Acyclovir, a white colored crystalline powder, is a
medication recommended to cure Chickenpox, Genital or
Systemic herpes infections. Acyclovir is available in
various products with the some inactive ingredients
such as corn starch, lactose, magnesium Stearate, and
sodium lauryl sulfate. The product is available in the
form of ointments.
Chemistry
Acyclovir should be taken carefully. Women who are
infected with herpes have a great chance of developing
cancer therefore it is very important to have regular
checkups and remain in contact with doctor to determine
whether the medication is suitable or not. This medication
should NOT be taken by older, younger children and pregnant
women and if needed must ask the doctor for his advice.
Dosage of Acyclovir
The dosages of Acyclovir products depend on condition
however the normal dosage is four to five times a day.
Be careful that this medication is not for the eyes.
Before applying the medication on the infected area
it is better to wear gloves or finger cot to prevent
spreading to other parts of the body.
Appropriate quantity should be applied so that the
sores are covered properly.
To make the treatment successful, treatment should continue
for as long as the doctor advises because incomplete
treatment may cause the symptoms to come back however
do not use this medication longer than what prescribed.
Product must be stored in cool and dry place otherwise
heat and moisture will break the main ingredients apart.
All medication should be kept out of reach of children.
Expired medication must be discarded and never come
into usage.
Role of Acyclovir
Acyclovir is the generic name of the drug Zovirax,
an antiviral
prescription medicine used to treat shingles, chickenpox,
genital herpes,
herpes simplex and herpes zoster. Acyclovir also helps
HIV patients
who live longer by preventing herpes from occurring.
It is also used
to treat a viral infection called lenkoplakia that occurs
on the tongue.
This medication is also used for herpes virus infections
in newborn babies.
However it is necessary to keep in mind here that Acyclovir
does not cure
herpes, it only helps to get relief from the pain and
heal sores faster.
Acyclovir works against viruses like HSV-1 (Herpes Simplex-1),
HSV-2 (Herpes
Simplex-2), and VZV (Herpes Zoster). It is considered
the drug of choice in
the treatment of mucosal or cutaneous HSV infections
in immuno-compromised
patients. It is also used to cure severe types of genital
herpes
infections, for herpes encephalitis, for neonatal herpes
infections and for
the treatment of varicella-zoster infections. This medication
works by thwarting
the enzymes the virus needs for replication of DNA in
cells, thus preventing
the virus from multiplying and growing.
Possible Side effects of Acyclovir
The possible following side effects of this medication
usually go away during treatment.
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Headaches
If above symptoms continue immediately contact your
doctor. If this drug is used for a long period there
are some cases of hair loss as a side effect. Some other
rare side effects of this drug include:
Dizziness,
Fatigue,
Skin Rash,
Anorexia,
Leg pain
Sore Throat
The side effects of nausea and vomiting can be controlled
if Acyclovir is taken
with meals. Some other drugs may be helpful in reducing
nausea include Compazine, Reglan, and Phenergan. Aspirin
usually helps with symptoms of headaches.
Precautions
If you are using any of the following medication inform
your doctor.
Any medicine for infection
Carmustine (BiCNU)
Cisplatin (Platinol)
Combination pain medicine containing acetaminophen
and aspirin (Excedrin)
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
Deferoxamine (Desferal)
Ganciclovir
Gold salts
Inflammation or pain medication
Lithium (Lithane)
Methotrexate (Mexate)
Any narcotic
Nephrotoxic agents
Penicillamine (Cuprimine)
Plicamycin (Mithracin)
Probenecid
Streptozocin (Zanosar)
Tiopronin (Thiola)
Valacyclovir
Pregnant women should inform to their doctor about
this medication. Acyclovir is excreted in breast milk,
so breast feeders should avoid using this medication.
If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as possible but
never take a double or extra dose of this drug.
List of Medication
See list of drugs for an alphabetical list of drugs
by name. Many drugs have more than one name and, therefore,
the same drug may be listed more than once. Brand names
and generic names are differentiated by the use of capital
initials for the former. Click
Here
