Ribavirin
Ribavirin (RBV) is a nucleoside antimetabolite antiviral drug that blocks nucleic acid synthesis that is used to treat both RNA and DNA viruses, including hepatitis C virus (HCV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). An oral formulation is used in combination with interferon drugs in the treatment of HCV, but the aerosol form is used to treatet RSV. Its structural similarity with RNA molecules (its contains a ribose derivative) allows it to inhibit the enzyme RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. The triphosphate form of the drug inhibits inosine monophosphate (IMP) dehydrogenase (IMPD), viral RNA polymerase and messenger RNA (mRNA) viral guanylyltransferase. Incorporation of the drug into the viral genome cause lethal mutations.
Its IUPAC chemical name is 1-[(2R,3R,4S,5R)-3,4-dihydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-2-yl]-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide and its molecular formula is C8H12N4O5.