What is the mechanism of action of ribavirin in combating viral infections?

Ribavirin functions primarily by mimicking nucleotides, which are the building blocks of RNA. When introduced into viral-infected cells, ribavirin is incorporated into the viral RNA during replication. This incorporation disrupts the viral RNA synthesis and leads to the production of defective viral genomes, which ultimately results in reduced viral replication.

In addition to this mechanism, ribavirin can also lead to the inhibition of various viral enzymes involved in RNA synthesis, thereby further diminishing the ability of the virus to reproduce effectively. This dual action makes ribavirin effective against a range of RNA viruses.

The choice highlights the fundamental nature of ribavirin's activity in the context of viral infections, underlining its role in interfering with the viral life cycle at the stage of RNA synthesis. This is critical, especially in the treatment of infections like those caused by hepatitis C and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).