Increasingly, in the appointments of doctors you can find the drug "Zovirax". What is this tool? How recommends the use of "Zovirax" for children instruction? Is this medication dangerous? What contraindications does it have? What side effects can cause? What do patients reviews say about the drug in question? You can find detailed answers to all these and some other questions by reading this article.
Release form
The instruction for Zovirax reports that the drug in question is available in several forms, which allows you to expand the spectrum of use of this drug and provides the opportunity to choose the most suitable treatment option for the patient. So, there are several forms of release of this medication. Among them:
- tablets (each package contains 5 separate blisters of 5 tablets in each, which is very economical);
- tube with cream (in each package you can find 1 tube with 2 g of medicine);
- powder for the manufacture of a medicinal solution for injection in a special glass bottle (each box contains 5 such bottles);
- tube with eye ointment (in a package of 1 tube with a capacity of 4.5 g).
Depending on the characteristics and course of the course of a particular disease, it is possible that various forms of the drug will have to be used comprehensively. Therefore, it is imperative that such appointments be made by a qualified attending physician, and not the patient alone. After all, only a specialist will be able to correctly assess the severity of the situation and prescribe the treatment that will be truly effective in a particular case.
Structure
What makes treatment with the drug in question produce such amazing results? It's all about the active ingredient in Zovirax. The instruction reports that it is acyclovir. Depending on the form of release used, one working dose of the drug contains a certain amount of the specified substance. So, for example, in one tablet 200 mg of acyclovir. Each gram of ointment or cream contains 50 mg of the substance described, and each bottle of powder intended for the manufacture of a solution for injection is 250 mg. Thanks to a competent dosage of acyclovir, a good therapeutic effect of the medication in question is achieved.
Indications for use
In what cases would it be appropriate to use this medicine? "Zovirax" has a number of very specific indications for use, which doctors should be guided in the process of forming the appointment. So, among such indications, the following are distinguished:
- treatment of newborns with herpetic infection of type I and II;
- prevention of various infectious diseases that develop on the basis of the herpes simplex virus in those patients who have been suffering from immunodeficiency for some time;
- treatment of infectious diseases associated with exposure to herpes zoster virus or chickenpox;
- prevention of cytomegalovirus infection during operations related to brain transplantation;
- infectious diseases affecting the skin, mucous membranes, the cause of which is the herpes virus type I and II (in particular, it is used to stop primary genital herpes and to prevent relapse).
The main indication for the use of "Zovirax" for the eyes is called the keratitis of viral etiology (specifically, those cases when the development of the disease is provoked by the action of the herpes simplex virus).
If you have some of the contraindications listed above, be sure to consult a doctor. A specialist will be able to prescribe competent treatment. Perhaps he will prescribe you the use of the drug "Zovirax" or its analogues, which will be more appropriate in your particular case. This will help you maintain your physical well-being. Do not make your appointments yourself. Uncontrolled treatment can lead to unpredictable consequences, often extremely unpleasant. The sooner you contact a qualified specialist, the more chances you will have once and for all to say goodbye to the problem. Losing time, in this case, is equivalent to losing health. Rely on the knowledge and experience of a specialist and get a pleasant result.
Side effects
Like any other medicine, Zovirax is not completely safe for the patient’s body. A certain indirect effect is on all body systems, which sometimes leads to unpleasant side effects. So, according to the instructions for use, Zovirax tablets and powder intended for the manufacture of an injection solution, as a rule, have a systemic effect on the patient's body. Such forms of the drug can cause many adverse reactions. Among them are the following:
- vomiting
- leukopenia;
- acute renal failure;
- interruptions in sleep and wakefulness;
- hyperbilirubinemia;
- Quincke's edema;
- nausea;
- thrombocytopenia;
- disruptions in bowel movements;
- severe local inflammatory reactions;
- fatigue;
- itchy skin;
- epigastric pain;
- anemia;
- anaphylactoid reactions;
- increased activity of liver enzymes;
- rash;
- headache;
- dyspnea;
- photosensitivity;
- dizziness;
- necrosis;
- the development of seizures;
- hallucinations;
- hives;
- coma;
- violation of orientation in space;
- an increase in the amount of urea in the blood;
- confusion of consciousness;
- an increase in the amount of creatinine in the blood.
