Antiviral

Antiviral medications are essential in treating viral infections. They work by stopping the virus from multiplying. Some antivirals treat specific viruses like herpes, HIV, or hepatitis. Others help with the flu or other viral illnesses. This category includes pills and creams used worldwide. Below is a review of popular antiviral drugs available in online pharmacies.

Aciclovir is a widely used antiviral. It treats herpes simplex virus infections. It helps with cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles. Aciclovir works by blocking virus replication. It reduces symptoms and healing time. It is generally well tolerated with mild side effects.

Acyclovir Cream 5% is a topical form of aciclovir. It is used to treat cold sores and other skin infections caused by herpes. The cream penetrates the skin to stop the virus. It helps reduce pain and speeds up healing. It is best applied early at the first sign of a sore.

Aldara contains imiquimod. It is an immune response modifier. It is not a direct antiviral. Instead, it stimulates the immune system to fight viruses and abnormal cells. Aldara treats genital warts, some skin cancers, and actinic keratosis. It is applied topically with a specific schedule.

Copegus (ribavirin) is used mainly for hepatitis C combined with other drugs. It works by inhibiting viral RNA synthesis. Treatment can be long and has side effects like anemia and fatigue. Copegus improves cure rates significantly when combined with modern therapies.

Epivir (lamivudine) is a key drug in HIV and hepatitis B treatment. It blocks reverse transcriptase, an enzyme essential for viral replication. Epivir is often part of combination therapy for better results. It is taken orally and has a good safety profile.

Epivir HBV is a special formulation for chronic hepatitis B infection. It helps reduce viral load and liver damage. Long-term use may be needed. Regular monitoring is essential to check for resistance or side effects.

Famvir (famciclovir) treats herpes virus infections. It is effective for cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles. Famvir has good oral absorption and fewer doses per day compared to aciclovir. Patients appreciate its convenience and effectiveness.

Molnupiravir is a new antiviral for treating COVID-19. It works by introducing errors into the viral RNA. This stops the virus from replicating effectively. Molnupiravir is oral and intended for use in mild to moderate COVID-19 cases at high risk of progression.

MonoKET is primarily a vasodilator but is sometimes combined in antiviral regimens. Its role is supportive in improving blood flow and oxygen delivery. It is not an antiviral itself but may help in complex treatments.

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) has been used for malaria and autoimmune diseases. It also shows antiviral effects against some viruses, though evidence is mixed. Its use in viral infections is limited and often case-specific. Side effects include vision problems and heart issues in rare cases.

Rebetol (ribavirin) works against hepatitis C and other viruses. It is frequently combined with interferon or direct-acting antivirals. Rebetol can be difficult to tolerate due to side effects. However, it remains a cornerstone in some hepatitis C treatments.

Sustiva (efavirenz) is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor for HIV treatment. It blocks a key HIV enzyme, stopping replication. Sustiva is given once daily and is part of many first-line HIV therapy combinations. Common side effects include dizziness and vivid dreams.

Symmetrel (amantadine) was initially used for the flu virus. It also treats Parkinson’s disease due to its dopaminergic effects. Its antiviral use is limited today due to resistance in flu viruses. However, it may still be prescribed in select cases.

Valtrex (valacyclovir) is a prodrug of aciclovir. It has better bioavailability, meaning fewer doses are needed. Valtrex is used for herpes simplex, shingles, and chickenpox. It reduces pain and speeds recovery. Patients prefer Valtrex for its convenience and effectiveness.

Zovirax is another brand name for aciclovir. It is available in oral and topical forms. Zovirax treats herpes infections in various locations. It remains a trusted antiviral with decades of proven use.

In summary, antiviral medications cover a wide range of viruses and diseases. Each drug has a specific role, dosing, and side effect profile. Aciclovir and its derivatives dominate herpes treatment. Hepatitis C often requires combination therapy including drugs like Copegus and Rebetol. HIV treatment relies on medications such as Epivir and Sustiva. New antivirals like Molnupiravir target emerging threats like COVID-19.

All antivirals require medical supervision. Correct use improves effectiveness and reduces resistance risk. Side effects vary but are often manageable. Online pharmacies provide many of these medications with convenience. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting antiviral therapy.