Also called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, nucleoside analogues or nukes. This is the oldest class of anti-HIV drugs and includes AZT, ddI, ddC, 3TC, d4T, abacavir and emtricitabine (FTC). These drugs are taken orally (via the mouth) and are activated chemically within the body.
When HIV invades a CD4 cell, it must first convert its simple RNA into the more complex DNA, which can then give it control of the CD4 cell. If this process of transcription does not take place or is not correctly completed, the DNA formed will be defective. This process of transcription is essential to viral replication and any medication that interrupts or prevents the process is key to controlling HIV viral replication.
