Neuraminidase inhibitor
Encyclopedia
Neuraminidase inhibitors are a class of antiviral drug
s targeted at the influenza virus, which work by blocking the function of the viral neuraminidase
protein, thus preventing the virus from reproducing by budding
from the host cell.
Oseltamivir
(Tamiflu) a prodrug, Zanamivir (Relenza), Laninamivir
(Inavir), and Peramivir
belong to this class. Unlike the M2
inhibitors, which work only against the influenza A, neuraminidase inhibitors act against both influenza A and influenza B.
Common side effects include nausea
and vomiting
.
Antiviral drug
Antiviral drugs are a class of medication used specifically for treating viral infections. Like antibiotics for bacteria, specific antivirals are used for specific viruses...
s targeted at the influenza virus, which work by blocking the function of the viral neuraminidase
Viral neuraminidase
Viral neuraminidase is a type of neuraminidase found on the surface of influenza viruses that enables the virus to be released from the host cell...
protein, thus preventing the virus from reproducing by budding
Budding
Budding is a form of asexual reproduction in which a new organism grows on another one. The new organism remains attached as it grows, separating from the parent organism only when it is mature. Since the reproduction is asexual, the newly created organism is a clone and is genetically identical...
from the host cell.
Oseltamivir
Oseltamivir
Oseltamivir INN , an antiviral drug, slows the spread of influenza virus between cells in the body by stopping the virus from chemically cutting ties with its host cell; median time to symptom alleviation is reduced by 0.5–1 day. The drug is sold under the trade name Tamiflu, and is taken orally...
(Tamiflu) a prodrug, Zanamivir (Relenza), Laninamivir
Laninamivir
Laninamivir is a neuraminidase inhibitor which is being researched for the treatment and prophylaxis of Influenzavirus A and Influenzavirus B. It is currently in Phase III clinical trials....
(Inavir), and Peramivir
Peramivir
Peramivir is an experimental antiviral drug developed by BioCryst Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of influenza. It has been authorized for the emergency use of treatment of certain hospitalized patients with known or suspected 2009 H1N1 influenza....
belong to this class. Unlike the M2
M2 protein
The M2 protein is a proton-selective ion channel protein, integral in the viral envelope of the influenza A virus. The channel itself is a homotetramer , where the units are helices stabilized by two disulfide bonds...
inhibitors, which work only against the influenza A, neuraminidase inhibitors act against both influenza A and influenza B.
Common side effects include nausea
Nausea
Nausea , is a sensation of unease and discomfort in the upper stomach with an involuntary urge to vomit. It often, but not always, precedes vomiting...
and vomiting
Vomiting
Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of the contents of one's stomach through the mouth and sometimes the nose...
.