What is the mechanism of action of cidofovir in treating viral infections?
Label:chem
Topic
Cidofovir is an antiviral drug that was originally approved for treating cytomegalovirus retinitis. It has been repurposed for various cutaneous and mucocutaneous viral infections.
Answer
Cidofovir functions by specifically inhibiting viral DNA synthesis. It incorporates into the growing viral DNA strand, acting as a competitive inhibitor and alternative substrate for viral DNA polymerase, thereby blocking subsequent viral DNA synthesis. This mechanism is particularly effective against DNA viruses, including herpesviruses, papillomaviruses, and molluscum contagiosum virus.
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