Last Updated on November 27, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

At Liv Hospital we know how vital it is to find good treatments for viral infections. Our antiviral drugs list aims to help patients find the best care.

Viral infections like the flu, COVID-19, and hepatitis need specific treatments. We’ve made big strides in creating antiviral medications to fight these diseases.

Our list covers a variety of antiviral medication names and examples. For the flu, we have oseltamivir, zanamivir, and baloxavir. For COVID-19, we have Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) and molnupiravir.

We want to help patients get better and stay healthy by giving them access to these advanced treatments.

Key Takeaways

• Comprehensive list of antiviral medications for various viral infections.
• Examples of antiviral medications for influenza and COVID-19.
• Access to cutting-edge therapies guided by global standards.
• Patient-centered approach to treating viral infections.
• Importance of targeted treatments for effective recovery.

Understanding Antiviral Medications

It’s important to know how antiviral medications work. They are used to treat viral infections. These drugs stop viruses from making more copies in our bodies.

How Antiviral Drugs Work

Antiviral medications target specific parts of the virus’s life cycle. This targeted approach helps lessen the severity and length of viral infections. For example, some drugs block the virus’s enzymes needed for replication.

Differences Between Antivirals and Antibiotics

Many people think antivirals and antibiotics are the same. But, they are fundamentally different in how they work and what they treat. Antibiotics fight bacterial infections by killing or stopping bacteria from growing. Antivirals, on the other hand, target viral infections.

Characteristics	Antivirals	Antibiotics
Target	Viruses	Bacteria
Mechanism of Action	Inhibit viral replication	Kill or inhibit bacterial growth
Examples	Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), Acyclovir (Zovirax)	Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin

Knowing these differences helps us see the unique role of antiviral medications. They are key in treating viral infections like the flu, herpes, and HIV.

The Importance of Antiviral Drugs in Modern Medicine

Antiviral drugs are key in today’s medicine. They help treat many viral infections. Their role in healthcare is big and important.

Reducing Hospitalization Rates

Antiviral drugs help lower hospital stays. For example, Paxlovid has been shown to cut down hospital visits for COVID-19. A study found that Paxlovid reduced hospital risks more than a placebo.

Preventing Viral Complications

These drugs also stop serious viral problems. They manage infections well, avoiding big issues. For instance, flu treatments can stop pneumonia, a big risk for the elderly and young kids.

The benefits are many:

• They make infections less severe.
• They stop viruses from spreading.
• They lower the chance of serious problems.
• They help patients get better.

Seeing how vital antiviral drugs are helps us value their role in medicine. They are key to better health for all.

Complete Antiviral Drugs List and Classification

It’s key to know the different types of antiviral drugs for treating viral infections. We sort antiviral meds into groups based on how they work. This helps pick the right treatment for each viral infection.

Nucleoside and Nucleotide Analogues

Nucleoside and nucleotide analogues stop viruses from making more copies by blocking DNA synthesis. Acylovir fights herpes simplex virus, and tenofovir helps with HIV and hepatitis B. These drugs mimic the virus’s DNA building blocks, stopping viral DNA polymerase.

Protease Inhibitors

Protease inhibitors are vital for treating HIV and hepatitis C. They block the protease enzyme needed for virus maturation. Lopinavir and darunavir are used in HIV treatment. By stopping protease, these drugs halt virus replication.

Neuraminidase Inhibitors

Neuraminidase inhibitors are used mainly for flu treatment and prevention. They block the neuraminidase enzyme on flu viruses, stopping new virus release. Oseltamivir and zanamivir reduce flu symptoms’ severity and duration.

Top Antiviral Medications for Influenza

Several antiviral medications are effective against influenza. Knowing their differences is important for treatment. Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious illness caused by viruses. These drugs can reduce symptoms and prevent complications.

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)

Oseltamivir, known as Tamiflu, is widely used to treat the flu.

Mechanism of Action

It blocks the neuraminidase enzyme on the virus. This stops new virus particles from spreading.

Dosage and Administration

Oseltamivir is taken orally, twice a day for 5 days. Dosage depends on age and weight.

Zanamivir (Relenza)

Zanamivir, or Relenza, is another key medication for the flu.

Inhalation Method

It’s inhaled using a Diskhaler device. This targets the virus in the respiratory tract.

Effectiveness Data

Studies show zanamivir shortens and lessens flu symptoms. It’s most effective when started within 48 hours.

