Anti-viral drugs Flashcards
How do Anti-viral drugs work?
Nucloside analogs block DNA replication
Neuraminidase inhibitors block the release of virions
Interferon alpha inhibits the immune response
Protease inhibitor: Inhibits viral capsid assembly
Name the nucleoside analogs:
- acyclovir
- ganciclovir
- ribavirin
How does acyclovir have to be activated?
Must be activated by thymidine kinase
Which drugs are effective for herpesviruses?
acyclovir and ganciclovir
Which drugs are effective for hep C?
ribavirin
What are the mechanisms for resistance to acyclovir?
- herpes thymidine kinase
2. herpes DNA polymerase changes
Why would you consider giving acyclovir in IV rather than oral form?
Can reach a much higher peak concentration
When would you use acyclovir?
HSV
Varicella/zoster
Do most people with HBV end up needing treatment?
No–90% of acute HBV infections resolve on their own
Who ends up usually needing treatment with HBV?
Perinatal transmission and immunocompromised hosts
What are the treatments for chronic Hep B?
- Interferon (toxic)
2. Nucleoside/nucleotide analogs (oral and well tolerated. but resistance develops over time)
Name the Neuroaminidase inhibitors
Oseltamivir
What is oseltamivir used for?
Influenza A and B
What are the drugs for treatment of chronic Hep C infections?
- alpha interferon
- ribavirin (guanosine analogue in the 5’ cap that inteferes with binding of RNA to ribosomes)
- Protease inhibitors (telaprevir/toceprevir)
What protein do the protease inhibitors target in Hep C?
N53
