Question

As group, construct a table listing common classes of antiviral drugs ( agents for influenza A and respiratory viruses, agents for herpes and CMV, agents for HIV/AIDS, and topical agents). Label columns for therapeutic actions, pharmacokinetics, contraindications, common adverse reactions, and important drug-drug interactions. Complete the table for each antiviral group.

Pharmacology

Answer 1

1. Antiretroviral (HIV) class: mechanism of action :-

-HAART:Includes at least three medications; "Cocktails"; These medications work in different ways to reduce the viral load

-either reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs) or protease inhibitors (PIs) or fusion inhibitors

Antiretroviral (HIV) class: indications :-

infections cause by viruses other that HIV

Antiretroviral (HIV) class: contraindications :-

-severe drug allergy

-intolerable toxicity

Antiretroviral (HIV) class: adverse effects :-

-Numerous and vary with each drug

-Drug therapy may need to be modified because of adverse effects

-Goal is to find the regimen that will best control the infection with a tolerable adverse effect profile

-Medication regimens change during the course of the illness

Antiretroviral (HIV) class: interactions :-

-drugs metabolized by CYP3A4

-rifabutin and ketoconazole

-rifampin

-oral contraceptives

-protease inhibitors

-St. John's wort

2. Antiviral (non-HIV) class: mechanism of action :-

-Inhibit viral replication

-Used to treat non-HIV viral infections:

Influenza viruses

HSV, VZV

CMV

Hepatitis A, B, C (HAV, HBV, HCV)

Antiviral (non-HIV) class: adverse effects :-

-Vary with each drug

-Healthy cells are often killed also, resulting in serious toxicities

Antiviral nursing implications:

-monitor for adverse effects

-monitor for therapeutic effects

-Instruct patients on the importance of taking these medications exactly as prescribed and for the full course of treatment

-Instruct patients to start therapy with antiviral drugs at the earliest sign of recurrent episodes of genital herpes or herpes zoster

-Instruct patients to consult their prescriber before taking any other medication, including over-the-counter medications

-Emphasize the importance of good hygiene

-Inform patients that antiviral drugs are not cures but do help to manage symptoms

-Be sure to teach proper application technique for ointments, aerosol powders, and so on

-Emphasize hand washing before and after administration of medications to prevent site contamination and spread of infection

-Instruct patients to wear a glove or finger cot when applying ointments or solutions to affected areas

-Before beginning therapy, thoroughly

assess underlying disease and medical history, including allergies

-Assess baseline vital signs and nutritional status

-Assess for contraindications, conditions

that may indicate cautious use, and potential drug interactions