Reverse transcriptase inhibitors, nucleosidal

Artificial, chemical compounds that interfere with the structure of nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) by inhibiting the nucleosidal reverse transcriptase.

The inhibition of reverse transcriptase is achieved by the incorporation of so-called foreign nucleoside analogues, which differ minimally from the physiological nucleosides at the sugar molecule (ribose). The integration of such analogues leads to a break in the DNA chain, since no stable phosphodiester bridges can be built for double-strand stabilisation. Due to the inhibition, no translation of the viral mRNA takes place in infected CD4-positive T-lymphocytes, so that the viral genes can no longer be expressed. However, this process does not lead to eradication of the viral genome.

Nucleoside analogues are indicated for the treatment of HIV infection, usually in combination with other antiretroviral drugs.

S.u. HIV infection.

The most important adverse effects of the respective drugs are listed in table form under HIV infection.

S.u. HIV infection.