Antiviral Agents (Herpesvirus)
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Overview
Antiviral medications specifically targeting herpesviruses (HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV). These nucleoside analogues are used to treat and suppress genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chickenpox.
How do antiviral agents (herpesvirus) work?
Nucleoside analogue antivirals are selectively phosphorylated by viral thymidine kinase (found only in infected cells), then further phosphorylated by cellular kinases to the active triphosphate form. The triphosphate competitively inhibits viral DNA polymerase and, once incorporated into the growing DNA chain, causes chain termination. This selective activation in infected cells gives these drugs a favorable safety profile.
Drugs in this class
- Acyclovir (Zovirax, Sitavig)