1. What Are Tenofovir Tablets?
Tenofovir tablets are antiviral medications primarily used to treat HIV-1 infection and chronic hepatitis B. They belong to a class of drugs called nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Manufactured under various brand names such as Viread, Tenvir, and Tenohep, Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) has become an essential component in antiviral therapy worldwide.
The drug is administered orally, usually once daily, and is often combined with other antiretroviral agents to enhance efficacy. Tenofovir tablets are widely accepted by physicians due to their versatility, excellent tolerability, and reliable results in diverse patient populations, including adults, adolescents, and even children in certain dosing formats.
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2. Mechanism of Action: How Tenofovir Works
At the heart of Tenofovir’s success lies its highly targeted mechanism of action. Once ingested, Tenofovir is converted in the body to its active form, tenofovir diphosphate. This compound mimics natural nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA. By inserting itself into the viral DNA chain during replication, Tenofovir effectively halts the replication process, rendering the virus unable to multiply.
What sets Tenofovir apart is its strong binding affinity and low resistance potential, making it a robust choice even in cases where other antivirals may fall short. Its unique mode of action contributes to rapid viral load suppression, particularly in HIV patients starting treatment.
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3. Indications: Who Needs Tenofovir?
Tenofovir is prescribed for two major chronic conditions:
• HIV-1 Infection (in adults and adolescents)
• Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB, in adults and children aged ≥2 years)