PTCE: The Basics of Medications - Antiviral Agents

Antiviral drugs, described in the table below are used to treat viral infections. These drugs prevent the growth of the offending pathogen by inhibiting replication (acyclovir, famciclovir, ganciclovir, valacyclovir), stopping the release of the virus from the cell (oseltamivir, zanamivir), preventing DNA synthesis (cidofovir), or preventing the virus from affecting the cell (palivizumab). Antivirals can be used to treat herpes simplex virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, HIV, herpes zoster (shingles), and varicella zoster (chickenpox). The length of therapy varies. Patients may require medication daily, for a few weeks, or for months.

Table: Antiviral Agents