Liver Medications Classification and Uses

Study Notes

Immune Stimulants like Interferons are used for Hepatitis B and C.
Interferons are proteins that modify the immune response.
They stimulate interferon receptor sites on non-infected cells to produce antiviral proteins that prevent viruses from entering cells.
Common side effects of Interferons include: flu-like symptoms (fever, muscle aches, chills, lethargy), bone marrow suppression, cardiotoxicity, dyspnea, alopecia, and GI upset.
Monitor CBC levels, cardiac and liver function throughout therapy.
Antiretroviral Protease Inhibitors are used for Hepatitis C.
These drugs block protease activity rendering the HIV particle unable to fuse with and inject itself into a cell.
Antiretroviral Protease Inhibitors may cause: GI effects, changes in liver function, elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, fat redistribution, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Antiviral Drugs like Ribavirin also treat Hepatitis C.
Ribavirin inhibits viral DNA replication by competing with viral substrates to form shorter, noneffective DNA chains.
Ribavirin can cause: nausea, vomiting, headache, depression, paresthesia, neuropathy, rash, hair loss, and renal dysfunction.
Thiamine, a type of vitamin, is used to treat deficiencies.
Thiamine is required for carbohydrate metabolism and therefore is a dietary supplement.
Thiamine has extremely rare reactions/side effects.