Which drug class combats a specific viral disease such as herpes?

Which drug class combats a specific viral disease such as herpes?

• A. Antiviral
• B. Bronchodilator
• C. Diuretic
• D. DMARDs

Answer: (A)

Antiviral drugs are designed to stop viral replication, offering targeted action against viruses like herpes simplex. In herpes infections, antiviral therapy uses medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir, which are nucleoside analogs that must be activated by a viral enzyme (thymidine kinase). Once activated, they inhibit viral DNA polymerase and cause chain termination, preventing the virus from copying its genome. This selective mechanism reduces viral replication with relatively limited effects on host cells. Other classes do not target viruses: bronchodilators relieve bronchoconstriction in asthma/COPD; diuretics promote fluid loss; DMARDs modify immune responses in autoimmune diseases. Therefore, the antiviral class is the one that combats a viral disease such as herpes.

Antiviral drugs are designed to stop viral replication, offering targeted action against viruses like herpes simplex. In herpes infections, antiviral therapy uses medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir, which are nucleoside analogs that must be activated by a viral enzyme (thymidine kinase). Once activated, they inhibit viral DNA polymerase and cause chain termination, preventing the virus from copying its genome. This selective mechanism reduces viral replication with relatively limited effects on host cells. Other classes do not target viruses: bronchodilators relieve bronchoconstriction in asthma/COPD; diuretics promote fluid loss; DMARDs modify immune responses in autoimmune diseases. Therefore, the antiviral class is the one that combats a viral disease such as herpes.