Entecavir
Entecavir
Entecavir (pronounced /ɛnˈtɛkəvɪr/) is an antiviral medication used primarily in the treatment of hepatitis B virus infection. In terms of its etymology, the name 'Entecavir' is derived from its chemical structure, which is a guanine analogue.
Usage
Entecavir is used to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) in adults and children who are at least 2 years old and weigh at least 10 kilograms (22 pounds). It is not a cure for hepatitis B and may not prevent complications of chronic hepatitis B such as cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer.
Mechanism of Action
Entecavir works by decreasing the amount of hepatitis B virus in the body. It interferes with the activities of viral DNA polymerase, the enzyme that the hepatitis B virus uses to replicate its DNA, thus preventing the virus from multiplying and reducing the amount of the virus in the body.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Entecavir include nausea, fatigue, headache, dizziness, and stomach pain. Serious side effects may include lactic acidosis and liver problems.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Entecavir
- Wikipedia's article - Entecavir
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