Tag: Antiviral drugs

Amantadine was approved by the FDA in 1966 for influenza prophylaxis, but by 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) no longer recommended it due to rampant resistance. This dramatic shift in its primary application is a key reason why is amantadine not used anymore for treating viral infections.

Valacyclovir is a widely used antiviral medication prescribed to treat infections like herpes and shingles [1.2.3]. For those taking this drug, a critical question is, 'What can't you take with valacyclovir?' to prevent potentially harmful drug interactions, especially those affecting the kidneys [1.2.1].

While many people search for **over the counter antiviral drugs**, the vast majority of effective antiviral treatments, including those for influenza and COVID-19, are only available with a prescription. However, a few specific topical antiviral options do exist for minor viral issues like cold sores. This guide explores which antiviral drugs are available over-the-counter and why others require a doctor's supervision.

A staggering 8.5% of the US population lacks health insurance, often facing steep prescription costs. Understanding 'how much is Acyclovir 400 mg without insurance?' is crucial for those needing this antiviral medication. Costs can vary significantly based on pharmacy, location, and whether generic or brand-name versions are sought.

While most potent antiviral medications require a prescription, a 2018 review noted that a topical cream containing docosanol can be a marginally more effective over the counter antiviral medication than a placebo for treating cold sores. This topical cream is the only FDA-approved, non-prescription product that directly inhibits viral replication. For other common viral infections like the flu or COVID-19, over-the-counter products are only available for symptom management, not for fighting the virus itself.

Remdesivir (Veklury) reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 87% in some high-risk outpatient studies. A key question for this intravenous antiviral is: what is the extended duration of remdesivir and how does it influence treatment length?

While modern antivirals can be life-saving, they are not without potential toxicity, ranging from mild side effects like gastrointestinal issues to more severe, organ-specific damage. The risk of toxicity is often dose-dependent and influenced by the specific drug, duration of treatment, and patient-specific factors such as organ function.

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.

Over 605 million COVID-19 infections were reported globally by early 2023, underscoring the ongoing need for effective treatments. For high-risk patients, a critical question arises: **Is remdesivir like Paxlovid?** While both are effective antivirals for combating SARS-CoV-2, they are fundamentally different drugs, with distinctions in their mechanisms, administration, and optimal use cases.

Drug-induced kidney injury, also known as nephrotoxicity, is a significant clinical issue, accounting for up to 15% of acute renal failure cases in hospital intensive care units. This raises a critical question for many patients: **Can antivirals damage kidneys?** The answer is yes, certain antivirals can, but the risk depends on the specific medication, dosage, and patient's health.