Antivícs

Antivícs are medicines used to treat viral infections by inhibiting replication of viruses. They are distinct from antibiotics, which target bacteria. In Catalan-language contexts, antivícs refers to antiviral drugs used to treat infections caused by various viruses, including herpesviruses, influenza, HIV, and hepatitis.

Antivícs act at different stages of the viral life cycle. Some resemble natural substrates and inhibit viral polymerases and enzymes; others block entry, uncoating, maturation, or release of new virions. Because viruses rely on host cells, antivícs aim to target viral enzymes or processes with acceptable selectivity, but side effects and drug interactions can occur.

Major classes and examples include: nucleoside and nucleotide analogs (acyclovir for herpesviruses; lamivudine and tenofovir for HIV and hepatitis B); protease inhibitors (used in HIV therapy); neuraminidase inhibitors for influenza (oseltamivir, zanamivir); HIV integrase inhibitors (raltegravir); and RNA polymerase inhibitors (remdesivir). Direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C (sofosbuvir, ledipasvir) target viral proteins to cure many infections.

Clinical use varies by virus and infection stage. Antivícs are most effective when started early in acute illness or as part of combination therapy for chronic infections. Resistance can emerge with improper use, highlighting the importance of appropriate prescribing, monitoring, and, where possible, vaccination and prevention strategies.