Ribavirin

1 - [( 2R, 3R, 4R, 5R ) -3,4 -dihydroxy- 5 -hydroxymethyl- oxolane -2-yl ] -1,2,4-triazole -3-carboxamide (IUPAC)

J05AB04

Antivirals

Slightly soluble in water; sparingly soluble in ethanol

Risk

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

Ribavirin is a nucleoside analogue and acts virostatic against a number of DNA and RNA viruses such as Hepatitis C virus, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza viruses, herpes viruses, arena viruses, hantavirus and adenoviruses. It is used as a drug.

Mechanism of action

Ribavirin is a polymerase inhibitor, which inhibits both the growth of DNA and RNA viruses, it is not effective against retroviruses. Chemically it is an analogue of guanosine and ribavirin is phosphorylated intracellularly; in the form of the monophosphate inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, then competitively and thus the formation of guanosine monophosphate, a basic building block of DNA and RNA. Ribavirin also acts on the immune system, the complete mechanism of action is not precisely known.

Application

Ribavirin is administered orally in combination with interferon - α -2a or peginterferon α -2a indicated for the treatment of hepatitis C.

As aerosol ribavirin was displayed in severe infections by respiratory syncytial virus in infants and children. According to the Robert Koch Institute efficacy of the drug in vitro could be demonstrated. However, placebo -controlled studies have demonstrated no safe positive effect on the patient. Therefore, ribavirin therapy of RSV infection by the Robert Koch Institute is no longer recommended.

In addition, ribavirin is used against Lassa fever, Crimean- Congo fever or hantaviruses in the initial stage.

For the treatment of herpes are cheaper and better effective means available ( acyclovir ), the same is true for the treatment of influenza with oseltamivir about.