Antiviral medication
Antiviral medication
Antiviral medication (pronunciation: an-tee-vy-ruhl med-i-key-shuhn) is a type of drug used for treating viral infections. These medications are specifically designed to inhibit the development of the virus causing the infection, thereby reducing the severity and duration of viral diseases.
Etymology
The term "antiviral" is derived from the Latin word 'anti-' meaning 'against' and 'virus' which in Latin means 'poison' or 'slimy liquid'. The term "medication" comes from the Latin 'medicatio' meaning 'healing'.
Types of Antiviral Medications
There are several types of antiviral medications used to treat a variety of viral infections. Some of the most common include:
- Amantadine: Used to treat and prevent certain strains of influenza A.
- Acyclovir and Valacyclovir: Used to treat herpes viruses, including shingles, genital herpes, and chickenpox.
- Oseltamivir (Tamiflu): Used to treat and prevent influenza A and B.
- Ribavirin: Used to treat respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and hepatitis C.
- Zidovudine (AZT): Used to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS.
Mechanism of Action
Antiviral medications work by inhibiting the replication of viral DNA or RNA, thereby preventing the virus from multiplying and spreading throughout the body. The specific mechanism of action varies depending on the type of antiviral medication and the virus it is designed to treat.
Side Effects
Like all medications, antiviral drugs can cause side effects. These can range from mild effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, to more serious effects such as liver damage or anemia. It's important for patients to discuss potential side effects with their healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antiviral medication
- Wikipedia's article - Antiviral medication
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