Herpes on the lips can occur not only in the autumn-winter season, but also in spring, and even in summer. It depends on many reasons, including the state of the immune system. If it is weakened, then the virus begins to multiply actively, affecting the mucous membranes and skin integuments.
So how to get rid of this ailment? Medicines that can cure herpes once and for all do not exist. However, this disease can be forgotten for a long time. To do this, you should constantly maintain the work of your immune system, as well as carry out preventive measures by taking certain drugs. Which ones, we will tell a little further.
general information
Surprisingly, herpes pills on the lips are much less popular than all kinds of creams and ointments. What is the reason for this? Many patients are convinced that such agents are synthetic and have the desired effect only due to "chemistry", simultaneously affecting all internal organs and systems. Also, most people who have herpes, believe that the principle of the cream and ointment is more understandable: they applied the product to a sick area of the skin, and it will heal.
However, experts argue that these conclusions are not true.
Herpes on the lips is called a viral disease, which is only indirectly associated with cold and a deficiency of vitamins in the body. In fact, only the activity of the virus in the human body affects the appearance of rashes. Therefore, to suppress it, you must definitely take special antiviral drugs. Herpes pills on the lips, the price of which will be presented below, are best suited for this.
Of course, ointments and creams also have a certain effect, but to a lesser extent. It should be noted that the use of local funds is considered safe from the point of view of the development of adverse reactions.
Operating principle
As mentioned above, pills help best for cold sores on the lips. After all, this is a special antiviral agent. After taking the drug, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and immediately distributed throughout the body. Once in cells infected with the virus, it helps to block special enzymes, which are essential for the reproduction of the pathogen. As a result of this effect, the number of viral elements ceases to increase, and those that are present are destroyed by the forces of the immune system.
It should be especially noted that the medicine for herpes on the lips in tablets should be taken on time: as soon as the signs of the disease have made themselves felt. Only in this case, the therapeutic effect will not take long.
Experts say that from cold sores on the lips, pills taken in the prodromal period (that is, before the appearance of the main signs in the form of rashes) can stop the virus from replicating at a stage when it has not yet had time to seriously affect the skin. Thus, unpleasant bubbles may not appear at all.
Unwanted effects
What pills for herpes on the lips do better than others do the job? Only an experienced specialist can answer this question. If you do not have the opportunity to see a doctor, then you should choose antiviral drugs very carefully.
The fact is that different antiviral agents have different side effects. Therefore, they should be taken strictly at the dosages indicated in the instructions, carefully observing the reaction of their own body. Although experts argue that most of the herpes pills that are available on the Russian market are very similar to each other.
The most popular drugs
What pills to drink for cold sores on the lips? The main, as well as the most popular means that effectively cope with the task are the following:
- Tablets "Acyclovir". This is perhaps one of the most popular and effective drugs that has long been present on the pharmaceutical market.
- The medicine "Zovirax" is an analogue of "Acyclovir."
- The drug "Valtrex". The basis of this medication is such an antiviral drug as Valaciclovir. It is able to withstand a huge number of herpes virus strains.
- The drug "Famvir". Its active ingredient is famciclovir.
- Medication "Vivorax". For a long time it was produced in the form of ointment. Only recently, this tool began to be produced in the form of tablets.
Some of these drugs are sold strictly according to prescription, and some are sold without prescription. However, the specifics of each of them should be studied not only before selection, but also before use.
Features of the drug "Acyclovir"
Pills for herpes on the lips of Acyclovir are almost completely similar in composition to such an expensive foreign medicine as Zovirax. Acyclovir acts as their active substance. As auxiliary components, starch, galactose, aerosil and calcium compounds are used.
From herpes on the lips, Acyclovir tablets should be used as soon as possible (at the stage of tingling sensation). In primary infections, they must be drunk one at a time five times a day for five days.
In case of relapse, the drug is prescribed 1 tablet four times a day or 2 tablets twice a day.
Contraindications and side effects
Pregnant women, children and nursing mothers such a drug is contraindicated. Side effects of this remedy are: skin rash, drowsiness, digestive upset, hallucinations, headaches, changes in blood composition and shortness of breath.
