Principles of Antiviral Chemotherapy and HIV Treatment

This critical topic for Zambian university students in pharmacology and medicine addresses the unique challenges of treating viral infections. It begins with the general principles of antiviral drug design, focusing on nucleoside analogs and prodrugs that target viral replication cycles. The module then details specific agents for influenza (neuraminidase inhibitors like oseltamivir), herpesviruses (acyclovir, valacyclovir), and hepatitis B/C (lamivudine, interferons). A major focus is the pharmacology of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) for HIV, covering the six main drug classes: NRTIs, NNRTIs, Protease Inhibitors, Integrase Inhibitors, Fusion Inhibitors, and CCR5 antagonists. Given the significant impact of HIV and other viral diseases in Zambia, this knowledge is indispensable for students aiming to work in clinical management, public health policy, or pharmaceutical care, ensuring they are prepared to understand and apply complex modern treatment regimens.