Reverse transcriptase inhibitor
Reverse transcriptase inhibitor
Reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs) are a type of antiretroviral drug used to treat HIV and hepatitis B. They work by blocking the action of an enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which the virus uses to replicate itself.
Pronunciation
Reverse transcriptase inhibitor: /rɪˈvɜːs trænˈskrɪptəs ɪnˈhɪbɪtər/
Etymology
The term "reverse transcriptase inhibitor" is derived from the enzyme it inhibits, "reverse transcriptase". The term "inhibitor" comes from the Latin word "inhibere", meaning to restrain or hinder.
Types of RTIs
There are two main types of RTIs: nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs).
- NRTIs include drugs such as zidovudine (AZT), lamivudine (3TC), and abacavir (ABC).
- NNRTIs include drugs such as efavirenz (EFV), nevirapine (NVP), and etravirine (ETR).
Side Effects
Like all medications, RTIs can cause side effects. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. In rare cases, they can cause serious side effects like lactic acidosis, liver damage, and hypersensitivity reaction.
Related Terms
- Antiretroviral therapy (ART)
- Protease inhibitor (PI)
- Integrase inhibitor (II)
- Pharmacology
- Virology
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