A method for inhibiting cell infection by an enveloped virus, by administering to an infection site, a therapeutically effective amount of a calix(n)arene compound derivatized, at its ring positions meta to the bridge attachements to the ring, with polar substitutent having a terminal carboxylate, phosphate, or sulfonate groups, including esters and amides which are cleavable in vivo. The compound may be administered orally, or topically, e.g., for treatment of herpes virus.