10 Questions
What is the primary mode of action of virustatic drugs?
Preventing reproduction and growth of viruses
Why are antiviral drugs considered virustatic?
They reduce the number of viruses
What is a key characteristic of antiviral drugs in terms of their ability to enter cells?
They are able to enter the cells infected
Why is the exact mechanism of antiviral drugs often unclear?
Exact mechanism varies for different viruses
What is a challenge in designing anti-viral treatments mentioned in the text?
Host cells must be immune to treatment
What is the primary intended action of antiviral drugs?
Shorten duration, prevent reactivation, prevent viral infection
What is a key characteristic of antiviral drugs in terms of their effect on viruses?
Most inhibit replication
Why do antiviral drugs depend on the host immune system for a cure?
To eradicate the virus, the host's immune system must be involved
What is a potential consequence of administering antiviral drugs intravenously?
More severe allergic reactions
What influences the efficacy of antiviral drugs?
Activity of enzymes and concentration
Study Notes
Virustatic Drugs
- Primary mode of action: inhibit viral replication, but do not eliminate the virus from the body.
- Considered virustatic because they do not directly kill the virus, but rather suppress its growth.
Antiviral Drug Characteristics
- Key characteristic: ability to enter cells to be effective.
- Primary intended action: to reduce viral replication and alleviate symptoms.
Limitations of Antiviral Drugs
- Exact mechanism often unclear due to the complexity of viral replication and the host's response.
- Depend on the host immune system for a cure, as they only suppress viral replication.
Challenges and Consequences
- Challenge in designing anti-viral treatments: the high mutation rate of viruses, making it difficult to develop effective drugs.
- Potential consequence of administering antiviral drugs intravenously: toxicity and side effects.
- Efficacy influenced by factors such as the patient's immune status, the type of virus, and the timing of treatment.
Test your knowledge of antiviral and antitubercular drugs with this quiz. Learn about the intended actions, mechanisms, and potential side effects of these important medications in clinical pharmacology.
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