1. Antiviral Drugs

• Medicines that fight viral infections by stopping viruses from multiplying inside the body.

• They do not kill viruses directly but control their growth and reduce symptoms.

• Examples:

  • Acyclovir (Herpes infections)

  • Oseltamivir (Influenza)

  • Remdesivir (COVID-19)

  • Ribavirin (Hepatitis C, viral hemorrhagic fevers)

2. Anti-HIV Drugs (Antiretroviral Drugs)

• Special type of antivirals used to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

• They control the virus, help improve immunity, and reduce the risk of AIDS-related complications.

• Usually given as combination therapy (ART – Antiretroviral Therapy).

Main Classes of Anti-HIV Drugs:

1. NRTIs (Nucleoside/Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors): Zidovudine, Lamivudine, Tenofovir.

2. NNRTIs (Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors): Efavirenz, Nevirapine.

3. Protease Inhibitors: Lopinavir, Ritonavir, Atazanavir.

4. Integrase Inhibitors: Raltegravir, Dolutegravir.

5. Entry/Fusion Inhibitors: Enfuvirtide, Maraviroc.

Key Notes

• Antivirals → Treat a wide range of viral infections.

• Anti-HIV drugs → A specialized group of antivirals for long-term HIV management.

• They help control the infection but do not cure it.

• Correct and consistent use is important to prevent resistance.