Reversible Inhibition of Cellular Metabolism by Ribavirin

Abstract
The broad spectrum antiviral drug ribavirin (Virazole, 1-β- d -ribofuranosyl-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide) inhibits cellular macromolecular synthesis as well as cell division in eucaryotic cells. The concentration and time dependence have been studied. One-hour treatment with 25 μM ribavirin or 18 h with 2 μM inhibited the deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis to 50%. Higher concentrations of ribavirin were required to obtain a similar inhibition of ribonucleic acid and protein synthesis. This effect on cell metabolism and cell division can be reversed by removing the drug from the cells.