That is why you should not start treatment yourself with the help of Zovirax tablets. Instructions for use strongly recommends to consult with your doctor beforehand. Proper administration will significantly reduce the likelihood of any side effects.
The instruction "Zovirax" for the eyes also recommends use with caution. Periodic use of the medication in question can lead to the development of the following unpleasant effects:
- burning;
- angioedema;
- blepharitis;
- point superficial keratopathy;
- conjunctivitis.
As a rule, most of these adverse reactions do not require specific treatment and pass independently for some time. However, if this does not happen, you should consult a specialist.
Instructions for use cream "Zovirax" calls one of the safest dosage forms of the drug in question. When using it, the following side effects may develop:
- burning;
- peeling of the skin;
- skin irritation at the place of application of the cream;
- dryness;
- itching
- contact dermatitis;
- angioedema.
It is important to strictly adhere to the instructions for the use of Zovirax cream in order to minimize the possibility of even these few effects. And then the use of the drug will lead exclusively to a positive effect on your state of health.
Use during pregnancy
Can I use Zovirax during pregnancy? The instructions for use assure that the drug in question does not have any teratogenic, mutagenic or embryotoxic effect on the body of the expectant mother. At first glance, it may seem that women in position can freely use this medication at any time, because in theory it should not harm their unborn baby. However, not all so simple. Pay special attention to the fact that any future mother who wants to use "Zovirax" during pregnancy, the instruction recommends first of all to consult with your doctor. Such a specialist will be able to correctly assess all the possible risks for the adequate development of the fetus and the expected benefits for the health of the mother and make a competent conclusion as to whether to begin such treatment at all. A pregnant woman should trust only such an expert opinion, and not the advice of friends and relatives. Remember, you and only you are responsible for your own health and for the health of your baby. Therefore, please take this issue as seriously as possible.
It is important to consider that the use of those forms of the drug that have an obvious systemic effect (we are talking about powder for the manufacture of a solution intended for injection, as well as tablets), can be dangerous even during breastfeeding. This is due to the fact that the main active ingredient of the drug is able to penetrate into breast milk and affect the body of the child. Therefore, experts recommend stopping the use of the medication in question during lactation. Talk with your healthcare provider about alternative treatment at this time.
Mode of application
Zovirax tablets are recommended for use regardless of meals. It is also important to drink the medicine with plenty of clean drinking water. Herpes therapy involves taking 200 mg of the drug in question 5 times a day. As a rule, treatment should be continued for at least 5 days. If the drug is used for prevention, then the dosage and duration of treatment should be determined by a specialist. Zovirax tablets are recommended for use exactly according to the doctor’s recommendations. Sometimes you may need to comprehensively apply different forms of this drug.
There is a special instruction for the use of Zovirax tablets for children. When it comes to the prevention or treatment of a variety of infectious diseases caused by the herpes simplex virus, the age of the child plays a key role. So, for example, if a child is older than 2 years old, then he is prescribed a dose of the drug, similar to that which would be prescribed to an adult patient. Treatment for babies under the age of 2 years is carried out with the help of half the dose. Correction of the condition with chickenpox or herpes zoster with the help of the drug in question is possible for children of all ages, provided that the dosage is strictly observed. So, the instruction recommends the use of Zovirax tablets to children in the following quantities:
- babies up to 2 years - 200 mg;
- children from 2 to 6 years old - 400 mg;
- children over 6 years old - 800 mg.
Such a single dose is taken 4 times a day. Continue treatment with Zovirax tablets for children. The instructions for use recommend within 5 days. If the child suffers from renal failure, then creatinine clearance must be constantly considered.
