Antiviral drugs
Antiviral Drugs
Antiviral drugs (pronunciation: an-tee-vy-rul druhgz) are a type of medication used specifically for treating viral infections. Unlike most antibiotics, which destroy bacterial pathogens, antiviral drugs inhibit the development of the virus.
Etymology
The term "antiviral" is derived from the Latin word "anti-" meaning "against" and "virus" which in Latin means "poison" or "slimy liquid". The term "drug" comes from the Old French "drogue", possibly derived from the Dutch word "droog" (meaning "dry"), as medicinal plants were generally dried for use.
Types of Antiviral Drugs
There are several types of antiviral drugs used to treat a variety of viral infections. Some of the most common include:
- Amantadine and Rimantadine
- Acyclovir and Valacyclovir
- Oseltamivir and Zanamivir
- Ribavirin
- Interferons
Each of these drugs works differently and is used to treat specific types of viral infections.
Mechanism of Action
Antiviral drugs work by inhibiting the development of the virus. They do this by interfering with the virus's ability to replicate within a host cell. This can be achieved by inhibiting a virus-specific enzyme, blocking virus entry into host cells, or by other mechanisms.
Side Effects
Like all medications, antiviral drugs can have side effects. These can range from mild to severe and can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and more serious effects such as liver damage or an allergic reaction.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antiviral drugs
- Wikipedia's article - Antiviral drugs
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