ribavirin

[ rahy-buh-vahy-rin ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a synthetic compound, C 8 H 1 2 N 4 O 5 , active against several DNA and RNA viruses.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ribavirin¹

1965–70; probably by shortening and alteration of ribofuranosyl, a component of its chemical name ( ribose, furan, -ose ², -yl ) + vir(us) + -in ²

Example Sentences

Before powerful hepatitis C drugs arrived in recent years, doctors frequently used a pill known as ribavirin as part of combination therapy to treat hepatitis C patients.

From Seattle Times

Interferon 1-b has generally been used to treat multiple sclerosis in the past, while lopinavir-ritonavir and ribavirin have been used to treat HIV and hepatitis C, respectively.

From Fox News

That ability might be why common antivirals such as ribavirin, which can thwart viruses such as hepatitis C, have failed to subdue SARS-CoV-2.

From Nature

In the past, people with hepatitis C were treated with the potent drugs interferon and ribavirin for up to 48 weeks.

From Washington Post

Orders for antibiotics like azithromycin and antiviral medicines like ribavirin nearly tripled.

From New York Times