Ribavirin

Ribavirin, also known as virazole, is a synthetic nucleoside in which the nitrogenous base is triazolecarboxamide, which acts as an antiviral. Ribavirin can be administered via oral, topical and inhaled.

Ribavirin inhibits in vitro the growth of both DNA and RNA viruses, such as myxoviruses, paramyxoviruses, arenaviruses, bunyaviruses, herpesviruses, adenoviruses, and poxviruses.

Mechanism of action

Ribavirin undergoes a phosphorylation process in infected cells using tissue enzymes such as adenosine kinase.

Ribavirin monophosphate inhibits the synthesis of guanosine monophosphate, reducing its intracellular levels. Ribavirin triphosphate inhibits the enzyme mRNA-guanylyltransferase, inhibiting the synthesis of viral messenger RNA and also RNA polymerase. At high concentrations in vitro it also inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase. In the case of Hepatitis C, it exerts its antiviral effect through various mechanisms, including lethal mutagenesis.

Adverse reactions

Ribavirin can cause macrocytic anemia, neurological and gastrointestinal disorders. By inhalation it can cause conjunctival irritation and skin eruptions. Intravenously anemia, increased bilirubin, iron and uric acid.

It is not recommended during pregnancy due to its teratogenic capacity.

Indications

• Gripe: By inhalation in the flu of less than 24 hours of evolution in high-risk people, by reducing lung complications.
• Respiratory sincitial virus: In infant broncholitis of VSR at its initial stage, usually only in more serious cases
• Lassa Fever.
• Hepatitis C: Along with alfa-2a or alfa-2b pegilated interferon.