Clevudine
Clevudine
Clevudine (pronounced as /klɛˈvjuːdiːn/) is an antiviral drug used in the treatment of hepatitis B infection. It is a nucleoside analogue, which means it mimics the structure of the nucleosides that make up the genetic material of the hepatitis B virus, thereby inhibiting its replication.
Etymology
The term "Clevudine" is derived from the chemical name 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-5-methyl-β-L-arabinofuranosyluracil. The prefix "Clev-" is an abbreviation of "Cleveland", where the drug was first developed, and "-udine" is a common suffix for nucleoside analogues.
Usage
Clevudine is used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease. The drug is taken orally, usually once a day. It works by reducing the amount of hepatitis B virus in the body, thereby decreasing liver damage and improving liver function.
Related Terms
- Antiviral drug: A type of medication used specifically for treating viral infections.
- Hepatitis B: A serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus.
- Nucleoside analogue: A type of antiviral drug that mimics the structure of nucleosides in the genetic material of viruses, thereby inhibiting their replication.
Side Effects
Like all medicines, Clevudine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The most common side effects include headache, fatigue, and nausea. In rare cases, it can cause a condition called lactic acidosis, a build-up of lactic acid in the body, and severe liver problems.
Precautions
Before starting treatment with Clevudine, patients should inform their doctor if they have kidney disease, liver disease other than hepatitis B, or a history of lactic acidosis or pancreatitis. It is also important to discuss all other medications being taken, as Clevudine can interact with other drugs.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Clevudine
- Wikipedia's article - Clevudine
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