Entecavir is a medicinal drug, which is a synthetic analog of 2-deoxyguanosine with antiviral activity against hepatitis B virus. It is activated in vivo to a 5-triphosphate metabolite. In turn, the triphosphate form competes with the natural substrate deoxyguanosine triphosphate for incorporation into viral DNA. The incorporation of the activated triphosphate metabolite of this drug inhibits the reverse transcriptase viral RNA-dependent HBV DNA polymerase and, so, the replication of viral DNA and transcription.

Class of Drugs – Nucleoside analogs

Molecular Formula – C₁₂H₁₅N₅O₃

Molecular Weight – 277.28 g/mol

Working: This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as nucleoside analogs. Entecavir works by reducing the amount of hepatitis B virus in the body. This drug does not cure HBV and may not prevent complications of chronic hepatitis B such as cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer.

Uses: Given drug is indicated to treat long-term hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver induced by the hepatitis B virus. Infection can induce liver damage, rarely liver cancer, and liver failure. Entecavir reduces the amount of hepatitis B virus in the body. It is unknown if this medication lowers the chance of getting liver cancer or liver damage. It is an antiviral of a class called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. It is not a cure for hepatitis B and not prevent the spread of the virus to others through sexual contact or blood/body fluid contamination.

Popular Brands and Dosages: This medication is used as the main active component in a popular brand medicine as follows:

• Baraclude: 0.5 mg and 1 mg

This medication should not be consumed if you have HIV that is not being treated.