How much are the pills for cold sores on the lips of Acyclovir? The price of this tool is the lowest among all other similar drugs. You can get 20 tablets for only 30-40 rubles. This amount is enough for one course of treatment.
Herpes tablets on the lips of Valtrex (or Valaciclovir)
This drug is an antiviral agent, the basis of which is valaciclovir. According to experts, this is a new generation drug.
The advantage of this medication over Acyclovir is its higher absorption. When using equal doses, valaciclovir enters the bloodstream in a much higher concentration. After that, under the influence of special liver enzymes, valaciclovir is converted to acyclovir and begins to actively suppress the herpes virus.
How to use?
From herpes on the lips, Valtrex tablets are much more than Acyclovir. Their mass is 500 mg. Therefore, for the treatment of herpetic eruptions, tablets should be taken one at a time twice a day for 10 days (in case of primary infection), or within 6 days for relapse.
If necessary, this drug can be used in the amount of two tablets twice a day with an interval of 12 hours.
Long-term, as well as intensive therapy with this agent will not give the best results, however, it can lead to the appearance of adverse reactions.
Drug features
How is the prevention of cold sores on the lips? Pills "Valtrex" have established themselves as a very effective tool for the prevention of relapses of herpetic eruptions. To do this, they must be taken one at a time. If relapses occur too often, then the tablet needs to be divided in half and consumed twice a day.
People with immunodeficiency as a prophylaxis should take 2 tablets twice a day. Such preventive therapy should not last more than one day.
Contraindications and adverse reactions
It is strictly forbidden to prescribe Valtrex to pregnant women, children under 12 years of age, and nursing mothers. Adverse reactions from its use are similar to the side effects of Acyclovir. However, after taking valaciclovir, there is a chance of developing anaphylactic shock.
The price of this tool is quite high. A pack of 10 tablets costs about 770 rubles.
The drug "Famvir"
The composition of Famvir is almost identical to that of Acyclovir. However, it is still distinguished by the active ingredient. The fact is that Famciclovir acts as an active component of Famvir. This is a recently developed antiviral substance that is very similar in its effectiveness to valaciclovir. It slows down the development of herpes infection, as well as the multiplication of the virus in the human body.
After taking the tablets, famciclovir is completely converted to penciclovir.
It should also be noted that the drug "Famvir" effectively manifests itself in relation to any known strains of the herpes simplex virus.
Instructions for use
The tablets we are considering should be taken without chewing with a large amount of ordinary water. Thanks to the sale of the drug with different masses (250, 125 and 500 mg), the daily as well as the single dosage are easy to vary.
The most effective dose of this drug is taking 3 tablets (500 mg each) per day (at regular intervals). However, this amount of the drug should be agreed with the doctor, as it can vary depending on the physical condition of the patient, his age and individual characteristics.
Characteristics of the drug
Surprisingly, according to the results of studies, Famvir tablets were ineffective for black people.
This drug has a certain toxic effect. It often causes digestive upsets, the appearance of exhaustion, inhibition of nervous regulation and the development of rashes on the body. Therefore, the use of this medication must be agreed with a doctor.
It is forbidden to use Famvir during pregnancy and during breastfeeding. It is produced by the Swiss company "Winter", and therefore its price is about 880 rubles per package.
To summarize
Now you know what pills for the treatment of herpes on the lips can be found in Russian pharmacies. It should be noted that all of the above funds are very effective.
Of course, to eliminate herpetic eruptions, you can use not only oral agents, but also local drugs. Moreover, each of the listed medicines has the form of an ointment.
An ideal treatment for herpes is a combination of internal and external remedies. This use of drugs will contribute to the rapid elimination of rashes and the full recovery of the patient in the shortest possible time. Also, do not forget about the state of your immune system. In the process of treating herpes, doctors always recommend taking vitamin complexes or any other folk remedies.
It is also very important to remember that the aforementioned disease never manifests itself just like that. If herpetic eruptions appear on the lips from time to time, then you should think about your lifestyle. Your body may lack vitamins and minerals.