3rd August 2023

Antiviral Drugs

Antiviral drugs do not directly affect viruses but work by limiting the replication of a virus within a host organism. Not every viral infection necessitates treatment with antivirals. The most common indications are HIV infection (e.g. antiretrovirals), herpes virus infections (e.g. aciclovir), influenza viruses (e.g. oseltamivir) and hepatitis B and C (e.g. tenofovir, interferon-α).

As antivirals are not a topic which features heavily on the MRCP examination, this section focuses on the self-assessment questions – further information and references can be found in the explanations provided. The BNF treatment summaries cited below are also a useful resource. More background can also be found in the Viral Infections topic.