[Drugs active against respiratory viruses]

Few molecules are active against respiratory viruses. In upper respiratory tract infections, which are frequent and fortunately not severe, their deficiency is not a problem. However some molecules are able to block in vitro the interaction between a rhinovirus and its receptor: anti-receptor antibodies, soluble ICAM-1, capsid-binding agents. The lower respiratory tract infections (bronchiolitis, pneumonia...), mainly due to respiratory syncytial virus and influenza viruses are potentially more severe, and 2 groups of compounds are or have been used in these infections: amantadine and ribavirin. Ribavirin is effective in respiratory infections due to respiratory syncytial, influenza and parainfluenza viruses, and on many other viruses. Its toxicity needs to administrate it as an aerosol, and in France, ribavirin is used as compassional treatment in severe forms of bronchiolitis or pneumonia due to respiratory syncytial virus, and in high-risk children. Anti-parkinsonian drugs, related to amantadine (Mantadix, Roflual) are no longer on sale. Therefore there is no active molecule yet available against these viruses.