Antivirals

Several antivirals have been licensed to treat viral infection. Most drugs inhibit replication by terminating chain elongation.

 

Some drugs have effect to broad group of Viruses.  Alpha group of Herpes viruses are sensitive for acyclovir, gancilovir and foscarnet. As both HIV and Hepatitis B viruses uses reverse transcriptase for replication, some drugs like lamivudine and tenofovir have effect on infection caused by both viruses.

 

According to the type of viruses the antivirals can be classified into

 

Ø    Antivirals used against herpes group of viruses

 

Ø    Antivirals used against respiratory viruses

 

Ø    Antiviral used against hepatitis B or C

 

 

Ø   Antivirals used against retrovirus (HIV)

 

 

• Antiviral used to treat Polyomaviruses