Ribavirin
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| ribavirin | |||||||
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| Uses: | treat RNA or DNA viruses | ||||||
| Properties: | nucleic acid competitor | ||||||
| Hazards: | see drug interactions | ||||||
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Ribavirin (RBV) is a nucleoside antimetabolite antiviral drug that blocks nucleic acid synthesis that is used to treat both RNA and DNA viruses, including hepatitis C virus (HCV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). An oral formulation is used in combination with interferon drugs in the treatment of HCV, but the aerosol form is used to treatet RSV. Its structural similarity with RNA molecules (its contains a ribose derivative) allows it to inhibit the enzyme RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. The triphosphate form of the drug inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPD), viral RNA polymerase and messenger RNA (mRNA) viral guanylyltransferase. Incorporation of the drug into the viral genome causes lethal mutations.
Its IUPAC chemical name is 1-[(2R,3R,4S,5R)-3,4-dihydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-2-yl]-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide and its molecular formula is C8H12N4O5, giving it a molecular mass of 244.2047 g/mol.
Synonyms and brand names
synonyms
- RBV
- Ribavirin Triphosphate
- Ribavirina
- Ribavirine
- Ribavirinum
Brand Names
- Copegus®
- RIBAV®
- RTC®
- RTCA®
- RTP®
- Rebetol®
- Rebetron®
- Rebretron®
- Ribamide®
- Ribamidil®
- Ribamidyl®
- Ribasphere®
- Ribavirin Capsules®
- Ribavirin-TP®
- Tribavirin®
- Varazid®
- Vilona®
- Viramid®
- Virazid®
- Virazole®
- Virazole 5'-triphosphate®
External links
The most up-to-date information about Ribavirin and other drugs can be found at the following sites.
- Ribavirin - FDA approved drug information (drug label) from DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine).
- Ribavirin - Drug information for consumers from MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine).
- Ribavirin - Detailed information from DrugBank.