ANTI- VIRAL DRUGS
Anti-Viral Drugs are
medicines that cure or control virus infections.
Purpose
Anti-Virals are used to treat infections caused by viruses. Several
different drugs in the Anti-Viral family exist, and each is used for
specific kinds of viral infections.
Other types of anti-viral drugs, such as Amantadine and Rimantadine
are used to prevent or treat certain kinds of Influenza (Flu). They
are given either alone or in combination with flu shots. These drugs
will not work for common colds, other types of flu, or other virus
infections, however.
Description
Rather than killing the viruses, Anti-Viral Drugs block steps in
the process through which viruses reproduce. Some may also stimulate
the immune system so that the body can fight the viruses itself.
Anti-viral drugs are available only with a physician's prescription
and are sold in capsule, tablet, liquid, ointment, and injectable
forms.
|
