Ointment "Virolex" - a drug designed to combat viral infections that are found in ophthalmology. This remedy effectively eliminates the symptoms of keratitis and conjunctivitis, significantly reduces the severity of allergic reactions.
Composition and form of release
The main active ingredient in the ointment "Virolex" is acyclovir. And as the only auxiliary ingredient that gives the drug the form of a cream, petroleum jelly is used. Each gram of Virolex contains about 30 mg of acyclovir.
A medicine is produced in the form of a homogeneous translucent ointment without a specific aroma. The drug is packaged in compact aluminum tubes with a volume of 4.5 g.
Pharmacological properties
Acyclovir is a substance with high antiviral efficacy. In its characteristics, it is similar to nucleoside thymidine, which is a part of DNA molecules. Ophthalmic ointment “Virolex” exhibits specific activity against herpes simplex, Zoster herpes, cytomegalovirus, as well as Epstein-Barr strains.
Acyclovir has the ability to penetrate cells damaged by pathogenic microorganisms, in which then the drug is converted with the parallel production of monophosphate. Then, under the influence of special enzymes and guanylate cyclase, this substance again changes, resulting in triphosphate. This specific compound penetrates the DNA cells of the virus and blocks the processes of reproduction inside them.
The characteristics of acyclovir are considered high selectivity and reduced toxicity to humans. It is noteworthy that this drug has an immunomodulatory effect.
Indications
According to the instructions for use, the ointment "Virolex" is advisable to use for such pathologies:
- viral keratitis;
- viral conjunctivitis;
- allergic conjunctivitis;
- Infectious eye diseases provoked by herpes simplex of the first or second type.
Treatment with this herpes drug helps prevent the appearance of new rashes, reduces the risk of developing all kinds of complications and speeds up the process of regeneration of damaged tissues.
Instructions for use ophthalmic ointment "Virolex"
Usually, a course of treatment with this drug is recommended by doctors in the prodromal period of the disease, that is, when its first signs occur. The instructions for the Virolex ophthalmic ointment list several rules for its use and indicate the algorithm of actions when performing the treatment procedure:
- the first thing to do is to wash your hands carefully;
- with your finger you need to carefully pull the lower eyelid of the sick eye, while slightly tilting your head back, you need to look up;
- a strip of ointment 1 cm long must be carefully applied to the inner part of the eyelid, while avoiding touching the tube to the eye;
- now you need to close your eyes for a minute;
- in conclusion, the ointment should be tightly closed and wash your hands again.
Typically, a course of therapy using Virolex lasts about 7-10 days. As for the interstitial forms of pathologies, they require a longer treatment - up to three weeks. But even after the complete disappearance of all unpleasant symptoms, doctors advise to continue using the ointment for several days.
If after the entire course of therapy you have not noticed positive changes, you should again contact an ophthalmologist and undergo appropriate treatment. Most likely, in such a situation, the doctor will recommend that you replace the drug with an analog.
Contraindications
According to the instructions, the ointment "Virolex" can not be used for individual intolerance to vaseline or acyclovir. Doctors advise to abandon its use during child bearing and breastfeeding. After all, there is still no specific information on the effect of ointment on the fetus.
It is worth saying that Virolex is able to adversely affect the kidneys, which is why it is contraindicated for people suffering from renal failure.
It is also noteworthy that for patients with immunodeficiency, the therapeutic effect from this drug alone may not be enough to completely destroy the virus.
In fact, the Virolex ophthalmic ointment does not completely kill the virus - it only eliminates the pathogen from the eye area. So on this treatment of pathology should not stop.
Side effects
As a rule, the drug is well tolerated by patients of different ages and with various diagnoses. But in some cases, patients complain of the appearance of negative symptoms:
- dry eyes;
- sensation of sand and foreign objects in the eye;
- point excoriation of the epithelium;
- blepharitis;
- conjunctival inflammation;
- slight burning sensation when applying ointment;
- Quincke's angioedema.
The most common side effect, according to user reviews, is a burning sensation and pain directly in the treated area. In addition, a person using this drug may develop superficial keratopathy and vulvitis.
In addition, the ointment can greatly dry the mucous membrane. That is why it is desirable to refrain from its use in parallel with other similar drugs. The medicine cannot cause other serious side effects. This is confirmed by numerous medical studies.
Of course, the occurrence of such signs requires an immediate visit to the doctor. But more often than not, specific therapy is not necessary.
Analogs
There are several drugs that have identical properties and indications for use. These medicines include:
- "Ophthalmoferon" - an effective antiviral drug containing interferon, eliminates itching, burning and swelling, is active against herpes and adenovirus.
- Vitabact is a popular antiseptic that kills not only viruses, but also bacteria.
- Zovirax.
- Okoferon.
- Zirgan.
- "Acyc-oftal."
- "Acyclovir."
Reviews
According to users, ointment "Virolex" is a very effective antiviral agent, but it also has many serious drawbacks. Firstly, only a doctor can deal with the appointment of the drug. With independent therapy, a tangible result is practically not felt. Only a physician can choose the right medicines that can be used simultaneously with Virolex.
Secondly, ointment often provokes the occurrence of side effects. Many consumers complain of a burning sensation and pain that appears immediately after applying the product to the eyelid. Perhaps this is the most significant drawback of the drug. In addition, many patients report a low effectiveness of the drug. Even after a full course of therapy, some patients do not notice positive changes in their condition.
But the advantages of the ointment include its accessibility and ease of use.