Dorothy FarrarVirostatika
Antivirals are drugs used to fight viral infections. Viruses cannot evolve without a living host cell. They therefore colonize the cells of living beings and use them to reproduce. There are different types of viruses that colonize different cells of humans, animals, plants, fungi and bacteria.
What are antivirals?
Antivirals are used in medicine to treat viral infections . Viruses are microorganisms that spread outside of cells. In order to survive, however, viruses can only multiply within cells, i.e. intracellularly. Since viruses do not have their own metabolism, they are dependent on a host cell. About 3000 types of viruses are known today. Therefore, there are a large number of antiviral drugs. Vaccination is available as an alternative therapy for many viruses. Antivirals can sometimes have serious side effects. The microorganisms can infect bacteria , plants, fungi , animals and humans. The scientific term for the study of viruses is called virology.
Effect and medical application
An antiviral is used to treat viral infections. The drug is intended to prevent the virus from further multiplication and thus stop the infection it causes. Viruses are harder to treat than bacteria. Since viruses are always inside the cells because they cannot multiply outside, they are much more difficult for drugs to reach than bacteria. However, viruses cannot infect all cells of the human organism. The specific human cells are susceptible to a particular virus. Hepatitis viruses can attack the liver cells, and cold viruses can attack the nasal mucosa cells.
Various mechanisms of action are given for the treatment of viruses. The penetration of the virus into the living host cell can be prevented and it is also possible to intervene in the cell metabolism with negative consequences for the virus. In addition, antivirals can act in such a way that, after virus multiplication, they prevent the newly formed viruses from escaping from the cell. Diseases that are treated with antiviral drugs are, for example , shingles , herpes infections, chickenpox , liver inflammation caused by hepatitis C viruses and infections with the HI virus.
shapes and groups
Antivirals fight the virus at different stages of its reproduction and are divided accordingly. Active substances that prevent the virus from docking to the host cell are called entry inhibitors. These include enfuvirtide (Fuzeon®) and maraviroc (Celsentri®). Drugs that prevent the virus from entering the host cell are called penetration inhibitors. These include the active ingredients amantadine and rimantadine (Flumandine®).
Active ingredients that disrupt the virus in the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins and thus weaken them are, for example, aciclovir (Aciclobeta®, Zovirax®), penciclovir (Famvir®, Pencivir®), ribavirin (Rebetol®, Virazole®) and tenofovir (Eviplera®, Truvada). ®, Stribild®). Drugs that prevent newly formed viruses from escaping the host cell are called neuraminidase inhibitors. These include the active ingredients oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) and zanamivir (Relenza®). Drugs that do not intervene in the stages of viral replication but act on the host’s cells are among the cytokines. These include interferons.
dosage
The dosage of antivirals should be discussed with the treating doctor and strictly adhered to. The form and quantity of the antiviral agent to be taken depends heavily on the type and severity of the infection. The physical constitution of the person affected also plays a role. Chronic diseases are also relevant for therapy. Antivirals should not be discontinued suddenly and should be taken for as long as prescribed, even if the symptoms subside. In severe cases, such as recurring herpes simplex viruses or an infection with the HI virus, long-term therapy with antivirals is necessary.
Herbal, natural and pharmaceutical alternatives
Viruses do not always have to be treated with antivirals. Effective vaccines exist for many viruses, such as hepatitis A and hepatitis B viruses . Since vaccines usually have weaker side effects than antivirals, vaccination should be preferred to treatment with antiviral drugs. Other vaccines are effective against measles , mumps , rubella and chickenpox, among others.
Some viruses can also be treated with herbal ingredients. Eucalyptus oil is effective against herpes viruses. The drug Tamiflu® is made from real star anise and counteracts the bird flu virus. In addition, some types of fungi have antiviral mechanisms of action. However, these extracts are not available on a purely natural basis. In many cases, viral diseases heal on their own in a healthy body. Since resistances have already developed, similar to bacteria, antivirals should only be used in severe cases.
Interactions and side effects
Human cell metabolism and virus replication are closely related. Therefore, treatment of viral diseases without damaging body cells is severely limited. Some virus-inhibiting drugs sometimes cause serious side effects.
The variation of antivirals is large, so there are different side effects. These depend, among other things, on the type of application. Side effects of antiviral ointments are usually limited to the area of application and are well tolerated. Antivirals that act systemically, i.e. influence the entire organism, can cause nausea , headaches , skin rashes , and diarrheacause. People suffering from liver disease are particularly at risk because most antiviral drugs are processed through this organ. Interactions with other drugs are possible and vary depending on the active ingredient. It is therefore important to inform the doctor treating you if you are taking any other medicines.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.