antiviral
Virus-Fighting Drug
Plain-language definition
Medications used to treat viral infections. In ophthalmology, antivirals like acyclovir and valacyclovir treat herpes simplex and herpes zoster eye infections.
Where this term comes up
“Valacyclovir (brand name Valtrex) is an oral antiviral medication used to treat and prevent ocular infections caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV).”
Medication · Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
“Treated with antiviral medications such as oral valacyclovir or topical trifluridine”
Condition · Herpes Simplex Keratitis
“Antivirals (for viral retinitis)”
Treatment · Intravitreal Injection
- Category
- Medication
- Also written as
- antivirals
Medication terms describe drugs or drug classes that may be used in eye care, neurology, inflammation, infection, or pain treatment.
Related glossary terms
- macula
Central Retina
- acyclovir
Herpes Antiviral
- conjunctiva
Eye Surface Membrane
- cornea
Clear Front Window
- trifluridine
Antiviral Eye Drop
- atypical
Unusual Presentation
A note on medical context
A glossary definition can explain a word, but it cannot tell you whether a symptom or test result is serious. If this term came from an article, use the full article and your clinician's guidance for context.