Antiviral medications can be used to treat many different health conditions that are caused by viruses. Common viral infections that can be treated with antiviral medications include influenza and herpes viruses. These medications can be used to either shorten the course of the disease or, in some cases, to help ward off infection. Antiviral drugs typically work by blocking various steps in the life cycle of the virus. Much like antibiotics, they should only be used as they were prescribed.
Step 1
Tell your doctor beforehand about any other health problems and medications (including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements) that you are taking. This is important to avoid drug interactions or any dose adjustments that may need to take place to compensate for other health problems, such as liver or kidney disease.
Step 2
Take the antiviral medications at the same time each day. As the website FAQs.org explains, many antiviral medications are most effective when there is a constant level of the medication in the patient's system. Taking the drugs at the same time each day helps avoid peaks and valleys in the concentration of the drug in the patient's bloodstream.
Step 3
Take the correct dose. The FDA patient information page for the antiviral medication oseltamivir (sold as Tamiflu) notes that different patients may be prescribed different doses. Another antiviral drug, zanamivir (which is used for influenza, including the H1N1 strain), is prescribed at different doses depending on whether it is being used to prevent or treat cases of influenza.
Step 4
Take the full course of the medications. Some patients stop taking antiviral medications once their symptoms begin to subside. This can cause the virus to come back and re-infect the patient, essentially counteracting the effects of the medication. Taking the full course of the medication maximizes their effectiveness.
