Antiviral drugs act against diseases caused by viruses.
Viruses represent a large group of infective agents that are composed of a core of nucleic acids, either RNA or DNA, surrounded by a layer of protein. They are not really living organisms according to general understanding, since they lack the cell membrane that is associated with living cells. Viruses can reproduce only inside a living cell, and they cause many diseases. Viruses are not normally affected by antibiotics but a small number of viruses can either be destroyed or have their growth stopped by drugs.
The drugs as of 2004 available for treatment of viral diseases in children are:
In addition to the above drugs, there are drugs which treat retrovirus infections. Retroviruses are composed of RNA molecules instead of DNA, and the only treatable one is the one that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The drugs in this group that are appropriate for treatment of children are as follows:
Other drugs for treatment of HIV disease are marketed, but there have been neither sufficient studies not clinical experience to recommend their use in children.
The antiviral drugs are used to prevent or treat the diseases listed above. These drugs are specific for individual viruses and offer no benefit for conditions caused by other viruses.
Each of the drugs listed has specific warnings. See specific drugs references or ask a pediatrician.
Each of the drugs listed has its own side effects. See specific drugs references or ask a pediatrician.
Indinavir (Crixivan) has the unique adverse effects of causing changes in patterns of fat distribution. This has been called Crix belly and may be more distressing to the patient than more serious side effects caused by other drugs since these effects are clearly visible. As of 2004 it is not clear whether this effect can be reversed when the drug is discontinued. Antiretroviral drugs should not be discontinued unless there is an alternative antiretroviral regimen to adopt.
See specific drugs references or ask a pediatrician about interactions for an antiviral drug that has been prescribed.
Patients should use these drugs exactly as directed. With regard to the AIDS drugs in particular, the drugs should not be discontinued without consultation with the prescriber. AIDS drugs are normally prescribed in combinations of two and three drugs used together, and discontinuing any single drug may lead to the virus developing resistance to the other agents.
Liquid dosage forms must always be measured with a calibrated teaspoon or dropper, never with a household teaspoon. Household teaspoons vary in the volume they deliver and may result in inadvertent overdose or under dose.
Anti-influenza drugs should be used only for patients who cannot receive vaccinations. Annual vaccination remains the preferred method of preventing influenza.
Antiretroviral drugs are routinely given in combinations of three to four drugs at a time. In some cases, fixed combinations of medications are the most practical way to administer these drugs, since they require the lowest number of doses each day.
Some antiviral drugs, particularly the antiretroviral agents, have potentially severe adverse effects. They should be prescribed only by qualified professionals experienced in their use. These drugs must be routinely monitored. Regular laboratory testing is essential for safe and effective use. Adverse effects and side effects must be reported to the prescriber as soon as they are observed.
Antiherpetic drugs may have only a limited value in reducing the severity or duration of herpes attacks. They are more important for their effect in reducing the period of viral shedding, the period of time in which a person infected with herpes virus can infect other people. For this reason, continued use of the drugs is important to family members and those in close proximity to the patient. The drugs should not be discontinued, even if there is no observed benefit.
Herpes virus—A family of viruses including herpes simplex types 1 and 2, and herpes zoster (also called varicella zoster). Herpes viruses cause several infections, all characterized by blisters and ulcers, including chickenpox, shingles, genital herpes, and cold sores or fever blisters.
Influenza virus type—The nature of the proteins in the outer coat of an influenza virus. Depending on the proteins, influenza viruses may be classified as A, B, or C.
Retrovirus—A family of RNA viruses containing a reverse transcriptase enzyme that allows the viruses' genetic information to become part of the genetic information of the host cell upon replication. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus.
Virus—A small infectious agent consisting of a core of genetic material (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a shell of protein. A virus needs a living cell to reproduce.
See also Herpes simplex; HIV infection and AIDS; Influenza.
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National Institute of Child Health & Human Development. Available online at http://www.nichd.nih.gov/ (accessed October 17, 2004).
National Pediatric AIDS Network. Available online at http://www.npan.org/ (accessed October 17, 2004).
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"Pediatric Antiretroviral Drug Information." Available online at aidsinfo.nih.gov/guidelines/pediatric%5CSUP_PED_012004.html (accessed October 17, 2004).
Samuel Uretsky, PharmD
The following comments are not guaranteed to be that of a trained medical professional. Please consult your physician for advice.