The allopathic medicine acyclovir is given for the treatment of the herpes virus. This medicine gives relief in the symptoms of the disease but it does not eliminate the disease from the body completely.
Being an antiviral drug is beneficial in these infections but it does not cure diseases like herpes. Viruses also survive in the body even after treatment. But giving medicine reduces the severity and length of outbreaks. It helps in healing wounds faster, does not cause new blisters, and reduces pain/itching. Even after healing wounds, this medicine can help reduce it. In addition, in people with a weakened immune system, acyclovir may reduce the risk of the virus spreading to other parts of the body.
Acyclovir is given at the commencement of infection. It is also given to patients in whom herpes infection occurs frequently as immunity in them is reduced due to any reasons. Genital lesions, oesophagitis, and proctitis Genital lesions, oesophagitis, proctitis can also be treated with acyclovir.
It is taken from 2 to 5 times a day. It can be taken with or without food. During taking this medicine, there should be no shortage of water in the body and more of the fluid should be kept. It should be taken at the same time every day so that an equal amount of it remains in the body.
- Generic: Aciclovir
- Main uses: herpes simplex and varicella-zoster
Available Brand Name:
- Aciherpin Agio Pharmaceuticals Limited
- Aciv Zee Laboratories Ltd
- Acivir Cipla Limited
- Acivir DT Cipla Limited Tablet
- Acivir DT Cipla Limited
- Okavir (Skin) Cipla Limited Cream
- Okavir DT Cipla Limited Tablet
- Trikase East India Pharmaceutical Works Ltd.
- Zovirax Glaxo Smithkline Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
What diseases do acyclovir use?
Acyclovir is used to treat infections caused by certain types of viruses. It is used in cold sore around the mouth (because of herpes simplex), herpes shingles (caused by herpes zoster), and chickenpox.
Acyclovir is also used to treat outbreaks of genital herpes. In people with recurrent infections, it is given to help reduce the number of future episodes.
The following are the therapeutic uses of Acyclovir:
- Chickenpox
- Treatment of primary genital herpes
- Varicella-zoster patient disseminated in Varicella-zoster immunocompromised
- Herpes simplex encephalitis patients Herpes simplex encephalitis
In what forms is acyclovir available?
- Availability
- Aciclovir Intravenous Infusion 100 ml (after reconstitution) (250 mg)
- Aciclovir Tablets 200, 400 and 800 mg
- Aciclovir Suspension 400 mg/5 ml
- Aciclovir Cream 5g (5% w/w)
What is the dose of acyclovir?
Dose
Adult:
Genital herpes simplex and non-genital herpes simplex treatment:
Usually, 200 mg five times daily for 5 days, longer if new lesions appear during treatment. 400 mg for immunocompromised patients and absorption is impaired.
To prevent/prevent herpes
200 mg 4 times daily or 400 mg twice daily.
Varicella and Herpes Zoster:
800 mg five times daily, for 7 days.
Chickenpox:
800 mg five times daily 7 to ten days.
Swallow this medicine with a glass of water. This medicine should never be chewed or broken.
When should you not use Acyclovir?
Contraindications
- Depression
- Allergic hypersensitivity
- Glaucoma glaucoma
- Mental disease psychiatric disease
Who should take acyclovir carefully?
Precautions
- Do not allow lack of water in the body maintain adequate hydration (especially with an infusion or high doses, or during renal impairment
- Elderly (risk of neurological reactions) elderly (risk of neurological reactions)
- Pregnancy pregnancy
- Lactating women breast-feeding
What is the category of acyclovir pregnancy?
Category B B – No adequate, controlled studies have been conducted on pregnant women. Studies on animal breeding failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus.
What can be the side effects of acyclovir?
Adverse Effects
- Abdominal pain
- Ataxia ataxia
- Confusion Confusion
- Convulsions
- Diarrhoea
- Dysarthria
- Asthma dyspnoea
- Fatigue Fatigue
- Hallucinations of delusions
- Headache
- Jaundice
- Nausea
- Neurological reactions including dizziness including dizziness
- Photosensitivity problem with light
- Itching Pruritus
- Rash Rash
- Urticaria
- Hepatitis
- Vomiting Vomiting
This is not a complete list of side effects.