antibioticsbooks

Neuraminidase
Inhibitors
34
Agents: oseltamivir, zanamivir
The neuraminidase inhibitors are anti-influenza
virus drugs that have activity against influenza A
and B strains, unlike amandatine and rimantidine,
older drugs that are active only against influenza
A strains. They work by preventing the viral neuraminidase
enzyme from releasing new virions from
the host cell, preventing further replication. The
two drugs differ in their form of delivery: oseltamivir
is an oral pro-drug, while zanamivir is inhaled.
They can be used in either the treatment of influenza
or as prophylaxis for patients who cannot
take the influenza vaccine.
Mechanism of Action
These drugs are competitive inhibitors of viral
neuraminidase, an enzyme responsible for several
functions of the influenza virus, including the
release of new virions from infected cells.
Spectrum
Good: influenza A and B
Poor: other viruses