Introductory Clinical Pharmacology Chapter 14 Antiviral Drugs Copyright

Antivirals: Actions • Combat viral infections • Interfere with the virus’s ability to reproduce

Medications to Recognize • Antiviral – acyclovir (Zovirax) – amantadine (Symmetrel) – valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Antivirals: Adverse Reactions • Gastrointestinal reactions – Nausea and/or vomiting; diarrhea • Other reactions

Antivirals: Contraindications and Precautions • Use during pregnancy and lactation only when the benefit

Antiretrovirals: Actions • Retroviruses: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART); combination of drugs: – Protease

Antiretrovirals: Uses and Adverse Reactions • Used in the treatment of HIV and AIDS

Nursing Process: Assessment • Preadministration assessment – Determine the patient’s general state of health

Nursing Process: Assessment (cont’d) • Ongoing assessment – Monitor for and report any adverse

Nursing Process: Implementation • Educating the patient and family – Explain the dosage regimen

Nursing Process: Evaluation • The therapeutic effect is achieved; symptoms of the disease process

End of Presentation Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

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Antivirals: Actions • Combat viral infections • Interfere with the virus’s ability to reproduce in a cell • Examples of Viral Infections: – West Nile, Hepatitis C, Most Respiratory Infxs, Common Colds, Influenza, HIV, Herpes Simplex 1 and 2 (genital) and Herpes Zoster Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Medications to Recognize • Antiviral – acyclovir (Zovirax) – amantadine (Symmetrel) – valacyclovir (Valtrex) – Abreva topical • Anti-retroviral (HIV Treatment) – Sustiva – Epivir – zidovudine (AZT) / (Retrovir) – Combivir Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Antiretrovirals: Actions • Retroviruses: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART); combination of drugs: – Protease inhibitors – Reverse transcriptase inhibitors – Attachment and fusion inhibitors Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Antiretrovirals: Uses and Adverse Reactions • Used in the treatment of HIV and AIDS • Adverse reactions – Gastrointestinal reactions: Nausea, vomiting; diarrhea; altered taste • Other reactions: Headache; fever; chills; rash; numbness and tingling in the circumoral area (around the mouth) or peripherally or both Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Nursing Process: Assessment • Preadministration assessment – Determine the patient’s general state of health and resistance to infection – Record vital signs, symptoms, and complaints – Additional assessments may be necessary in certain types of viral infections Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Nursing Process: Assessment (cont’d) • Ongoing assessment – Monitor for and report any adverse reactions from the antiviral drug – Inspects the IV site several times a day for redness, inflammation, or pain and report any signs of phlebitis Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Nursing Process: Implementation • Educating the patient and family – Explain the dosage regimen and advise to take the drug as prescribed only – Educate the patient of potential adverse reactions and explain the necessity of contacting the primary health care provider immediately if symptoms or adverse reactions occur Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Nursing Process: Evaluation • The therapeutic effect is achieved; symptoms of the disease process subside or diminish • Adverse reactions are identified, reported, and managed • Patient and family demonstrate understanding of the drug regimen • Patient verbalizes the importance of complying with the prescribed therapeutic regimen Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.