The shelf life of Acyclovir directly depends on the conditions under which the drug was stored. A well-known product in the form of tablets and ointments is sold, and its effectiveness depends not only on the composition. How to store "Acyclovir" so that its medicinal properties remain? About it further.
Description
Ointment "Acyclovir" (shelf life below) is an antiherpetic, antiviral agent that is intended for external use. It is a synthetic analogue of roofing felt springboard, which is considered a natural component of DNA.
"Acyclovir" is a modern drug for the treatment of herpes and other viruses. The active substance contained in the ointment penetrates the cells, destroys the virus, does not provoke the occurrence of mutations. The scope of the drug is limited to herpes viruses.
Indications for use
Acyclovir is an antiviral drug that is effective against herpes. This disease provokes damage to the mucous membranes and skin. Herpes is considered to be painful small vesicles on the lips and face that appear with a cold. The reason for it is a virus that is transmitted from one person to another. If you use "Acyclovir", then the reproduction of this virus will stop. Ointment does not allow a new rash to appear, reduces the risk of spreading the disease through the skin and internal organs. In patients with impaired immune system, the drug is administered intravenously. Tablets are effective for infections of the skin and mucous membranes. The duration of treatment is usually five days.
In what cases is "Acyclovir" prescribed? The shelf life of ointments and tablets is important for the treatment of the following diseases:
- herpes simplex skin;
- genital herpes;
- localized shingles;
- chickenpox;
- prevention of relapse caused by herpes viruses in patients with normal immune status;
- prevention of infections caused by the virus in patients with immunodeficiency;
- HIV treatment
- primary therapy and relapse of infections that are caused by chickenpox and shingles.
As for the tablets, they are prescribed exclusively by the doctor. The ointment may be ineffective in case of viral diseases that are not related to herpes.
Structure
The shelf life of Acyclovir is important for users who want a fast and good result. What is included in the tablets:
- The active substance is acyclovir (400 mg).
- Povidone.
- Colloidal silicon dioxide.
- Magnesium stearate.
- Sodium carboxymethyl starch.
- The shell consists of titanium dioxide, hypromellose, a dye of iron oxide red and yellow.
Ointment consists of:
- active substance acyclovir 0.05 g;
- chicken oil;
- emulsifier;
- methyl parahydroxybenzoate;
- propyl parahydroxybenzoate;
- purified water.
Contraindications and side effects
The expiration date of Acyclovir indicates how long the drug will last. An expired medicine either does not work, or enhances side effects, causes poisoning. It is not recommended to conduct therapy with "Acyclovir" with increased sensitivity to the active substance, as well as to auxiliary components.
You can not use the ointment and take pills during lactation, children under three years of age. With caution, be treated with drugs for renal failure, dehydration, neurological disorders.
"Acyclovir" is well tolerated. Sometimes it can provoke abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cause disorders of the central nervous system (headache, weakness), allergies (itching, hives, swelling), fever, myalgia. An overdose of tablets causes tremors, convulsions, lethargic sleep.
Shelf life of tablets
How long are the Acyclovir tablets stored? Typically, such information is indicated on the box in which the medicine is located. Tablets, like ointment, are stored for a long time. But unlike the second, the shelf life of the pills is 4 years. In order for the tablets to retain their healing properties, it is important to observe storage conditions. They need to be kept in a dry, dark place at a temperature of +25 ° C. Shelf life also depends on the size of the tablet. The drug 200 mg is allowed to take 4 years, while 400 mg - 3 years.
Ointment shelf life
Shelf life of Acyclovir cream is three years. Like ointment. What is meant by the term "expiration date"? This is the period of time during which drugs remain effective. That is, after this period has expired, it is no longer possible to use drugs, they will lose their effectiveness and may be hazardous to health.
The starting date of the term is the time the medicine was produced. It is installed by the manufacturer after studies conducted on the manufactured drug. It is necessary to take into account the fact that "Acyclovir" can be produced by different manufacturers, therefore, the shelf life of the medication will be different.
If we talk about "Acyclovir-Acre", then the ointment after opening the package can be used only thirty days. After the tube has been opened, it should be kept in the refrigerator for a month, and then disposed of.
Storage Features
The shelf life of Acyclovir after opening the tube with ointment is reduced. Therefore, the product must be properly stored. It should be stored in a place inaccessible to children, the air temperature is from +15 ° C to +25 ° C. The expiration date of the Acyclovir ointment on the tube is indicated - this is three years. If the product is intended for the treatment of eyes, then after opening it is stored for only one month.
Some keep Acyclovir in the refrigerator when the tube has already been opened. The instructions for use do not say anything about this, therefore it is better to keep the drug at room temperature (if the shelf life is long and the manufacturer indicated the features).
It is important to emphasize that the ointments that are made in pharmacies retain their properties for only ten days, and those made in production are much longer. The shelf life is affected by the storage conditions in the warehouse, in the pharmacy, the temperature regime, the composition of the ointment or cream.
Changes in temperature, humidity, light adversely affect "Acyclovir", even if it was not opened. The tube with the ointment should not be allowed to heat up, otherwise this will provoke the multiplication of bacteria in the opened tube and undesirable consequences after use. In addition, the violated temperature regime affects the properties of the ointment.
Reviews
Is it worth buying an ointment or Acyclovir tablets when a cold sore occurs? The shelf life, as already explained above, is quite large, so it makes sense to give preference to this drug in the fight against the disease. What do users say about him:
- After treatment, the herpes virus does not appear for a long time.
- The drug is effective.
- It is inexpensive.
- Helps to cope not only with herpes, but also with other viral diseases.
- Neutral taste of ointment.
- Good cold sore prevention.
- Easy to use.
- There is in any pharmacy.
- Quick cure of herpes in the early stages.
- Helps relieve chickenpox in individual cases.
- Well tolerated.
However, Acyclovir, like any other drug, has its drawbacks. According to users, ointment does not always relieve cold sores. Some write that herpes only increases in size after applying the remedy. The disadvantages also include:
- adverse reactions;
- the presence of contraindications;
- strict adherence to the instructions for use;
- there are fakes;
- structure;
- burden on the kidneys;
- act slowly.
In order for the drug to be truly effective, it must be properly stored and used.