What term could be used interchangeably with "antiviral agent"?

The term "virucide" is used interchangeably with "antiviral agent" because both refer to substances that can inactivate or destroy viruses. Antiviral agents work specifically against viral infections by inhibiting the virus's ability to replicate or targeting specific stages of the viral lifecycle. A virucide does essentially the same thing by either destroying the virus outright or rendering it inactive, thus preventing it from causing infection.

In contrast, antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and have no effect on viruses. Immunomodulators are substances that modify the immune response, potentially enhancing its ability to fight infections, but they do not directly act on viruses. Antifungals are designed to combat fungal infections, making them unrelated to antiviral action. Therefore, the usage of "virucide" aligns best with the definition and function of an antiviral agent.