Mechanism of action of acyclovir with Video

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug used mainly for herpes zoster infection.
Acyclovir is selectively acted upon by the viral thymidine kinase.
The enzyme phosphorylates acyclovir to a monophosphate.
The acyclovir monophosphate (acyclo-GMP) is subsequently converted to acyclovir triphosphate (acyclo- GTP) by human enzymes.
Acyclo-GTP persists is a potent inhibitor viral DNA polymerase compared to human DNA polymerases. Thus, viral replication is selectively inhibited in the infected cells.

1. Acyclovir Mechanism of action of

2. Acyclovir is a guanosine analogue

3. Viral thymidine kinase GMP kinase Nucleoside diphosphate kinase

4. Specificity Uninfected cells do not phosphorylate significant amounts of acyclovir to acyclovir-5’-monophosphate Acyclovir triphosphate is a more potent inhibitor of viral DNA polymerase than of the analogous host cell enzymes. 19 th ed. p.897

5. C onfusion of new onset (defined as an  AMTS  of 8 or less) Blood  U rea nitrogen greater than 7 mmol/l (19 mg/dL) R espiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute or greater B lood pressure less than 90 mmHg systolic or diastolic blood pressure 60 mmHg or less Age  65  or older

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