Which antiviral drug is effective against respiratory syncytial virus?

Ribavirin is recognized for its effectiveness against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is a major contributor to respiratory infections in infants and young children. It functions as a nucleoside analogue that disrupts viral RNA synthesis, ultimately inhibiting the replication of the virus. The drug has been utilized in the treatment of various viral infections, particularly those caused by RNA viruses such as RSV.

In the context of RSV, Ribavirin is often administered via aerosolized form, allowing for direct delivery to the respiratory tract, which maximizes its antiviral effect on the virus that causes severe respiratory symptoms. Therefore, if a patient is diagnosed with a severe case of RSV, Ribavirin is one of the preferred antiviral therapies to manage the infection.

While the other options include antiviral agents effective against different viruses, none of them are specifically indicated for RSV treatment. For instance, Zanamivir is primarily used for influenza, Acyclovir targets herpes viruses, and Favipiravir is indicated for viral infections like influenza and some other RNA viruses, but not RSV. This specificity underscores Ribavirin's role as a critical therapeutic option for RSV infections.