Antiviral medication prescriptions available online

Reverse transcriptase inhibitors

These drugs target the enzyme reverse transcriptase, which retroviruses like HIV use to convert viral RNA into DNA. There are two main reverse transcriptase inhibitors: nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs).

These drugs block the HIV virus from replicating itself, preventing it from spreading. NRTIs and NNRTIs are sometimes taken with other medications used to treat HIV.

Examples of reverse transcriptase inhibitors include:

Nucleoside and nucleotide analogs

These drugs mimic the building blocks of DNA or RNA, which are essential for viral replication. When incorporated into the viral genetic material, they can disrupt the replication process. Examples include:

Protease inhibitors

Protease inhibitors inhibit the activity of viral proteases, enzymes necessary for producing functional viral proteins. By blocking protease activity, the growth of new viral particles is prevented. Protease inhibitors are commonly used in the treatment of HIV.

Examples of these drugs include:

Entry inhibitors

These medications block the entry of the virus into host cells by targeting viral proteins or receptors on the cell surface. Enfuvirtide, for example, a type of entry inhibitor called a fusion inhibitor, prevents HIV from fusing with host cell membranes.

Neuraminidase inhibitors

Neuraminidase inhibitors are most often used to treat influenza A or B. These drugs block the influenza virus from copying itself in the body, reducing the duration of time that symptoms are felt.

These antivirals are primarily used to treat influenza viruses by blocking the action of the neuraminidase enzyme, which allows the virus to be released from infected cells. Examples include:

Interferons

Interferons are naturally occurring proteins released by the immune system in response to viral infections. Synthetic versions of interferons can be used as antiviral medications to enhance the immune response and inhibit viral replication. They are often used to treat hepatitis B and C, as well as certain forms of cancer that are associated with viral infections.

Side effects of antivirals

When taken as prescribed, antivirals are generally well tolerated. However, they can still cause some side effects.

The more common side effects of antivirals include:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Abdominal pain

• Change in taste

• Muscle pain

In rare cases, antivirals may cause serious side effects. These can include:

• Rash, hives, itching

• Anemia

• Increased liver enzymes

• Hoarseness, wheezing, tightness in the chest

Antiviral risks

Antivirals are generally safe, but there are some risks if you have certain medical conditions or take certain medications.

Before you take a prescribed antiviral, be sure to tell your doctor about any of the following conditions or issues:

• Other prescription medications

• Over-the-counter (OTC) medications, supplements, and vitamins

• HIV

• Hormone-based birth control

Antiviral drug interactions

When you begin a new medication, make sure to tell your doctor about any other medications, supplements, or herbs you’re taking. Some medications that might interact with an antiviral include:

• Dichlorphenamide

• Taurusodiol

• Fexinidazole

• Live influenza vaccine

• Clopidogrel

• Nitisinone

• Leflunomide