NRTIs (Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors)

Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs) are a class of medications used to treat HIV. They work by blocking an enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which the virus needs to replicate itself inside cells. NRTIs resemble the building blocks of DNA, so when the virus tries to copy itself, these drugs insert themselves into the viral DNA chain, causing premature termination. This prevents the virus from multiplying and helps control the infection. NRTIs are a key part of antiretroviral therapy, reducing the amount of HIV in the body and helping people maintain better immune function.