"Zovirax" in ampoules, the instruction recommends the introduction of drip (intravenously). It is important to administer the drug to the patient for at least an hour. How is it necessary to calculate the dose of the drug for a variety of patient groups? If we are talking about the treatment of those infectious diseases caused by the herpes simplex virus, it is necessary to introduce a dose of 5 mg per kilogram of body weight. However, this is relevant only in cases where therapy is carried out for a patient with a normal immune status. For those who suffer from immunodeficiency, the dose must be doubled. This is relevant in the treatment of herpes zoster, chickenpox and herpetic encephalitis. The drug infusion should be repeated every 8 hours.
For those who need prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus infection - for example, for those who have recently undergone bone marrow transplantation - a single dose is increased to 500 mg / m2. The procedure will need to be repeated every 8 hours. It is necessary to start using the drug at least 5 days before the operation and the next 30 days after it has been carried out. Children should then be given the same dose. Newborns for the treatment of herpes should receive 10 mg / kg body weight every 8 hours. Children with prescribed droppers of the drug in a dose of 250 mg / m2 with an interval of 8 hours. If we are talking about children with immunodeficiency, then the dose should be doubled.
Use the cream "Zovirax" instruction recommends locally. To achieve the best effect, it is necessary to apply a small amount of the drug to the affected area of the skin. The procedure should be repeated up to 5 times a day. As a rule, the duration of treatment is 4 days. If the expected effect has not been achieved, your doctor may recommend that you continue to use Zovirax Cream. The instruction allows you to use it no more than 10 days in a row.
Ophthalmic ointment must be carefully placed in the conjunctival sac. It is optimal to apply a strip of ointment about 10 mm long. It is this amount of the drug that doctors recommend using in one procedure. Repeat the application of the drug should be 5 times a day. It is important to observe the required duration of treatment. "Zovirax" eye instructions recommends applying not only until the symptoms that bother you disappear, but also the next 3 days after that.
Contraindications
The instruction for use recommends with caution or completely prohibits the use of the medicine “Zovirax” for herpes. We are talking about patients who belong to the so-called risk groups or have any contraindications to the use of the medication in question. Be sure to make sure that you are not among them before you start using. So, among the main contraindications for the use of "Zovirax" from herpes, the instructions for use distinguish the following:
- High personal sensitivity to the main active substance or to any auxiliary components that are part of the medication under consideration (including, we are talking about sensitivity to substances valaciclovir or acyclovir).
- Violation of the normal functioning of the kidneys.
- The state of dehydration.
There is also a group of patients to whom the drug in question should be used with extreme caution, under the constant supervision of a competent physician. This category includes:
- patients who regularly develop unwanted side effects when using cytotoxic drugs;
- patients who have been suffering from neurological disorders for some time.
If you know that you have contraindications that prevent you from using this medication in treatment, be sure to inform your doctor. He will be able to help you by correctly adjusting the treatment regimen.
Overdose
Obviously, non-compliance with the dosage of the drug prescribed by a specialist can lead to disastrous consequences. So, if you consciously underestimate the dose, for example, for reasons of economy, this can lead to the fact that treatment will not give the expected results, and the course of the disease will only worsen. On the other hand, exceeding the prescribed dose can lead to the manifestation of effects characteristic of an overdose of the drug in question. Among the possible reactions that are potentially possible in the described case, the following are distinguished:
- Increased serum creatinine in the blood.
- Hallucinations.
- Increased urea.
- Cramps.
- Renal failure.
- Excitation.
- Confusion.
- Coma.
Interestingly, one specific antidote that could completely eliminate the resulting intoxication does not exist. That is why patients in overdose are usually given hemodialysis. Of course, it would be much more reasonable to carefully follow the recommendations of your doctor and not change the dose as you wish. It is also important to monitor how much drug you have taken to avoid duplication of intake and, as a result, an overdose. To cope with its consequences at home will not work. Intoxication of this kind can be removed only within the walls of a medical institution with the necessary equipment and with the participation of qualified health professionals. If you notice signs of intoxication, consult a doctor immediately.
