"Zovirax" is an antiviral drug that is intended exclusively for external use. The drug is a homogeneous white mass of soft consistency. The product has a specific smell. To effectively fight infections that are caused by various viruses, experts recommend the use of Zovirax ointment. Reviews about this drug are mostly positive, since in a short time a person can cope with the clinical manifestations of herpes.
Description of the medication
To understand why Zovirax ointment is used, it is necessary to study the official instructions. The active component of the drug is acyclovir, which penetrates into damaged tissues as quickly as possible. It is in such an environment that dangerous herpes viruses propagate. As soon as the optimal concentration of acyclovir is reached in the inflammatory focus, the patient's condition will improve significantly. With proper use, the ointment not only destroys the causative agents of infection, but also increases the protective functions of local immunity.
The final therapeutic effect of the treatment passed does not depend on the stage of the pathology. At any stage of infectious lesion of the soft tissues, Zovirax ointment can be used. Reviews about the drug indicate that the drug is effective at all three stages of the development of herpes:
- Redness of the skin, the appearance of burning, itching and slight tingling at the site of the lesion.
- The formation of small bubbles that are filled with fluid. At this stage, the person experiences tightness of the skin and severe itching of the affected area of the epithelium.
- At the final stage, the bubbles collapse.
To effectively fight infection, you need to undergo quality therapy, which includes several important steps. Only in this case, it is possible to eliminate the main causes of the pathological condition, significantly improve the patient’s well-being, and prevent relapse of the disease. For high-quality monotherapy, experts recommend the use of Zovirax ointment. Reviews of qualified dermatologists showed that in this case, the patient can refuse to use more powerful drugs that can provoke various adverse reactions.
Composition and form of release
In modern dermatology, Zovirax ointment is actively used for cold sores. Patient reviews about the results of using such a drug in 99% of all cases are positive. High efficiency is due to the presence of acyclovir, which is the active component. As auxiliary substances are used:
- Paraffin.
- Polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate.
- Cetostearyl alcohol.
- Poloxamer.
- Purified water.
- Macrogol stearate.
- Glycerol.
- Sodium salt of lauryl sulfuric acid.
The ointment is sold in sealed aluminum tubes with a screw cap of 2, 5 and 10 grams. Each bottle is enclosed in a sturdy cardboard box with detailed instructions from the manufacturer.
Operating principle
The main component of the drug, acyclovir, is similar in structure to guanine. This explains the high efficiency of Zovirax in the fight against dangerous viruses. During the phosphorylation reaction, the main substance is gradually metabolized to acyclovirtiphosphate. The drug acts exclusively on those tissues that are affected by herpes infection. Proper use of the ointment allows you to cope with two of the most common pathologies:
- The inflammatory nature of the disease, provoked by herpes viruses. In this case, the therapy should be long.
- Infectious lesion of the skin, which arose as a result of exposure to herpes simplex.
The positive effect of treatment can be seen within a few hours after applying the Zovirax ointment. Patient reviews showed that the intensity of the manifestation of herpes significantly decreases already on the second day of treatment.
Indications for use
Before using the medication, the patient must study the instructions for the Zovirax ointment. Reviews of dermatologists and people who have been treated indicate that the drug copes with keratitis, the causative agent of which has been established strains of herpes type I and II. Ointment can be used to treat the skin and mucous membranes that are affected by the virus. The tool can lubricate herpes vesicles on the lips.
Contraindications
Zovirax ointment is forbidden to use for those patients who have an increased sensitivity to acyclovir or its derivatives. The tool can be used by pregnant women, since only a small fraction of the active components enter the bloodstream. The drug does not adversely affect the formed fetus. Pregnant women are often prescribed this remedy to combat genital herpes, as well as to heal rashes on the skin of the body and lips.
In pediatrics, the Zovirax eye ointment is widespread. Reviews about this tool vary, because self-medication often causes unwanted adverse reactions. Only a specialist can prescribe this remedy to fight eye infections, chickenpox, as well as other herpes rashes on the body.
Instructions for use
The proper use of the drug is described in detail by the manufacturer in the annotation. To achieve the desired result, you must follow some recommendations:
- To effectively combat herpes, it is necessary to apply a small amount of ointment to the affected area of the lips or mucous membranes as evenly as possible. The drug can also lubricate the foci of herpes vesicles on the skin of the body.
- Problem areas are treated 3 to 6 times a day. But between each procedure it is necessary to maintain a gap of 4 hours.
- Apply therapeutic ointment only with clean hands, gently rubbing the drug in a circular motion.
- Therapy should last until the recovery and the disappearance of the symptoms of herpes.
- Experts do not recommend applying the ointment to the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. In addition, accidental contact with the eyes should be avoided.
- The patient can begin treatment both in the early and later stages of the disease. The traditional therapeutic course lasts from 3 to 7 days.
Adverse reactions
In traditional medicine, herbal ointment on the lips of Zovirax is in great demand. Reviews of experts allow us to conclude that treatment is effective only if the patient carefully observes all the instructions of the attending physician. Otherwise, the development of adverse reactions is not excluded:
- The development of anemia and a significant decrease in white blood cells and platelets. From the genitourinary system, the concentration of urea and creatinine may increase.
- Most often, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, hepatitis, jaundice, pain in the abdomen occur. It is possible that an increase in the concentration of the final product of creatine phosphate metabolism.
- As a result of an allergic reaction, Quincke's edema, urticaria, rash, itching, allergic dermatitis, and also anaphylactic reaction develop.
- Adverse reactions may affect the central nervous system. Hallucinations, psychosis, drowsiness are not excluded. In some cases, tremor of the extremities, convulsions, agitation, confusion may appear.
- At the place of application of the ointment, redness, peeling, burning, tingling sometimes forms.
Analogs
A well-developed pharmaceutical market offers a huge selection of quality and affordable drugs. In some cases, patients are looking for an effective way to replace the Zovirax ointment for herpes. A cheap analogue can be selected together with the attending physician, who will advise the most suitable option. Practice shows that most often as a substitute for "Zovirax" choose the following drugs:
- "Acigerpin."
- Herperx.
- "Acyclovir."
- "Acyclostad."
- Herpferon.
All of these medicines include an active drug, acyclovir, which is very important in the fight against herpes. However, some drugs may cost less than Zovirax.
Characteristic features of the drug
In modern cosmetology and dermatology, acne ointment on the face of Zovirax has received great demand. Reviews of experts confirm the high effectiveness of the medication, which is very important in the fight against various rashes on the skin. In clinical conditions, it was proved that the Zovirax ointment is able to quickly cope with herpes infections and many other pathogenic microorganisms. In just 4-5 days, you can get rid of the characteristic manifestations and symptoms of herpes on the lips, eyes, and mucous membranes. The composition of the drug is selected so that it can be used to treat newborns.
"Zovirax" is able in a short time to eliminate herpes around the lips, nose, genitals. But dermatologists recommend that their patients undergo a full course of treatment, which lasts a week. Senile herpes simplex virus infection can also be cured with Zovirax. To avoid the occurrence of adverse reactions, it is necessary to study the instructions and consult with a specialist.