Nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) are a class of antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV. They work by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme, preventing the virus from replicating.
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NRTIs function by mimicking the natural nucleotides, causing premature DNA chain termination during viral replication.
Common NRTIs include zidovudine (AZT), lamivudine (3TC), and tenofovir (TDF).
They are often used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs to enhance efficacy and reduce resistance.
Side effects can include mitochondrial toxicity, lactic acidosis, and hepatic steatosis.
NRTIs require phosphorylation to become active within cells.
Review Questions
What is the primary mechanism of action for NRTIs?
Name three common nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors used in HIV treatment.
What are some potential side effects associated with NRTIs?
Related terms
Antiretroviral therapy (ART): A treatment regimen for HIV/AIDS that includes a combination of antiretroviral drugs.
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs): A class of antiretroviral drugs that inhibit reverse transcriptase but do not require phosphorylation.
Protease inhibitors (PIs): A class of antiviral drugs that prevent viral replication by inhibiting the protease enzyme needed for cleaving protein precursors necessary for producing infectious viral particles.
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