Antivirals (herpesvirus)
- Inhibit herpesvirus DNA replication
- Acyclovir/valacyclovir: HSV/VZV
- Ganciclovir/valganciclovir: CMV
- Most require viral kinase activation
- Kidney dosing is often important
- Myelosuppression is notable with ganciclovir
Class at a glance
- Inhibit herpesvirus DNA replication
Members / distinctions
- Acyclovir/valacyclovir: HSV/VZV
- Ganciclovir/valganciclovir: CMV
Other member distinctions
- Most require viral kinase activation
- Kidney dosing is often important
Practical pearls
- Myelosuppression is notable with ganciclovir
Self-check
- How does Antivirals (herpesvirus) work?
Inhibit herpesvirus DNA replication. - Which toxicity is notable with ganciclovir?
Myelosuppression.
Drugs in this class (9)
Antivirals (herpesvirus) prescription history
Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Antivirals (non-HIV) (1966–2026). Herpes / CMV highlighted from 1982.
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