What are the antiviral medications?
Dec 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
In general, antiviral drugs can inhibit or kill various viruses. Common medications include oseltamivir capsules, acyclovir cream, ribavirin granules, entecavir tablets, and foscarnet sodium injection. Antiviral drugs must be used strictly according to medical instructions and should not be purchased or taken without a prescription. The specific type of virus should be clearly identified before starting treatment to avoid inappropriate medication use. Maintaining a regular daily routine is also important in everyday life.
Generally, antiviral drugs can inhibit or kill different viruses. Commonly used medications include Oseltamivir Capsules, Acyclovir Cream, Ribavirin Granules, Entecavir Tablets, and Foscarnet Sodium Injection. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Oseltamivir Capsules
As a neuraminidase inhibitor, oseltamivir suppresses the activity of neuraminidase on the surface of influenza viruses, preventing the release of new viral particles from infected cells and thereby reducing viral spread. It is primarily used for the treatment and prevention of both type A and type B influenza, with optimal efficacy when administered within 48 hours after symptom onset.
2. Acyclovir Cream
This medication interferes with viral DNA polymerase, inhibiting herpesvirus DNA synthesis and subsequently blocking viral replication. As a topical formulation, it is specifically indicated for treating skin and mucosal infections caused by simplex herpes and herpes zoster, effectively relieving local pain and itching.
3. Ribavirin Granules
A broad-spectrum antiviral agent, ribavirin inhibits viral nucleic acid synthesis and shows activity against various RNA and DNA viruses. It is commonly used to treat viral pneumonia and bronchitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as well as cutaneous herpesvirus infections.
4. Entecavir Tablets
By inhibiting the activity of hepatitis B virus DNA polymerase, entecavir prevents viral DNA replication. It is a commonly prescribed drug for chronic hepatitis B, suitable for adult patients with active viral replication and persistently elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels.
5. Foscarnet Sodium Injection
Foscarnet sodium non-competitively blocks the active site of viral DNA polymerase, thereby inhibiting viral DNA synthesis. It is indicated for cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in immunocompromised individuals, as well as mucocutaneous lesions caused by herpes simplex virus infection.
Antiviral drugs must be used strictly according to medical instructions and should not be purchased or taken without prescription. The specific type of virus should be clearly identified before initiating treatment to avoid inappropriate use. In daily life, maintaining regular作息 (sleep patterns), enhancing physical immunity, and adopting preventive measures can help reduce the risk of viral infection.
