A double-blind study was perfomed in 18 patients with infectious hepatitis; the experimental group was given 1 β-ribofuranosyl-1,2,4- triazole-3- carboxamide, a broad spectrum antiviral drug; the placebo group was given lactose. Patients were carefully selected, in order to fullfill the established criteria and were followed-up with clinical and labotorial examinations once a week. Results did not present significative differences; the authors suggest that a greater number of patients must be observed, specially considering in - patients, to evaluate the real efficacy and toxicity of the drug.