antivirotika

Antivirirotika are medicines used to prevent or treat viral infections. They do not cure all infections or eradicate viruses in every patient, but when used appropriately they can reduce viral replication, shorten illness, and lower the risk of complications or transmission. They are often prescribed for active infections or as post-exposure prophylaxis in high-risk situations and may be used in chronic infections such as HIV or hepatitis B/C as part of combination therapies.

Most antivirirotika target specific viruses or classes by interfering with steps in the viral life cycle, such as entry into cells, replication, or maturation of viral particles. Common mechanisms include nucleoside analogs that inhibit viral polymerases, protease inhibitors that block maturation, neuraminidase inhibitors for influenza, and entry or fusion inhibitors. HIV therapy, known as antiretroviral therapy (ART), typically combines drugs from several classes to suppress viral replication.

Because viruses mutate, resistance can emerge, particularly with improper use or incomplete treatment courses. Safety varies by drug; side effects range from mild to serious and drug interactions are important considerations. Many infections have effective vaccines or non-specific measures; antivirotika complement these tools but are not substitutes for vaccination or public health measures. Access to antivirirotika is guided by clinical guidelines and regulatory approval, with ongoing research to expand coverage to more viruses and to improve resistance profiles.