Definition of Antiviral agent

OTC and Prescription Drug Abuse Slideshow Cholesterol Drugs Slideshow

Antiviral agent: An agent that kills viruses or suppresses their replication and, hence, inhibits their capability to multiply and reproduce.

For example, amantadine (BRAND name: SYMMETREL) is a synthetic (man- made) drug that inhibits the multiplication of the influenza A virus and has therefore been used to prevent the flu and (given within 24- 48 hours of the onset of symptoms) to lessen the severity of the disease, particularly in individuals at high-risk such as those who are immunosuppressed or in a nursing home. Rimantadine (BRAND name: FLUMADINE) is related in structure and anti-influenza A action to amantadine (SYMMETREL) but has fewer side effects. (Neither drug is a substitute for flu shots).

Drug Medical Dictionary of Terms by Letter

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Medical Dictionary Term: