Common Types of Antiviral Medications Neuraminidase Inhibitors (e.g., Oseltamivir/Tamiflu, Zanamivir/Relenza): Commonly used for influenza A and B, these drugs work by blocking the enzyme neuraminidase, which the flu virus needs to spread to new cells. Nucleoside and Nucleotide Analogues (e.g., Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Tenofovir): These drugs mimic the building blocks of viral DNA, disrupting the virus’s ability to copy its genome. They’re frequently used for herpes, hepatitis, and HIV. Protease Inhibitors (e.g., Ritonavir, Lopinavir): Often used in HIV treatment, these drugs inhibit the protease enzyme, which viruses need to mature and become infectious. Integrase Inhibitors (e.g., Dolutegravir, Raltegravir): Used mainly for HIV, they block the virus's ability to integrate its DNA into human DNA, stopping the infection from spreading further. Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs) (e.g., Sofosbuvir, Ledipasvir): These target specific proteins in viruses like hepatitis C, making th...