Viral and Retroviral Basics
These infectious agents must enter host cells to reproduce.
Viruses
Acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir are commonly used to treat infections caused by this virus group.
Herpes simplex virus, or HSV
Patients with herpes infections should begin antiviral therapy as soon as this occurs.
When symptoms or an outbreak begins
Ganciclovir and valganciclovir are antiviral drugs commonly associated with treatment of this infection.
Cytomegalovirus, or CMV
Direct-acting antivirals are used to treat this viral liver infection and can cure many patients.
Hepatitic C
These viruses use reverse transcriptase to change viral RNA into DNA.
Retroviruses
These HSV drugs help decrease viral replication but do not completely cure the virus from the body.
Acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir
Patients with herpes should be taught that antivirals decrease outbreaks and viral shedding but do not do this.
Cure herpes
Bone marrow suppression, including low white blood cells or low platelets, is a serious adverse effect associated with this CMV drug group.
Ganciclovir and Valganciclovir
Tenofovir and entecavir may be used to treat this chronic viral liver infection.
Hepatitis B
This virus is the major retrovirus discussed in pharmacology because it attacks the immune system.
HIV
Nausea, headache, and diarrhea are possible common side effects of many of these medications.
Antiviral drugs
Patients taking acyclovir should be encouraged to drink fluids unless contraindicated to help protect these organs.
The kidneys
Ribavirin and monoclonal antibody prevention in selected high-risk infants may be associated with this respiratory viral infection.
Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV
NRTIs and NNRTIs are two classes of HIV drugs that inhibit this enzyme.
Reverse transcriptase
Antiviral drugs usually work by interfering with this process inside host cells.
Viral replication
Oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, and baloxavir are medications used for this respiratory viral infection.
Influenza
Influenza antivirals work best when started within this early time period after symptoms begin.
Within 48 hours
Nirmatrelvir with ritonavir, remdesivir, and molnupiravir are antiviral drugs associated with this infection.
COVID-19
Protease inhibitors block this HIV enzyme needed for viral maturation.
Protease
This is why antiviral drugs are often most effective when started early in an infection.
They work best before the virus has multiplied extensively
This influenza drug is often known by the brand name Tamiflu.
Oseltamivir
This inhaled influenza drug should be used cautiously or avoided in some patients with asthma or COPD because it may cause bronchospasm.
Zanamivir
This is an important teaching point for nirmatrelvir with ritonavir because ritonavir can interact with many other medications.
Review all prescription, OTC, and herbal medications before use
Entry inhibitors, fusion inhibitors, integrase inhibitors, postattachment inhibitors, reverse transcriptase inhibitors, protease inhibitors, and pharmacokinetic enhancers are examples of these.
Categories of antiretroviral therapy drugs