Drug, antiviral: An agent that kills viruses or suppresses their replication and, hence, inhibits their capability to multiply and reproduce.
For example, amantadine (BRAND name: SYMMETREL) is a synthetic (man- made) drug that inhibits the multiplication of the influenza A virus and has therefore been used to prevent the flu and (given within 24- 48 hours of the onset of symptoms) to lessen the severity of the disease, particularly in individuals at high-risk such as those who are immunosuppressed or in a nursing home. Rimantadine (BRAND name: FLUMADINE) is related in structure and anti-influenza A action to amantadine (SYMMETREL) but has fewer side effects. (Neither drug is a substitute for flu shots).
Background. On September 22, 2009 CDC updated its recommendations for the use of influenza antiviral medicines to provide additional guidance for clinicians in prescribing ...
CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Influenza Flu - Information about antiviral drugs for the 2010-2011 flu season for the public.
Influenza (Flu) Antiviral Drugs and Related Information. Topics on this page. Introduction; Influenza Vaccine Information; Use of Antiviral Medications to Treat Influenza
Antiviral drugs, such as Tamiflu, can be used to prevent the flu. As this eMedTV page explains, these medications can also reduce the duration of flu symptoms. This ...
Drug: Viruses: Chemical Type: Target: Vidarabine: Herpesviruses: Nucleoside analogue: Virus polymerase: Acyclovir: Herpes simplex (HSV) Nucleoside analogue: Virus polymerase