Chapter 06: Antivirals and Antiretrovirals

1. Which statement about antiviral drugs is true? a. Antiviral drugs kill viruses by altering viral DNA. b. Antiviral drugs work by stopping viral replication. c. Antiviral drugs alter the host immune system. d. Antiviral drugs are considered virucidal. ANS: B Antiviral drugs must enter the infected cell and act at the site of infection to be effective. Antivirals do not kill the virus but rather stop viral reproduction. This action means that all antivirals are only virustatic, not virucidal. DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowing REF: p.94 2. Which antiviral drug is only given by oral inhalation? a. Acyclovir (Zovirax) b. Zanamivir (Relenza) c. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) d. Amantadine (Symmetrel) ANS: B Zanamivir is given only by oral inhalation. Acyclovir is given intravenously or as an orally swallowed drug. Oseltamivir and amantadine are swallowed orally. DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowing REF: p.95 3. Which antiviral drug is most likely to have more severe central nervous system side effects, including worsening of glaucoma? a. Acyclovir b. Amantadine c. Valacyclovir d. Zanamivir ANS: B Amantadine crosses the blood-brain barrier and concentrates in the brain tissues. None of the other drugs concentrate in brain tissues. DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowing REF: p.95 4. A patient presents to the clinic with flu symptoms that began 3 days ago. The patient is wondering why the flu cannot be treated with an antiviral. What is your best response? a. “Antiviral drugs are not useful incombating influenza.” b. “Antiviral drugs are only used for prevention of influenza.” c. “Antiviral drugs can only be given to people who are immunocompromised.” d. “Antiviral drugs work best when given within 48 hours of the start of symptoms.”