Peramivir (Rapivab)

Peramivir, or Rapivab, is given intravenously. It’s for patients who can’t take other forms of medication.

Like oseltamivir and zanamivir, peramivir blocks the neuraminidase enzyme. It’s given as a single dose.

Baloxavir Marboxil (Xofluza)

Baloxavir marboxil, or Xofluza, is a new medication for the flu.

It works by stopping the virus’s replication. It’s given as a single dose, making it easy to use.

Amantadine and Rimantadine

Amantadine and rimantadine were once used for influenza A. But, resistance has made them less effective.

Antiviral Medication	Mechanism of Action	Administration Method
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)	Neuraminidase inhibitor	Oral
Zanamivir (Relenza)	Neuraminidase inhibitor	Inhalation
Peramivir (Rapivab)	Neuraminidase inhibitor	Intravenous
Baloxavir Marboxil (Xofluza)	Cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor	Oral

Each medication has its own way of working and how it’s given. Knowing these details helps doctors choose the best treatment.

We’ve looked at the top antiviral medications for the flu. We’ve covered how they work, how much to take, and how to take it. This information helps doctors give the best care to flu patients.

COVID-19 Antiviral Medications

COVID-19 antiviral medications are a big step forward in treating the disease. They offer effective treatments for patients. These medicines are key in fighting the pandemic, helping to lower hospital rates and improve health outcomes.

Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir (Paxlovid)

Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir, or Paxlovid, is an oral treatment for mild to moderate COVID-19. It has been shown to cut down the chance of needing hospital care.

Efficacy Against Hospitalization

Studies have shown Paxlovid greatly lowers the risk of hospitalization and death in high-risk groups. It’s a valuable choice for those at higher risk of severe COVID-19.

Drug Interactions

Paxlovid can interact with other drugs, which might cause side effects. Doctors must check a patient’s current medications before giving Paxlovid.

Molnupiravir (Lagevrio)

Molnupiravir, or Lagevrio, is an oral treatment for mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults at high risk. It has shown some effectiveness, but it’s usually used when other options are not available.

Remdesivir (Veklury)

Remdesivir, or Veklury, is an antiviral given through an IV for COVID-19 treatment. It’s for hospitalized patients and those at high risk of severe disease.

Intravenous Administration

Remdesivir needs to be given in a hospital or clinical setting. This limits its use compared to oral treatments like Paxlovid and Lagevrio.

Treatment Timeline

Remdesivir treatment lasts several days. The exact time depends on the patient’s condition and how they respond.

We summarize the key features of these COVID-19 antiviral medications in the following table:

Medication	Administration Route	Efficacy	Notable Considerations
Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir (Paxlovid)	Oral	Reduces hospitalization risk	Potential drug interactions
Molnupiravir (Lagevrio)	Oral	Effective for high-risk patients	Used when other options are not suitable
Remdesivir (Veklury)	Intravenous	Used for hospitalized patients	Requires clinical setting for administration

Antiviral Drugs for Hepatitis Treatment

Antiviral drugs are key in treating hepatitis, giving hope to patients worldwide. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by viruses like hepatitis B and C. New antiviral medicines have greatly improved treatment results for these chronic infections.

Sofosbuvir (Sovaldi)

Sofosbuvir is a powerful drug against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. It blocks the NS5B protein needed for the virus to multiply. Studies show that sofosbuvir, with other drugs, can cure most HCV patients, even those with hard-to-treat types.

Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir (Harvoni)

Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir combines sofosbuvir with ledipasvir, an NS5A inhibitor. This combo is very effective against HCV genotype 1, with SVR rates over 90% in many studies. It makes treatment easier and boosts patient adherence.

Entecavir (Baraclude)

Entecavir is a key drug for hepatitis B virus (HBV) treatment. It stops HBV DNA polymerase, reducing viral replication. Entecavir effectively lowers HBV DNA levels and improves liver health in chronic hepatitis B patients.

Tenofovir (Viread)

Tenofovir treats HBV infection as a nucleotide analogue. It blocks HBV DNA polymerase. Tenofovir reduces HBV DNA levels and slows disease progression in chronic hepatitis B patients. It’s also used in HIV treatment.

Ribavirin

Ribavirin is used with other drugs to treat HCV. It stops viral RNA synthesis and replication. Ribavirin, with sofosbuvir and other antivirals, boosts treatment success and SVR rates.

