Ribavirin: Chemical Structure, Mechanism of Action, Uses & Side Effects

Chemical Formula:

• C8H12N4O5

Structure of Ribavirin

Mechanism of Action:

• Ribavirin is a broad-spectrum antiviral agent.

• Its precise mechanism of action is not well understood, but it is believed to work through multiple pathways, including inhibiting viral RNA synthesis, interfering with viral mRNA capping, and modulating the host immune response.

Uses:

• Ribavirin is primarily used in combination with interferon-alpha or direct-acting antivirals to treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

• It is also used as an aerosol for the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in infants and young children.

Side Effects:

Some common side effects of ribavirin include:

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Nausea

• Insomnia

• Anemia

Serious side effects may include:

• Hemolytic anemia

• Teratogenicity (birth defects)

• Suicidal ideation