Use of a class of antiviral compounds for production of an agent for the treatment or prevention of a viral infection in the respiratory tract

A method of treating or preventing an infection by an RNA virus which attacks the respiratory tract and causes disease therein, comprising:

• obtaining an agent comprising a dithiocarbamate compound having the structural formula R1R2NCS2H, in which R1 and R2, independently of each other, represent a straight or branched C1-C4 alkyl, or, with the nitrogen atom, form an aliphatic ring with 4 to 6 C atoms or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;
• and
• administering the agent to a subject.

A method of preparing a pharmaceutical composition adapted for treating or preventing an infection by an RNA virus which attacks the respiratory tract and causes disease therein, comprising:

• obtaining a dithiocarbamate compound having the structural formula R1R2NCS2H, in which R1 and R2, independently of each other, represent a straight or branched C1-C4 alkyl, or, with the nitrogen atom, form an aliphatic ring with 4 to 6 C atoms or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;
• and
• admixing the agent in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier adapted for administration to a subject in a manner effective to treat or prevent an infection by an RNA virus which attacks the respiratory tract and causes disease therein.