Acyclovir is an antiviral drug that is used both internally in the form of tablets, and externally in the form of an ointment. The most common indications for taking this substance are herpes infection and chicken pox. The drug is also used to treat other diseases caused by viruses. How does acyclovir work? What are the indications for the use of acyclovir? When should you not take acyclovir?
Acyclovirbelongs to a class of drugs known as antiviral drugs. However, this does not mean that the substance is effective against all viruses. Preparations containing acyclovir are available both over the counter and on prescription. Higher doses of the drug, 400 mg and 800 mg, can only be purchased at the pharmacy under the doctor's footnote.Tablets containing 200 mg of acyclovir and ointments with this substance are available over the counter .
Acyclovir - indications
Acyclovir indications:
- herpes appearing on the lips and face,
- genital herpes,
- eye herpetic keratitis,
- chickenpox,
- shingles,
- cytomegalovirus infection - only in pregnant women, people after transplantation or with immunodeficiency,
- infectious mononucleosis - Epstein-Barr virus infection.
Available forms of drugs with acyclovir
Acyclovir can be taken internally, taken orally in tablet form or intravenously as injection.
The vast majority of oral medications containing this substance are available on prescription.
Tablets
Acyclovir tablets are intended for the treatment of mucous membranes and skin infections caused by the herpes virus, as well as varicella and herpes zoster.
Intravenous injections
Intravenous acyclovir injections are administered to patients mainly in hospitals only with a doctor's footnote. The drug in the form of an infusion is used in the treatment of infections caused by the herpes virus in immunocompromised patients and in severe genital herpes or herpetic encephalitis in people with normal immunity.
Intravenous acyclovir injections are also used in the case of newborns and infants up to 3 months of age infected with herpes.
Preparationsexternal use
Preparations for external use containing acyclovir are mostly available without a prescription. Among them we can distinguish:
- ointments,
- creams,
- gels
- and sticks.
These forms differ in water content. The ointments are the most fatty and contain the least amount of water. They stay the longest on the body surface and do not dry out. Gels contain the highest percentage of water. They are easy to spread and dry quickly.
A separate type of preparations for external use are eye ointments with acyclovir. These drugs are intended for use in the treatment of herpetic keratitis.
It is important to never use any preparations with acyclovir other than specialist ophthalmic ointments in this disease. The eye is a particularly sensitive organ and injecting the wrong medication into it can lead to serious consequences.
Acyclovir - how does it work?
Antiviral drugs have been discovered relatively recently compared to antibiotics and painkillers.
Their task is to prevent viral infections or shorten their duration. They work by inhibiting the multiplication of viruses. However, they are not able to eliminate pathogens already present in the body. For this reason, acyclovir should be taken at the earliest possible stage of the disease.
Broad-spectrum antibiotics can be effective against many different types of bacteria. Unlike antiviral drugs, they are highly specific to specific types of viruses.
Acyclovir is therefore not effective against most viral infections. Its activity is mainly used against the chickenpox virus and herpes. This drug will not help with viral infections such as colds or flu.
Acyclovir may be effective in reducing the discomfort associated with cold sores. It also speeds up the healing of herpetic lesions. This drug does not eliminate viruses from the body and does not completely cure the disease.
Despite the disappearance of the visible symptoms after using the drug, the virus is still dormant in the patient's body. In the event of a weakening of the organism, it may cause unpleasant disease symptoms again.
It is important not to try to treat viral diseases with antibiotics on your own. Such pseudo-therapy may weaken the body and slow down the healing process.
Acyclovir - contraindications
Contraindications to the use of acyclovir:
- Renal failure- acyclovir can negatively affect the kidneys, leading tostopping their work, which may be life-threatening. Patients with any kidney problems should consult a doctor before taking this medication.
- Low red blood cells or platelets- Acyclovir can cause thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). These conditions are associated with the appearance of dangerously low levels of red blood cells and platelets in the patient's body. Such a situation can be a direct threat to life. The first symptoms are fatigue and a general low energy level. People with a reduced number of red blood cells or platelets should consult a doctor before taking the drug.
- Pregnant women- acyclovir has not undergone sufficient clinical trials in pregnant women to be able to determine harmfulness to the fetus. In vivo tests of the drug in pregnant animals revealed no such risk. Before using aciclovir, pregnant patients should talk to a doctor who will individually assess whether the benefits of using the preparation are greater than the potential risks. Women who become pregnant while taking aciclovir should also consult their treating physician.
- Breastfeeding women- acyclovir may pass into breast milk, causing side effects in the baby. Breastfeeding patients should discuss the situation with their doctor. In many cases it is necessary to stop breastfeeding.
- Older people- kidney efficiency deteriorates with age. This leads to a slower elimination of the drug from the body. This increases the risk of serious side effects.
Acyclovir - side effects
The most common side effects of acyclovir oral tablets are:
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- diarrhea,
- headache.
Rare, most serious side effects of acyclovir tablets:
- convulsions,
- anemia,
- hepatitis,
- kidney failure.
Recommendations during acyclovir therapy
When using orally acyclovir, care for the proper hydration of the body. It is worth drinking more water. The drug is excreted by the kidneys and may adversely affect their work. The right amount of water in the patient's body reduces the burden on this organ and the risk of side effects.
Acyclovir used both externally and internally increases the skin's sensitivity to the sun. This can lead to sunburn. Duringso avoid sun exposure. When leaving the house, it is worth putting on protective clothing and using a cream with a high filter.
Ointments and acyclovir tablets inhibit the multiplication of viruses, but do not eliminate them. A patient who is treating herpes can still be contagious. Therefore, people taking aciclovir for genital herpes should not have sexual contact. Even if a condom is used, the herpes virus can spread to a partner.
- Herpes - home remedies for cold sores
- Antiviral flu drugs. What medications are used to treat flu?