Question 1

The pharmacologic mechanism of action of didanosine is:&#10;A) Nucleoside analog&#10;B) Neuraminidase inhibitor&#10;C) Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor&#10;D) Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor&#10;E) Protease inhibitor

Accepted Answer

Didanosine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor.

Question 2

The pharmacologic mechanism of action of acyclovir includes:&#10;A) Inhibits DNA polymerases&#10;B) Inhibits reverse transcriptase&#10;C) Prevents viral entry into the cell&#10;D) Spontaneous lysis of virus&#10;E) Inhibits viral proteases

Accepted Answer

Acyclovir triphosphate inhibits virus growth in three ways. First, it competitively inhibits DNA polymerases, with human DNA polymerases being significantly less susceptible than viral enzymes. Second, it terminates DNA elongation. Third, it produces irreversible binding between viral DNA polymerase and the interrupted chain, causing permanent inactivation.

Deck 51: Antiviral Agents