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Antiviral Drugs in Newborn and Children

Claudette L Poole1, David W Kimberlin1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1600 6th Avenue South, CHB 308, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA.

Pediatric Clinics of North America
|November 28, 2017
PubMed

Insights

This review covers approved antiviral drugs for treating viral infections in infants and children, including influenza and herpes simplex virus. It details drug actions, resistance, and side effects for pediatric antiviral therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Antiviral Therapeutics

Background:

  • Antiviral medications are crucial for managing various infections in pediatric populations.
  • Understanding drug profiles is essential for effective and safe treatment.
  • Specific challenges exist in treating viral diseases in immunocompromised children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of approved antiviral medications for pediatric use.
  • To summarize key aspects of commonly prescribed antiviral drugs, including mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and side effects.
  • To address the treatment and prophylaxis of specific viral infections in children, such as influenza, neonatal herpes simplex virus, congenital cytomegalovirus, and viral diseases in immunocompromised hosts.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of approved antiviral medications for pediatric use.
  • Synthesis of information on drug categories, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and adverse effects.
  • Focus on clinical relevance and common prescribing practices in pediatric antiviral therapy.

Main Results:

  • Detailed information on antiviral drugs for influenza, neonatal herpes simplex virus, and congenital cytomegalovirus.
  • Discussion of antiviral strategies for immunocompromised pediatric patients.
  • Overview of available treatments for hepatitis B and C in children.

Conclusions:

  • Clinically relevant antiviral options are available for a range of pediatric viral infections.
  • A thorough understanding of antiviral drug properties is necessary for optimal pediatric patient care.
  • This review serves as a guide to current antiviral therapies for infants and children.

Keywords:
CytomegalovusHepatitisHerpes simplex virusInfluenza

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