Description

Acyclovir is one of the most popular and effective antiviral drugs on the pharmaceutical market. It is produced in the form of tablets and ointment for the intensive affection on the viral cells.

Acyclovir has an increased activity as to herpes virus. It is able to neutralize any forms of this viral disease:

• herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2
• Chickenpox
• Genital herpes
• Herpetic eczema
• Shingles

A biotransformation of Acyclovir into Acyclovir triphosphate happens on the infected cells. This form of the drug enters the synthesized by DNA virus cells and blocks a virus replication. The drug does not kill the drug but it may lower the frequency of its relapses and weaken the symptoms.

A peroral or external use of Acyclovir helps to reduce itching and pain in places of the rash, accelerate the healing, lower the spreading area of the viral rash.

Acyclovir provides a highly-selective action to the cells of virus, and therefore it does not affect the healthy cells and is indicated for the use by patients with immune deficiency and AIDs. According to the results of the recent medical studies, Acyclovir provides a stable immunostimulatory effect.

In what dose is Acyclovir used?

When the first signs of the labial herpes or other forms of herpes simplex type 1 and 2 appear, Acyclovir is used in the dose of 200 mg 5 times per day within 5 days.

In case of the acute state of the genital herpes, Acyclovir is used in the dose of 200 mg 5 times per day up to the reduction of the disease symptoms.

If shingles and chickenpox, Acyclovir is used in the dose of 800 mg 5 times per day.

To prevent the viral infections during the transplantation of organs, Acyclovir 800 mg is used 5 times per day within 6 weeks.

Precautions

• Acyclovir may be used during pregnancy only if the treatment is the only available method to stop a progress of herpes virus
• The use of the drug is contraindicated during lactation because it easily penetrates into the breast milk
• If a patient has an allergic reaction after the use of Acyclovir, the treatment should be stopped
• Alcohol consumption is not recommended during the use of Acyclovir
• The use of immunostimulants is allowed and even recommended during the treatment. They will help the body to quickly neutralize the activity of cells of herpes virus
• If a patient has renal failure, severe neurological disorders or other severe chronic diseases before using Acyclovir, consult a doctor

Side effects

In rare cases, the use of Acyclovir may be accompanied by the moderate side effects: headache, nausea, intestinal disorders, shortness of breath, and stomachache. The side effects may grow during the overdose or increased sensitivity to Acyclovir. If the appeared side effects bring discomfort, go to a doctor.