Antiviral Drugs Quiz

Acyclovir

• Is an anticancer agent

• Inhibits viral DNA polymerase

• Requires activation by viral thymidine kinase

• Is active against herpes simplex virus

• Causes nephrotoxicity as a common side effect

Valacyclovir

• Is a prodrug of acyclovir

• Has higher oral bioavailability than acyclovir

• Is used to treat cytomegalovirus retinitis

• Is used for genital herpes

• Is commonly given intravenously

Famciclovir

• Is active after conversion to penciclovir

• Causes chain termination of viral DNA

• Is effective against varicella-zoster virus

• Is activated by viral thymidine kinase

• Is commonly associated with severe hepatotoxicity

Ganciclovir

• Is the drug of choice for HSV encephalitis

• Requires phosphorylation by CMV UL97 kinase

• Is myelosuppressive

• Can cause neutropenia

• Has good oral bioavailability

Foscarnet

• Is a nucleoside analog

• Directly inhibits viral DNA polymerase

• Does not require activation by phosphorylation

• Is nephrotoxic

• Is effective orally

Cidofovir

• Is effective against acyclovir-resistant herpesvirus

• Requires activation by viral enzymes

• Can cause dose-dependent nephrotoxicity

• Is administered orally

• Should be given with probenecid to reduce nephrotoxicity

Oseltamivir

• Is an anti-influenza drug

• Is a neuraminidase inhibitor

• Is given via inhalation

• Can cause nausea and vomiting

• Is effective only against hepatitis B

Zanamivir

• Is administered by inhalation

• Can cause bronchospasm in asthmatic patients

• Is a neuraminidase inhibitor

• Is effective against varicella-zoster virus

• Is used for influenza A and B

Amantadine

• Is active against influenza A

• Is no longer widely used due to resistance

• Inhibits viral uncoating

• Is associated with CNS side effects

• Is effective against influenza B

Tenofovir

• Is used to treat hepatitis B

• Is nephrotoxic

• Is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor

• Requires dose adjustment in renal impairment

• Is an anti-influenza agent