Storage conditions
In order for the drug in question not to lose its useful properties ahead of time, the instruction recommends storing Zovirax strictly in correctly selected conditions. This is a place protected from moisture and direct sunlight, the air temperature in which would not exceed 25 degrees Celsius. This will ensure the effectiveness of this medication throughout the shelf life, which is 5 years from the date of manufacture.
Analogs
For some reason, for example, due to the relatively high cost, the Zovirax drug may not be suitable for you. Instructions for its use in such cases recommend resorting to the help of a substitute drug. We are talking about drugs of the same pharmacological group (antiviral drugs) that have the same active substance (acyclovir). Among them, the following medications are distinguished:
- "Acyc";
- "Herpevir";
- "Acyclovir";
- "Virolex";
- "Acyclostad";
- "Gaviran";
- Lipster
However, it is important to remember that before using any analogues of "Zovirax", the instructions for use strongly recommends consulting with your doctor. Do not rely solely on the words of pharmacists and arbitrarily replace one drug with another. , , . .
Positive customer reviews
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Of course, the main advantage of the drug in question should be considered its high efficiency in the process of combating viruses. After all, this is exactly what you expect from the medicine of this pharmacological group. Regardless of anything, the quality of the drug is expressed in what results it brings. And we can say with confidence that “Zovirax” copes with its role perfectly. Other benefits may be more or less important for someone, but all together they form a good reputation for the drug and make it attractive to other patients. Does he seem like that to you? Do not forget to consider the reverse side of the coin, so as not to experience disappointment, faced with some difficulties.
Negative customer reviews
The disadvantages of this drug also do not occupy. And although the instructions for use "Zovirax" describes only from the best side, it is worth considering what worries patients regarding its use. Below are the main points that upset patients who started their treatment with the drug in question. Among them are the following:
- Fairly high cost.
- The drug in question helps some only at the first signs of the manifestation of herpes on the lips, and in more advanced cases it turns out to be completely useless.
- There is a much cheaper analogue, so some simply do not see the point in acquiring this particular, more expensive drug.
- It is necessary to use a long time (sometimes within 5 days).
- The spread of the virus does not stop until its manifestations disappear completely, that is, during treatment you can still infect others.
- The duration of use of the drug is limited, some do not have time to cope with the virus during this time.
- Not recommended for pregnant and lactating mothers.
- Do not use for children under 12 years old.
- Sometimes leaves burns on healthy skin.
- Sometimes it causes allergic reactions.
- It stops the problem, but does not eliminate it: herpes comes back again and again.
- Often, complex treatment with several types of Zovirax is required.
- Possible slight itching after at the place of application of the ointment.
Some of the items on this list may seem like a serious flaw to one and an absolute trifle to another. However, ignoring them is still not worth it. The very presence of such alarming reviews suggests that, despite the assurances of the instructions for use, Zovirax is far from effective in the vast majority of cases. There are many people whom the drug in question did not help at all. Others faced unpleasant manifestations of side effects, which had to be treated separately. And some simply do not want to pay more if there are cheaper analogues. Which side to bow to, you choose. However, we strongly recommend that you consult your healthcare provider before making any decision. He will be able to assess all the risks and expected benefits from the use of the drug in question, which will take place in your particular case.
Output
Zovirax is an effective remedy for the fight against herpes. Use it should only be prescribed by a doctor. This is largely due to the fact that Zovirax is available in several forms (including cream, eye ointment, tablets and injections). Which one should be used in this particular case can only be determined by a specialist. And sometimes it will be necessary to apply several dosage forms of this drug at the same time to get the optimal result.
Pay proper attention to familiarize yourself with contraindications and side effects. This is necessary in order to avoid the manifestation of many unpleasant reactions. It is important only to inform your healthcare provider in a timely manner about what contraindications to the use of the medication in question you have or what side effects you have. A qualified specialist will be able to correctly adjust the course of treatment or provide the necessary symptomatic treatment in case of any side effects.
Take care of yourself and be healthy!