Antiviral Pharmacology

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, drug mechanisms, side effects, and vaccine information from the Antiviral Pharmacology lecture.

Virus

A parasitic microbe with no cell wall of its own that lives by inserting a speck of its own RNA or DNA into a healthy cell.

Antiviral Mechanism of Action (General)

Inhibits a virus's ability to replicate, allowing the body's immune system to destroy the virus.

Antiherpetic Routes of Administration

Oral (tablets and liquid), topical (cream and ointment), and intravenous (IV).

acyclovir (Zovirax)

An antiviral agent available po, IV, and topical, used to suppress replication of HSV 1, HSV 2, and VZV.

acyclovir Side Effects

Adverse effects including GI distress, renal impairment, seizures, ITP, and tissue necrosis if the IV form is not patent.

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV 1)

A virus that generally occurs above the waist and causes oral herpes.

Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV 2)

A virus that generally occurs below the waist and causes genital herpes, which affects about 1% of the U.S. population and is twice as common in women.

Zostavax (ZVL)

The first live vaccine for herpes zoster, approved by the FDA in 2006.

Shingrix (RZV)

A recombinant herpes zoster vaccine approved in 2017, indicated for prevention in individuals 50 years of age and older.

oseltamivir (Tamiflu)

An oral antiviral mostly active against influenza A (with some action against influenza B) used for prophylaxis and active disease treatment within 48 hours of symptom onset.

oseltamivir Mechanism of Action

Inhibits neuraminidases in influenza viruses.

oseltamivir Side Effects

Adverse effects including nausea and vomiting, seizures, and renal impairment.

ganciclovir (Zirgan)

An IV and PO antiviral drug used to control Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in immunocompromised patients (AIDS, immunosuppressed, transplants).

ganciclovir Mechanism of Action

Inhibits viral DNA polymerases resulting in chain termination.

ganciclovir Black Box Warnings

Warnings for hematologic toxicity, fertility impairment, fetal toxicity, and carcinogenesis.

ganciclovir Drug Interactions

Contraindicated with imipenem-cilastatin due to seizure potential; requires monitoring when given with other nephrotoxic drugs.