Favipiravir
Favipiravir
Favipiravir (pronounced: fa-vi-pi-ra-vir), also known as T-705 or Avigan, is an antiviral medication used to treat influenza viruses. It was developed by Toyama Chemical in Japan and approved for medical use in 2014.
Etymology
The name "Favipiravir" is derived from its chemical structure. "Favi" is short for "Favipiravir", "pira" is derived from "pyrazinecarboxamide", a part of its chemical name, and "vir" signifies its antiviral properties.
Usage
Favipiravir is used to treat influenza viruses, including those resistant to neuraminidase inhibitors. It has also been used experimentally in the treatment of Ebola virus disease and as a potential treatment for COVID-19.
Mechanism of Action
Favipiravir works by inhibiting the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of RNA viruses, preventing them from replicating their genetic material and thus stopping the spread of the virus.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Favipiravir include nausea, diarrhea, and elevated liver enzymes. It is contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential teratogenic effects.
Related Terms
- Antiviral drug
- Influenza
- RNA-dependent RNA polymerase
- Neuraminidase inhibitor
- Ebola virus disease
- COVID-19
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Favipiravir
- Wikipedia's article - Favipiravir
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski