Vidarabine

Definition

Vidarabine is an antiviral drug used primarily for the treatment of herpes simplex and varicella-zoster viruses. It works by inhibiting viral DNA synthesis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vidarabine is a nucleoside analog that interferes with the replication of viral DNA.
2. It was one of the first antiviral agents effective against herpes viruses.
3. Vidarabine is often administered topically or intravenously due to its poor oral bioavailability.
4. The drug is primarily metabolized in the liver and excreted through the kidneys.
5. Resistance to vidarabine can develop, typically due to mutations in the viral DNA polymerase.

Review Questions

• What type of viruses is vidarabine most effective against?
• How does vidarabine inhibit viral replication?
• Why might resistance to vidarabine develop?

Related terms

Acyclovir: An antiviral medication used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses.

Nucleoside Analog: A class of antiviral drugs that mimic natural nucleosides and interfere with viral replication.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): A virus causing contagious sores, most often around the mouth or on the genitals.