What is the Difference Between Antiviral and Antiretroviral?

The main difference between antiviral and antiretroviral drugs lies in the types of viruses they target. Antiviral drugs are medications that target a diverse group of viruses, such as herpes, hepatitis, and influenza viruses, and work by interfering with viral nucleic acid synthesis and/or regulation, or by interfering with the virus's ability to bind with a cell. Antiretroviral drugs, on the other hand, are a special class of antiviral drugs specifically designed to treat retrovirus infections, the most common of which is HIV.

Key differences between antiviral and antiretroviral drugs include:

• Targeted Viruses: Antiviral drugs target a wide range of viruses, while antiretroviral drugs focus on disease-causing retroviruses such as HIV.
• Effectiveness: Antiviral drugs are effective against various viral infections, whereas antiretroviral drugs are effective against a narrower range of viruses.
• Drug Classes: Antiretroviral drugs are a special class of antiviral drugs, with different classes of antiretroviral drugs acting on different stages of the HIV life cycle.

In summary, antiviral drugs are used to treat a broad range of viral infections, while antiretroviral drugs are a specific type of antiviral drug designed to target retrovirus infections, primarily HIV.

Comparative Table: Antiviral vs Antiretroviral

Here is a table comparing the differences between antiviral and antiretroviral drugs:

Antiviral and antiretroviral drugs are both used to treat viral infections, but they target different types of viruses. Antiviral drugs target a diverse group of viruses, such as herpes, hepatitis, and influenza, while antiretroviral drugs specifically target retroviruses like HIV. Both types of drugs inhibit different stages of the viral life cycle and come in various formulations, including tablets, capsules, and topical creams.