What is the mechanism of action of Ribavirin?

The mechanism of action of Ribavirin primarily involves its inhibition of viral RNA synthesis and mRNA capping. This antiviral agent mimics guanosine, a building block of RNA, and interferes with the synthesis of viral nucleic acids. By incorporating into viral RNA, Ribavirin disrupts the replication process and ultimately leads to the production of defective viral particles. Additionally, it affects the capping of mRNA, which is crucial for the stability and translation of viral transcripts. This dual impact on RNA synthesis and capping underlines the effectiveness of Ribavirin in treating a range of viral infections, particularly those caused by RNA viruses, such as hepatitis C and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).