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What are Antiviral Medications?
Antiviral medications are drugs specifically designed to prevent or treat viral infections by inhibiting the development and multiplication of viruses in the body. Unlike antibiotics (which treat bacteria), antivirals target viruses, which are much smaller infectious agents.
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How Do Antiviral Medications Work?
Antiviral drugs work by: Preventing viruses from entering or attaching to host cells Inhibiting viral replication (stopping the virus from making copies of itself) Blocking enzymes the virus needs to multiply Boosting the immune response to the virus They do not typically kill viruses outright but limit their ability to multiply and spread.
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Types of Antiviral Medications
1. For Influenza Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) Zanamivir (Relenza) 2. For Herpes Viruses Acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir (Herpes simplex, Shingles, Chickenpox) Ganciclovir (Cytomegalovirus) 3. For HIV/AIDS (Antiretroviral drugs) Tenofovir, emtricitabine, efavirenz, etc. Commonly used in combinations (ART: Antiretroviral Therapy) 4. For Hepatitis Sofosbuvir, ledipasvir (Hepatitis C) Entecavir, tenofovir (Hepatitis B) 5. For COVID-19 Remdesivir, molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid)
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Limitations of Antiviral Drugs
Viruses mutate quickly, which can lead to drug resistance. Few antivirals exist for some viral diseases. Antivirals typically work best when started early in the infection.
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What are antiviral medications used for?
Antiviral medications are used to treat infections caused by viruses, such as influenza, herpes, HIV, hepatitis, and others. They can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, and in some cases, help prevent viral infections.
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Are antiviral medications available over the counter?
Most antiviral medications require a prescription from a healthcare provider, as they are used to treat specific viral infections and should be taken under medical supervision.
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What are the common side effects of antiviral medications?
Side effects may include nausea, headache, diarrhea, fatigue, or dizziness. The specific effects can vary depending on the medication and the condition being treated.
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Where can I buy Antiviral Medications online?
You can purchase antiviral medications online through reputable medical supply sources such as Mountainside Medical Equipment, which offers a variety of prescription antivirals for healthcare providers and clinical facilities.
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Can I find Antiviral Medications near me?
Antiviral medications may be available at your local pharmacy or medical supply store. Mountainside Medical Equipment also provides convenient online ordering and shipping, so you can have antiviral medications delivered directly to your location, depending on your area and prescription requirements.
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Do antiviral medications cure viral infections?
While some antiviral medications can cure certain infections (like hepatitis C), most are used to control symptoms, shorten the duration of illness, or reduce the risk of complications.
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Can I take antiviral medications preventively?
For some viruses, antiviral medications may be prescribed as a preventive measure after exposure or to protect high-risk individuals, but this should always be done under a healthcare provider’s guidance.
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Is it safe to buy antiviral medications online?
It is important to buy antiviral medications only from established medical suppliers like Mountainside Medical Equipment to ensure the safety and authenticity of your medication.