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Pharmacology Chemotherapeutic Drugs I

Antiviral Agents

Topic overview

Start with the big picture

The lesson is organized by virus group and drug class. It covers herpesvirus agents such as acyclovir, ganciclovir, cidofovir, and foscarnet, emphasizing their activation pathways, antiviral targets, uses, and key toxicities. Influenza therapy includes neuraminidase inhibitors and baloxavir, with attention to treatment timing and adverse effects. The broader survey addresses ribavirin and interferon-α, chronic hepatitis B and C therapies, and HIV antiretrovirals, including NRTIs, NNRTIs, and protease inhibitors. Across these topics, the focus is on linking mechanism to use and recognizing clinically important safety concerns, including nephrotoxicity, myelosuppression, teratogenicity, and resistance.

Learning objectives

What you'll learn

  • Explain how selected antiviral drugs interfere with viral replication.
  • Relate herpesvirus drug activation pathways to their antiviral targets.
  • Identify key uses and adverse effects of influenza and hepatitis antivirals.
  • Recognize important safety concerns associated with selected HIV antiretrovirals.
  • Describe how viral mutations can contribute to antiviral resistance.
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