We learn from the article how Acyclovir ointment helps.
The drug is a popular way to combat the infection of herpetic origin. With herpes virus, many people encounter throughout life. "Acyclovir" for the treatment of such an infection is used in both adults and children. Despite the fact that such a pathology is widespread, only a full-time specialist selects its treatment.
The drug "Acyclovir" is part of the group of antiviral drugs. It is an artificially created analog of purine nucleoside.
The mechanism of its influence is as follows: herpes viruses (almost all of its varieties) and their further reproduction are suppressed in the body. The drug is used for preventive and therapeutic purposes in all age categories.
Description
As indicated by the instructions for use, the ointment "Acyclovir" is an effective antiviral drug that selectively affects the herpes virus and stops its development.
It is well known that herpes causes inflammation of the mucous membranes and skin of a person, and therefore the medicine is available in the form of an ointment, most often light yellow. Its use is only external.
Two types of ointment are produced, which are divided depending on what concentration the active substance is in - acyclovir: ointment 5% - is applied externally against more persistent lesions of the mucous membrane and skin; 3% - when processing the mucous membrane of the eyes. Is Acyclovir ointment allowed during pregnancy? This is a common question. Let's see below.
It must be said that the ointment will not be able to help with the fight against acne that has a bacteriological origin.
Release form
The most common form of the drug is ointment, but it is also represented by an injection solution, tablets and cream, but in this form it is used much less often.
The drug affects the DNA of the virus, without affecting the DNA of the skin of the patient. When using tablets, it is absorbed by the body only by 20%, while the rest is excreted by the kidneys for several hours.
Instructions for use for ointment "Acyclovir" is very detailed.
Structure
It was already mentioned above that the main active ingredient of the drug is acyclovir. Its amount should be at least 5%. Excipients in the composition of the ointment "Acyclovir" are as follows: refined chicken fat; nipazole; polyoxyethylene; water; propylene glycol; emulsifier.
Ophthalmic ointment also includes these substances, however, in connection with the peculiarities of use, the content of acyclovir in it is not more than 3%.
When is it used?
In accordance with the instructions for use, Acyclovir ointment helps people with herpes well, but its scope is much wider. It can be used in some cases due to the peculiarities of its composition and influence:
- 1st and 2nd stage of herpes - use prevents the spread of damage, reduces the likelihood of complications, allows you to heal inflamed places faster. It is equally effective when a rash appears on the skin, and when it appears on the mucous membranes, for example, on the lips. The medicine is used for herpes stomatitis.
- Herpetic herpes - an inflammatory process of the cornea of the eye, in which case an ointment with a concentration of 3% is used. The list of indications of ointment "Acyclovir" is very extensive.
- Shingles and chickenpox - with chickenpox in adult patients, it is advisable to treat acne with ointment so that the disease progresses more easily.
- The occurrence of herpes due to HIV-induced immunodeficiency, chemotherapy or severe interventions.
- Barley - in this case, the effectiveness will be somewhat limited, since this disease has a bacteriological nature, while the direction of the drug is viral pathologies. But in the ointment there is an antibiotic that allows treatment.
Contraindications
According to the instructions for use, the ointment "Acyclovir" has several contraindications, due to the peculiarities of its influence and the specific composition. Problems most often occur in patients with individual sensitivity to the composition.
If the ointment is not used correctly, such unwanted symptoms may appear:
- pain and discomfort in the field of application of the ointment;
- the appearance of itching and rashes, allergic reactions in the form of urticaria;
- vulvitis in women, that is, inflammation of the external genital organs.
If any of these adverse manifestations are detected, you should immediately stop using the drug and go to the doctor for help. As a rule, symptoms quickly disappear after discontinuation of treatment, but this does not always happen. In some cases, additional treatment and assistance may be needed.
So, is it possible to use “Acyclovir” ointment during pregnancy? There is still ongoing debate about whether the use of ointments is allowed during breastfeeding and bearing a baby. Relevant studies are currently underway, that is, the question is still open.
Instructions for use
In order to avoid complications and achieve the fastest and most effective treatment, you need to know how to use Acyclovir ointment for cold sores on the lips. To do this, follow this instruction:
- ointment is applied in special fingertips or medical gloves in order to avoid its contact with healthy areas of the body;
- the shortest time period between applications should be at least four hours; their maximum number is up to 5-6 times in 24 hours; for patients with kidney failure and the elderly, this indicator should be reduced even more - 2-3 times;
- continue treatment until the herpes rash dries up - this happens between the fifth and tenth days after the start of treatment; in the absence of positive results for such a time, you need to contact a specialist;
- in order to avoid washing off the ointment, you can not take a shower for about a couple of hours after using it;
- only the affected areas are lubricated, the amount of ointment should cover the painful area with a dense, but thin layer.
The drug does not save others from contact with the patient from infection. When in public places, you should keep this in mind.
In case of chickenpox in a child, “Acyclovir” is not worth using, since in children this disease is more easy compared to adults.
It is also necessary to talk about the use of ointments with a 3% concentration in pathologies of the mucous membrane of the organs of vision.
The drug is used no more than five times a day for three days. Such a treatment course is the safest for the organs of vision.
Usually, the ointment is laid to the patient for the conjunctival sac. When treating, contact lenses are not recommended.
If the patient has herpes cortitis, only “Acyclovir” may not be enough, in connection with which it may be necessary to use additional drugs (for example, “Zorax” drops), but only after medical consultation.
Analogs
Medicines close in their influence to Acyclovir are: Herpevir; "Cyclovir"; Virolex Zovirax.
It must be said that in each of them acyclovir is also used as an active active ingredient. The drugs differ in cost, while “Acyclovir” is one of the cheapest in this group, and the most expensive is “Zovirax”.
Shelf life of ointment "Acyclovir"
On the packaging of "Acyclovir" is always indicated the expiration date. It may vary depending on the manufacturer and the form of release. Tablets can be stored for five years, ointments and creams for three years, a solution for two. After the expiration date, the medicine can not be used, since it will not only not be useful, but can also be dangerous to humans.
Reviews about the ointment "Acyclovir"
The drug is regarded by specialists and patients as very effective, with a convenient method of use. It very rarely causes side symptoms, stimulates the speedy healing of the inflamed area. It has an affordable cost. It is recommended by dentists to people with herpes on the lips, and the effect is noticeable the next day.
Value for money at a height. It works especially well with the first symptoms of the disease. "Acyclovir" should always be in the home medicine cabinet. Its antiviral efficacy is high against the first and second types of herpes, the drug is well tolerated by patients, a rare exception is individual sensitivity.
Many patients begin to use the drug because of its budget, although before that they used more expensive drugs. They do not notice absolutely no difference, of course, except for the price. "Acyclovir" has repeatedly become a real salvation for people. Its rapid action is noted, but this is more noticeable with the timely start of use. Herpes usually appears on the lips, and at the first unpleasant sensations, ointment should be applied. It often has to be updated, but this cannot be considered a drawback due to the low cost.
What other reviews are there about Acyclovir ointment? Cons patients note a bright film, noticeable to others when layering the drug. Therefore, before applying the ointment again, the previous residues should be removed. Also a disadvantage is the fact that it must be used often because of a short period of activity.
We found out what Acyclovir ointment helps.