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Category: Antivirals

Explore our medication guides and pharmacology articles within this category.

How Often Can You Have Valacyclovir?

4 min read
The dosing frequency for valacyclovir (Valtrex) varies significantly depending on the specific viral infection being treated and whether the goal is an acute treatment or long-term suppression. This is because it is a prodrug with higher bioavailability than its active metabolite, acyclovir, requiring less frequent dosing for similar efficacy.

What can be used in place of acyclovir? A Guide to Alternatives

4 min read
While there is no cure for herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, there are various antiviral treatment options available that can help manage symptoms and control outbreaks. Understanding **what can be used in place of acyclovir** is crucial for those seeking a more convenient dosing schedule, dealing with resistance, or exploring topical and alternative remedies.

What is the history of remdesivir? From Ebola to the frontlines of COVID-19

4 min read
Originally developed in 2009 by Gilead Sciences, the antiviral drug remdesivir was initially intended to combat hepatitis C and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) before being repurposed for its eventual, more famous applications. The history of remdesivir is a remarkable narrative of scientific repurposing, highlighting how a broad-spectrum antiviral candidate evolved from treating one family of viruses to becoming a key tool in global pandemic responses, including both Ebola and COVID-19.

Can a normal person take acyclovir? Understanding the risks and appropriate use

5 min read
According to the NHS, oral acyclovir is a prescription-only medication used to treat specific viral infections like herpes simplex and shingles. Therefore, a normal person should not take acyclovir without a medical diagnosis, as doing so carries unnecessary health risks, has no therapeutic benefit, and can contribute to public health issues like antiviral resistance.

Can you feel acyclovir working?

4 min read
Antiviral medication is crucial for managing herpes virus outbreaks, which remain dormant in the body and can cause uncomfortable symptoms when reactivated. Patients often wonder, 'Can you feel acyclovir working?', but its effectiveness is observed through a gradual reduction of symptoms rather than a distinct physical sensation.

What class of antiviral is emtricitabine?

4 min read
Emtricitabine is a cornerstone of modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), widely used in combination with other medications. So, what class of antiviral is emtricitabine? It belongs to the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) drug class.

What Pharmaceutical Class Is Tenofovir?

4 min read
Tenofovir is a cornerstone antiviral medication, with a history spanning back to its patent in 1996 and FDA approval in 2001. Knowing **what pharmaceutical class is tenofovir** is crucial for understanding how it combats viruses like HIV and hepatitis B. It is categorized as a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NtRTI), a key type of antiretroviral drug.