Which antiviral medication is specifically indicated for Influenza A?

Amantadine is specifically indicated for the treatment and prevention of Influenza A. It functions by inhibiting the viral M2 protein, which is essential for the uncoating process of the influenza virus. By blocking this ion channel, amantadine disrupts the ability of the virus to release its genetic material into the host cell, thereby preventing infection and replication of the virus.

While zanamivir and oseltamivir are both antiviral medications that target influenza viruses, they primarily inhibit the neuraminidase enzyme, which is crucial for the release of new viral particles from infected cells. These agents are effective against both Influenza A and B. Ribavirin, on the other hand, is used mainly for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and hepatitis C, but it does not have a specific role in treating influenza viruses.

Thus, amantadine’s direct action on Influenza A makes it the appropriate choice for specifically targeting this type of virus.