Antiviral drugs for herpes: how to choose?

Herpes is a viral disease in which mucous membranes and skin are affected. As a rule, this disease is recurrent. HSV (herpes simplex virus) affects white blood cells and helps to reduce immunity. Unfortunately, modern medicine has not yet developed methods for removing this virus from the body. The main goal of specialists at this stage is to suppress its reproduction during the period of exacerbation. For this, antiviral drugs are used . With herpes, the most effective are the drugs, the active substance in which are acyclovir, valaciclovir, famciclovir, penciclovir or allostatin.

Herpes Treatment

According to statistics, about 95% of people of reproductive age on our planet are affected by the herpes virus. Exacerbation of the disease in such individuals occurs, as a rule, 4 times a year. It manifests itself in the appearance of small vesicles on the lips, mucous membranes and skin. If rashes appear more often, then you should contact a specialist who will prescribe antiviral drugs for the treatment of herpes . Such drugs block the synthesis of herpes DNA and thereby inhibit its reproduction.

antiviral drugs for herpes

During an exacerbation of the disease, people who have detected HSV in their blood should take certain preventive measures:

  • Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and cold. Overheating and hypothermia suppress the immune system and provoke the appearance of herpes.
  • Limit the use of beer and other alcoholic beverages.
  • Regularly conduct a course of vitamin therapy.
  • Lead a healthy lifestyle. Stop smoking.
  • To conduct a regular course of therapy for chronic diseases, as they can provoke the development of pathology.

Herpes ointments

Ointments are effective antiviral drugs for cold sores on the lips. They act directly on the visible manifestations of the disease and allow you to quickly get rid of them.

Consider the most popular means to eliminate herpes on the lips and skin:

  • Viru Merz Serol is an antiviral gel. The main active ingredient is thromantadine. This tool quickly relieves pain, burning and itching. Effective in the fight against herpes zoster.
  • "Panavir" is an immunomodulatory gel with antiviral properties. The main active ingredient is hexose glycoside. The gel acts directly on the focus of inflammation, inhibiting the virus in it. It can be used for genital and herpes zoster.
  • Bonaphton is an antiviral ointment. The main active ingredient is bromonaphthoquinone.

antiviral drugs for herpes on the lips

When rashes on the lips and mucous membranes of the nose and mouth, the use of auxiliary ointments - "Dexpanthenol", "Depantenol", "Bepanten" is recommended. They promote tissue regeneration and accelerate the healing process of crusts.

Herpes pills

Experts say that the most effective antiviral drugs for herpes are pills. Many people have the opinion that such drugs inhibit HSV, saturating the body with harmful "chemistry." However, tablets, unlike ointments, affect the activity of the virus, and not just eliminate the symptoms.

Consider the mechanism of action of such medications.

When a tablet enters the human stomach, the main active substance of the drug is released. Then it is absorbed into the blood and with its help is distributed throughout the body. In the cells, special enzymes that are necessary for the reproduction of the pathogen are blocked.

It is important to take antiviral drugs for herpes in a timely manner. The course of therapy should begin in the prodromal period - before the first visible symptoms appear. In this case, you will be able to avoid the appearance of ulcers on the mucous membranes and the body.

It should also be remembered that these drugs can only be used after consulting a specialist.

antiviral drugs for herpes pills

Acyclovir-based preparations

Medicines in which acyclovir is the main active ingredient are the most effective antiviral drugs against herpes. This substance belongs to the group of acyclic nucleosides. Acyclovir, getting into a cell infected with a virus, activates and inhibits the reproduction of HSV. This is a non-toxic and absolutely harmless component that can be used to treat herpes at any stage. It is well tolerated by the human body and rarely causes adverse reactions. However, this substance has one significant drawback - the resistance of some patients to its action.

The most effective drugs:

  • Zovirax. Available in the form of tablets, cream, eye ointment and injection.
  • "Virolex". Available in the form of tablets, eye ointment and cream. It is used for genital herpes, skin lesions, mucous membranes of the eyes, for chickenpox, including in children under 1 year old.
  • Herperx. Available in the form of tablets and ointments.

herpes antiviral drugs

Other drugs

Consider other popular antiviral drugs for herpes (Cycloferon, Valaciclovir, Famvir, Fenistil Pencivir, Allomedin).

  • Cycloferon. An immunomodulatory drug with antiviral properties. It is used in the treatment of many diseases, including herpes. It has a wide spectrum of action.
  • "Valacyclovir." The drug is a new generation. The mechanism of its action is similar to acyclovir. Available exclusively in tablet form.
  • "Famvir." Antiviral drug, effective in the fight against herpes. It is well absorbed in the body.
  • "Fenistil Pencivir." Available in the form of ointment. It is highly effective in the most advanced stages of the disease.
  • Allomedin. Available in the form of ointment. The action is aimed at increasing the natural immunity of the skin of the lips.

antiviral drugs for herpes cycloferon

Genital Herpes Treatment

Genital herpes is a disease that is transmitted through sexual contact. The causative agent is HSV. Statistics show that this disease is the second most common among other sexually transmitted ailments.

The most effective antiviral drugs for genital herpes:

  • "Acyclovir."
  • "Virolex".
  • Famciclovir.
  • "Valacyclovir."


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