Antiretroviral drugs are medications used to treat infections caused by retroviruses, most notably the HIV virus, which leads to AIDS. These drugs work by inhibiting the virus's ability to replicate, helping to control the infection and improve the immune system's function. There are several classes of antiretroviral drugs, including nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), protease inhibitors (PIs), and integrase inhibitors. When taken consistently, these medications can significantly reduce the viral load in a person's body, allowing them to live healthier lives.