Antiviral (nucleoside analogue): Class Overview and Comparison
Quick answer: Antiviral (nucleoside analogue) are a class of medicines used for specific therapeutic indications. iMedic covers 5 antiviral (nucleoside analogue) substances. Below is a comparison table linking to detailed pages for each.
Antiviral (nucleoside analogue) on iMedic (5 substances)
| Substance | Primary indications | Mechanism | Common dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ganciclovir | Cytomegalovirus retinitis, CMV prophylaxis in transplant recipients | Guanosine nucleoside analogue that inhibits viral DNA polymerase after intracell | 5 mg/kg IV every 12 hours for induction, then 5 mg/kg daily maintenance |
| Valaciclovir | Herpes zoster, Genital herpes | Prodrug of aciclovir that inhibits viral DNA polymerase after phosphorylation by | 500 mg-1 g 1-3 times daily depending on indication |
| Valacyclovir | Herpes zoster, Genital herpes | Prodrug of acyclovir that inhibits viral DNA polymerase after phosphorylation by | 500 mg-1 g 1-3 times daily depending on indication |
| Valcyte | Cytomegalovirus retinitis, CMV prophylaxis in transplant recipients | Brand of valganciclovir, a prodrug of ganciclovir that inhibits viral DNA polyme | 900 mg once or twice daily |
| Valganciclovir | Cytomegalovirus retinitis, CMV prophylaxis in transplant recipients | Prodrug of ganciclovir that is converted to ganciclovir triphosphate, inhibiting | 900 mg once or twice daily |
About Antiviral (nucleoside analogue)
Antiviral (nucleoside analogue) share a common mechanism of action and clinical use. Specific dosing, side effects, contraindications, and drug interactions vary between individual substances within the class. Click any substance above for full prescribing information and patient guidance.
Common considerations across the class
- Indication-specific selection: Different members may be preferred for different conditions or patient populations
- Dose equivalence: Members of the same class are not always interchangeable on a 1:1 dose basis
- Drug interactions: Class members often share interaction profiles (e.g., CYP enzyme effects) but individual variation matters
- Side effects: Some side effects are class-wide; others are substance-specific
- Contraindications: Individual contraindications may not generalize across the class
Always consult the prescribing information for the specific medicine prescribed and discuss with your clinician.
Frequently asked questions
What are Antiviral (nucleoside analogue)?
Antiviral (nucleoside analogue) are medicines that share a common mechanism of action used for specific therapeutic indications. iMedic currently covers 5 substances in this class with detailed pages for each.
Are all Antiviral (nucleoside analogue) interchangeable?
No. While medicines in the same class share a mechanism, they differ in potency, dosing, drug interactions, and tolerability. Switching between them is a clinical decision based on individual response, side effects, and treatment goals.
How do I choose between different Antiviral (nucleoside analogue)?
Selection depends on the specific clinical indication, patient factors (age, comorbidities, kidney/liver function, other medications), tolerability of side effects, cost, and clinician preference. This is a prescribing decision.
Are Antiviral (nucleoside analogue) available as generics?
Most well-established class members are available as generic alternatives, often substantially less expensive than brand-name versions while clinically equivalent. Newer members may still be brand-only.
Last reviewed: by iMedic Medical Editorial Team. Our editorial process.