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Ribavirin


Mechanism of action:

Ribavirin is a guanosine analog. The monophosphate form of ribavirin inhibits inosine-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase, lowering intracellular GTP levels and thereby limiting the supply needed for RNA synthesis by RNA viruses. The triphosphate form of ribavirin can be mistakenly recognized by viral RNA polymerases and incorporated into viral RNA, leading to mismatched pairing and an increased mutation rate.

Reference(s):

1. Sidwell RW et al. (2005). In vitro and in vivo influenza virus-inhibitory effects of viramidine. Antiviral Res. 


2. Sidwell RW et al. (1972). Broad-spectrum antiviral activity of Virazole: 1-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide. Science. 


3. Alvarez D et al. (2006). Zidovudine use but not weight-based ribavirin dosing impacts anaemia during HCV treatment in HIV-infected persons. J Viral Hepat.

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