mono or in combination)

Question 4

IFN-α plus ribavirin

Answer 4

Reduce progression of acute HCV to chronic

Question 5

IFN-α toxicity

Answer 5

GI irritation
Flu-like syndrome
Reversible hearing loss
Thyroid dysfunction
Teratogenic

Question 6

MoA of Adefovir Dipivoxil

Answer 6

Competitively inhibits HBV DNA polymerase

Question 7

Adefovir dipivoxil toxicity

Answer 7

Nephrotoxic
Lactic acidosis
Hepatomegaly with steatosis

Question 8

MoA of Entecavir

Answer 8

Inhibits HBV DNA polymerase

Question 9

Entecavir toxicity

Answer 9

Headache
Dizziness
Fatigue
Nausea

Question 10

Lamivudine clinical use

Answer 10

Chronic HBV (monotherapy)

Question 11

Ribavirin clinical use

Answer 11

Inhibits a wide range of viruses:
Influenza A & B
Parainfluenza
RSV
Paramyxoviruses
HCV
HIV

Question 12

Ribavirin toxicity

Answer 12

Dose dependent hemolytic anemia
Conjunctival and bronchial irritation in aerosol form
Teratogenic

Question 13

Newer drugs for hepatitis

Answer 13

Telbivudine (chronic HBV)
Tenofovir (chronic HBV)
Sofosbuvir (HCV)
Boceprevir (HCV)