Question:

What is the mechanism of action of Oseltamivir?

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Oseltamivir blocks the enzyme that releases new influenza virions.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
  • Protein synthesis inhibitor
  • Thymidylate synthetase inhibitor
  • Neuraminidase inhibitor
  • Pyrimidine analog
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Oseltamivir is an anti-influenza drug used against influenza A and B viruses.
Step 2: It is a neuraminidase inhibitor. Neuraminidase inhibitors are analogs of sialic acid and they interfere with the release of progeny influenza virus from infected host cells. This makes option c correct.
Step 3: The drug competitively and reversibly binds the active site of the viral enzyme, causing clumping of newly released virions to each other and to the infected cell membrane, which stops viral spread.
Step 4: Option a (protein synthesis inhibitor) describes antibacterials, option b (thymidylate synthetase inhibitor) describes 5-fluorouracil/methotrexate, and option d (pyrimidine analog) describes drugs like cytarabine. None of these is the mechanism of oseltamivir.
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