Drug Uses

Acyclovir is used to treat herpes infections of the skin, lip, and genitals; herpes zoster (shingles); and chickenpox. It does not cure herpes infections but decreases pain and itching and promotes healing. Topical Acyclovir does not prevent the recurrence of sores but may decrease pain and itching if applied when the earliest symptoms first appear. Oral Acyclovir decreases the frequency and severity of recurrent sores, but it is used only by people with severe herpes infections because of possible adverse effects. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How Taken

Treatment with Acyclovir topical should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (e.g. tingling, burning, blisters). Wash your hands before and after applying Acyclovir topical. Wear a glove or a finger cot or use an applicator (e.g. cotton swab) when applying Acyclovir topical to avoid spreading the virus to other body parts and to other people. Apply enough ointment to cover the lesion(s) completely. A one-half inch ribbon of ointment should cover approximately 4 square inches of surface area. Avoid getting this medication in the eyes. Acyclovir topical is usually applied every 3 hours, six times a day for seven days. Follow your doctor's instructions. Use Acyclovir topical for the full amount of time prescribed, even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions.

Warnings/Precautions

Before using Acyclovir topical, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or if you use any other medications. Acyclovir topical is in the FDA pregnancy category C, which means that it is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby. Do not use Acyclovir topical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether Acyclovir topical passes into breast milk. Do not use Acyclovir topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

Missed Dose

Apply it as soon as you remember and apply further doses at your regular interval (e.g., every 3 hours) until you go to bed. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Side Effects

No serious side effects are expected during treatment with Acyclovir topical. If you suspect an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; rash; hives; itching; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face) seek emergency medical attention. Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use Acyclovir topical and talk to your doctor if you experience itching, stinging, burning, or a rash. These side effects should resolve quickly. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Storage

Store below 25oC. Do not refrigerate.

Overdose

An overdose of this medication is not likely to occur. If you suspect an overdose or ingestion of Acyclovir topical, call an emergency room or poison control left for advice.

More Information

Acyclovir Cream is contra-indicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to acyclovir or propylene glycol. Acyclovir is most effective if it is started within 48 hours of when the rash first appears. Follow the directions for using Acyclovir provided by your doctor.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information. Acyclovir - antiviral medication 1 tablet contains 200, 400 or 800 mg of acyclovir. Also available as an ointment, cream or intravenous fluids. The drug was developed in 1976 by an English scholar Gertrude Elayon . For drug development scientists received the Nobel Prize. Widespread use of medication was in the mid 80s. the last century. Acyclovir is a synthetic analogue of the purified nucleoside. Vysokoaktiven against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, herpes zoster virus . With respect to other viruses The antiviral activity of acyclovir is highly selective and competitive due to its interaction with the enzyme of the virus thymidine kinase. Under the influence of thymidine kinase converts acyclovir into a mono-, di-, and then in the triphosphate of acyclovir. The latter interacts with the viral DNA polymerase and is incorporated into DNA, which is synthesized for new viruses. Thus, a viral DNA in the structure which contains a defect that leads to suppression of replication of new generations of viruses. PATTERNS OF TREATMENT OF GENITAL HERPES: For each antiherpetic drug exists at least three treatment regimens. Treatment of first episode of genital herpes life due to the fact that the body no protective antibodies against herpes. In this regard, during the first episode of heavy and therefore require an increased dosage of the drug. For treatment of recurrent genital herpes used lower doses medication and treatment is shorter. To prevent a recurrence of genital herpes drug should be used daily and long-term. As long as you apply the medication, the risk of recurrence is extremely low. After oral administration, acyclovir is only partially absorbed from the intestine. Acyclovir crosses the placental barrier, excreted in breast milk. Most of acyclovir excreted by the kidneys unchanged, 10-15% of the dose. Multiplicity of Applications - 5 times a day. The course of treatment - at least 5 days. Side: skin rash (rapidly passing drug discontinuation). In rare cases: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, intestinal colic, mild transient increase in bilirubin levels and liver enzymes, a slight increase in the concentration of urea and creatinine in blood plasma, diffuse alopecia, headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, somnolence. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to the drug. The drug is most effective in patients with intact immune systems. In patients with lowered immunity during multiple repeated courses of treatment is sometimes a form of stability virus to acyclovir. Experience of using Acyclovir during pregnancy is low. If necessary, use of the drug must be rigorously assess the expected benefits of the treatment for the mother and the potential risk to the fetus. Since it is known that acyclovir is excreted in breast milk, the question of using the drug during lactation should be addressed individually. Side effects: Possible: skin rash (rapidly passing drug discontinuation). In rare cases: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, intestinal colic, mild transient increase in bilirubin levels and liver enzymes, a slight increase in the concentration of urea and creatinine in blood plasma, diffuse alopecia, headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, somnolence. In contact with solutions of acyclovir into the subcutaneous fatty tissue there is a local reaction. Drug Interactions: With the simultaneous application of Acyclovir with probenecid increases half-life of acyclovir. Acyclovir tablets is a drug prescription. You can assign him a doctor. Names of medicines produced by acyclovir: Atsigerpin, acyclic oftal, Acyclovir-Acre, BMS-Acyclovir, Acyclovir-NS., Acyclovir Acyclovir Hexane, Acyclovir Stud International, acyclovir ointment 5% Acyclovir tablets 0.2 g, Atsiklostad International, Vivoraks, Viroleks, Gerpevir ointment Gerpevir pills Gerpesin, Zovirax, Ksorovir, Lovir, Medovir, Supraviran, Tsevirin, Tsiklovir, Tsikloviral Sedico, Tsitivir.