Page 141 - MNU-PM502- Pharmaeutical Microbiology Theoritical Book

Pharm D- Clinical Pharmacy Program Third Level Pharmaceutical Microbiology& Antimicrobials (PM 502)

C. Anti-hepatitis Agents

Hepatitis: inflammation of the liver

Hepatitis B:

• Acute hepatitis B: There is no specific treatment

• Chronic hepatitis B infection can be treated with

➢ Oral antiviral medications: tenofovir or entecavir

➢ Immune modulator drugs: interferons

Interferons

• Immune modulator drugs

• Low molecular weight proteins produced by virus – infected cells that
themselves induce the formation of a second protein inhibiting the
transcription of viral mRNA.

• Three classes of interferons – α, β, γ.
• α and β interferons are produced by all the cells in response to viral infections
• γ interferons are produced only by T lymphocyte and NK cells in response to

cytokines – immune regulating effects
• γ has less anti-viral activity compared to α and β interferons.
• Interferon- α needs to be injected on a daily basis or at least three times weekly

• peginterferon- α 2a it is much longer acting and requires less frequent dosing.
Hepatitis C

Sofosbuvir (Sovaldi)

• Used in combination with other drugs for the treatment of hepatitis C virus

• A nucleotide analog inhibits the RNA polymerase
• Provide a higher cure rate, fewer side effects, and a two- to four-fold reduced

duration of therapy

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