Combination Therapy Approaches

Combining different antiviral drugs is key in hepatitis treatment, mainly for HCV. This approach improves treatment results, reduces resistance, and enhances efficacy. For example, sofosbuvir with ledipasvir or other antivirals is a standard treatment for various HCV genotypes.

Side Effect Profile

Antiviral drugs for hepatitis are mostly safe but can have side effects. Common issues include fatigue, headaches, and stomach problems. It’s important to watch for side effects and adjust treatments as needed to get the best results. For more on approved drugs for adults, visit the Hepatitis B Foundation website.

“The advent of direct-acting antivirals has revolutionized the treatment of hepatitis C, giving cure rates that were previously unimaginable.” – Dr. an

Herpes and Cytomegalovirus Antiviral Agents

Managing viral infections like herpes and cytomegalovirus needs different antiviral drugs. These infections can be very harmful, mainly to people with weakened immune systems. We will look at the drugs used to treat these infections, focusing on how they work and their uses.

Acyclovir (Zovirax)

Acyclovir is a drug that stops viral DNA from making more copies. It’s mainly used for herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, such as genital herpes and shingles. It helps make symptoms less severe and shorter. We often give acyclovir for the first time and for when symptoms come back.

Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Valacyclovir is a form of acyclovir that is easier for the body to use. It’s used for the same things as acyclovir, like HSV and shingles. It’s better because you don’t have to take it as often, making it easier for some people to take.

Famciclovir (Famvir)

Famciclovir is another drug for herpes infections. It turns into penciclovir in the body, which stops viruses from making more copies. It works against HSV and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It’s easier to take than acyclovir, which helps people stick to their treatment.

Ganciclovir (Cytovene)

Ganciclovir treats cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections, mainly in people with weak immune systems. It stops CMV DNA polymerase. Ganciclovir is given through an IV for serious CMV infections, like CMV retinitis. We watch patients for side effects like low white blood cell count.

Valganciclovir (Valcyte)

Valganciclovir is an oral version of ganciclovir, making it easier to take for CMV treatment. It’s used to prevent CMV in transplant patients and to treat CMV retinitis. Its oral form makes it easier to manage CMV infections long-term. We often choose valganciclovir for its good balance of effectiveness and ease of use.

HIV Antiviral Medications

HIV treatment has changed a lot with new antiviral drugs. These medicines have greatly improved life for those with HIV. We will look at some important HIV treatment drugs.

Dolutegravir (Tivicay)

Dolutegravir is a drug that stops HIV from copying itself. It’s very effective and has few side effects. It’s also easy to take once a day.

Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Biktarvy is a single pill that combines three drugs. It works well to keep HIV under control.

Single-Tablet Regimen Benefits

Regimens like Biktarvy make treatment easier. They reduce the number of pills needed. This helps patients stick to their treatment plan.

Long-Term Management

Managing HIV long-term means keeping the virus down and handling side effects. It’s important to check in regularly and adjust treatment as needed.

Darunavir (Prezista)

Darunavir is a protease inhibitor used with other drugs to treat HIV. It’s effective because it’s hard for the virus to develop resistance against it.

Efavirenz (Sustiva)

Efavirenz is an NNRTI used in HIV treatment. It works well but can cause side effects like brain problems.

Raltegravir (Isentress)

Raltegravir is an INSTI that treats HIV. It has fewer side effects and is good for patients who need a specific treatment plan.

In conclusion, there are many HIV treatment options. The best treatment is one that fits the patient’s needs. It’s important to stick to the treatment plan and make changes as needed.

Conclusion: The Future of Antiviral Therapy

The future of antiviral therapy looks bright. Ongoing research is leading to new and better treatments. This means we’ll have more ways to fight viral infections.

New drugs are being made to tackle viruses we haven’t seen before. These treatments have already helped with many viral diseases. This includes infections like the flu, herpes, HIV, and hepatitis.

There are many types of antiviral medicines now. These include nucleoside and nucleotide analogues, protease inhibitors, and neuraminidase inhibitors. These have changed how we treat viral diseases. As research goes on, we’ll see even better treatments.

We’re dedicated to top-notch healthcare for everyone, including international patients. As new antiviral medicines come out, we’ll keep our patients up to date. This way, they can get the best care possible.

FAQ

References

• American Medical Association (AMA): https://www.ama-assn.org/public-health/infectious-diseases/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-covid-19-oral-antivirals
• Intrepid Alliance: https://www.intrepidalliance.org/antiviral-pipeline/
• GoodRx: https://www.goodrx.com/classes/nucleoside-analogue-antivirals