What condition is Lamivudine primarily used to treat?

Lamivudine is primarily used to treat Hepatitis B, an infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic diseases. The drug works by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which is crucial for the replication of the Hepatitis B virus. By reducing the viral load in infected individuals, Lamivudine helps improve liver function and reduce the risk of liver-related complications associated with chronic Hepatitis B infection.

While Lamivudine is also effective against HIV and can be used in combination with other antiretroviral medications for HIV treatment, its predominant indication remains Hepatitis B. This distinction is important because the mechanisms and goals of therapy for HIV and Hepatitis B differ significantly. On the other hand, Lamivudine is not typically indicated for treating influenza or the herpes simplex virus, which utilize different antiviral strategies and specific medications tailored to their respective viral characteristics.