title: Influenza virus inhibitors available for the chemotherapy and/or chemoprophylaxis of influenza virus infections.
abstract: There are, at present, only three (classes of) compounds that could be considered for the chemotherapy and -prophylaxis of influenza virus infections: ribavirin, amantadine/rimantadine and the neuraminidase inhibitors zanamivir and oseltamivir. The latter, also known under the registered name of Tamiflu, seems to be the most indicated, as it is effective against influenza A and B virus infections and can be conveniently administered orally in capsule form (twice daily). In the wake of a potential influenza A virus pandemic it may be advisable to have at hand sufficient amounts of oseltamivir to affront such emerging infection.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: De Clercq
mesh_terms: D000547:Amantadine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009439:Neuraminidase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009976:Orthomyxoviridae Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012299:Rimantadine / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D012299:Rimantadine; D012254:Ribavirin; D000547:Amantadine; D009439:Neuraminidase