1. acting against or inhibiting the activity of a retrovirus, especially HIV
Usage: medical; commonly used in HIV/AIDS treatment contexts

1. a drug or medication that acts against retroviruses, used especially in the treatment of HIV infection
Usage: medical; often used in plural form or in combination therapy

Examples

• Antiretroviral therapy has dramatically improved the life expectancy of people living with HIV.
• The patient was prescribed a combination of three antiretroviral medications.
• New antiretroviral drugs continue to be developed to combat drug-resistant strains of HIV.
• Antiretroviral treatment can reduce the viral load to undetectable levels.
• Access to antiretrovirals remains a critical public health issue in developing countries.
• The antiretroviral regimen was adjusted after the patient developed side effects.