Lamivudine is a monothioacetal that consists of cytosine having a (2R,5S)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-oxathiolan-5-yl moiety attached at position 1. An inhibitor of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, it is used as an antiviral in the treatment of AIDS and hepatitis B. It has a role as an antiviral drug, a prodrug, an allergen, a HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitor, an EC 2.7.7.49 (RNA-directed DNA polymerase) inhibitor and an anti-HBV agent. It is a primary alcohol, an oxacycle, a monothioacetal and a nucleoside analogue. It is functionally related to a cytosine.
