Therapeutic Effects: Brivudine is an antiviral drug primarily used for the treatment of herpes zoster (shingles), which is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It is effective in reducing the duration and severity of shingles symptoms, such as rash and pain. Additionally, Brivudine has been found to be effective in treating other herpes virus infections, including herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections.
Mechanism of Action: Brivudine is a nucleoside analog that undergoes phosphorylation by viral thymidine kinase to form the active triphosphate form. This active metabolite inhibits viral DNA polymerase, thereby blocking the elongation of the viral DNA chain. As a result, Brivudine effectively halts viral DNA replication and, consequently, viral proliferation.
