In the article, we consider whether Acyclovir is allowed for breastfeeding.
The immunity of a woman, undermined by a nine-month gestation, is subjected to a real test in the lactation period. Due to the limited diet, a woman does not receive the necessary vitamins, while the consumption of nutrients during this period is enormous. That is why often in the lactation period a woman has such an unpleasant disease as herpes.
It is scientifically confirmed that the herpes virus is present in the organisms of approximately 90% of people. As a rule, it exists latently, not manifesting itself in any way. But during a period of weakened immunity, which often occurs in the lactation period, unpleasant itchy formations arise almost immediately. When primary symptoms appear, a logical decision comes to mind - to begin therapy of the disease.
With the development of herpetic infection, acyclovir-based medicines are highly effective. The most popular is the drug of the same name "Acyclovir". Can I use it with breastfeeding?
The manufacturer produces the drug in two pharmacological forms - ointment, tablet. In each of them, the main component is acyclovir. The drug belongs to the group of antiviral medications, it is able to prevent the spread of herpetic infection at the cell level - due to the destruction of DNA synthesized by the virus.
It is worth noting that Acyclovir is characterized by selective exposure - it damages the DNA of the virus, but does not pose a danger to human cells. Due to this property, the drug is actively used in modern medicine.
Indications for use
From what tablets "Acyclovir", not everyone knows.
The drug is recommended for use in the following cases:
- Chickenpox.
- Shingles.
- Genital herpes.
- Lesions of the skin, mucous membrane, having an infectious origin and provoked by herpes of type 1, 2.
Features of the use of "Acyclovir" during breastfeeding
Foreign clinical studies provide evidence that the active substance in the composition of the drug is able to be excreted in breast milk (in small doses), but the risk level for the newborn is considered low.
So, is it possible to drink Acyclovir tablets while breastfeeding?
Domestic medicine notes that oral use of acyclovir leads to the release of the active component in breast milk in large doses. After using a standard dosage of 200 mg (with six times a day), the concentration of the substance in breast milk reaches 65-400%. That is, a child, eating breast milk, receives about 0.3 mg of the drug per kg of its weight per day. In this regard, "Acyclovir" during breastfeeding can only be used topically, in the form of an ointment. In this case, the absorption of the active component is at a minimum level, the substance is not detected in breast milk and blood. Therefore, the use of ointment is considered to be absolutely safe for the baby.
Use in the lactation period with breast herpes
Let us consider in more detail how to use "Acyclovir" ointment during breastfeeding.
A special case in the lactation period is the development of herpetic lesions on the chest. Herpetic virus often attacks the mammary glands in lactating women against the background of:
- Exacerbations of chronic type pathologies.
- Previously transmitted diseases of viral, infectious origin.
- The physiological decline in immunity after gestation, delivery.
As soon as favorable conditions arise, the virus latently existing in the body proceeds to active reproduction. The mammary glands during lactation have multiple microtraumas - cracks, minor injuries. That is, the virus finds a weak spot in the body and attacks the mammary gland.
"Acyclovir" with breastfeeding with this pathology can help. At the same time, it is strictly forbidden to feed the child with affected breasts during the entire period of therapy. A similar ban is due to the fact that the contact of a child with inflammatory foci causes immediate infection. Thus, if rashes are noted only on one breast, then it is permissible to feed the baby with other breasts. To maintain lactation and prevent stagnation of milk, it is important to express it from the affected breast.
Application chart
Various pharmacological forms of the drug are characterized by specific features of use.
Take the tablet “Acyclovir” should be five times a day (with food or immediately after eating) 200 mg. A tablet should be washed down with water in large quantities (250 ml). The duration of therapy is up to 7 days.
When using the ointment, several rules should be followed. Apply the product to the affected area with exceptionally clean hands or a thin layer with a cotton pad. The ointment is applied not only to the herpes vesicles, but also to the area around them (2-3 mm). In the lactation period, the frequency of applications should be no more than 3 times within 12 hours.
The drug should be used until the bubble formations are crusted, or until complete healing occurs. The average duration of therapy is 5-7 days, a maximum of 10.
If the expected effect is absent, it is important to consult a dermatologist.
Negative impact
The use of various pharmacological forms of the drug causes the ingestion of different amounts of the active component into the body. Therefore, the number and frequency of adverse symptoms is also different.
The ointment is used topically, due to which the number of negative effects is minimized. As a rule, the occurring side symptomatology is associated with skin reactions:
- Peeling, dry skin.
- Burning sensation (on contact with the mucous membrane).
- Allergic dermatitis (rare).
The use of a tablet preparation is fraught with the emergence of negative responses from the digestive tract and other systems. This is due to the intake of high doses of the active substance. Against the background of the use of tablets, it may develop:
- Urticaria, rash, itching.
- Dyspnea.
- Drowsiness.
- Convulsions, hallucinations, tremors, confusion.
- Dizziness, headache.
- Jaundice, hepatitis.
- Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea.
Contraindications to the use of "Acyclovir"
Any dosage form of the drug is contraindicated for use in the following cases:
- Increased susceptibility to any component of the drug.
- Neurological pathology.
- Renal failure.
Special instructions when using "Acyclovir"
During therapy with Acyclovir, several factors should be taken into account:
- "Acyclovir" provokes dehydration. In this regard, it is important to consume a sufficient amount of fluid during therapy.
- Herpes virus is characterized by a high degree of contagion. Therefore, for the entire period of therapy, the contact of the child with the affected area should be limited - if herpes is localized on the lips, it is forbidden to kiss the child.
- The use of the drug can cause dizziness. If such a side effect is detected, you should abandon the management of complex mechanisms and vehicles.
- The herpes virus is characterized by high activity, so the use of "Acyclovir" is most effective in the early stages of the disease. The optimal start of therapy is the stage of occurrence of the herpetic vesicle, when the first symptom appears - itching.
Analogs of Acyclovir
If it is impossible to use Acyclovir, it can be replaced with one of its analogues. The most popular drugs are:
- "Famvir." It is characterized by an antiviral effect, is active against lichen, chickenpox, herpes.
- Lysozyme. It is allowed for use in the lactation period. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial effect.
- Herpferon. It is an immunomodulator.
- Zovirax. It is considered a more effective drug for the treatment of herpes in the lactation period.
- Fenistil. May only be used as directed by a physician After applying the local remedy, the active components in the blood and breast milk are not detected.
- Valtrex Effectively eliminates infectious lesions of the dermis, genital herpes, lichen.
It is important to consider that all these drugs have certain contraindications and are able to provoke specific negative symptoms.
Reviews about "Acyclovir" with HS
Nursing women often leave their feedback on the experience with the use of Acyclovir ointment. They note the availability of the drug, its high efficiency, ease of use, the almost complete absence of negative symptoms.
Negative reviews are usually associated with the occurrence of allergic reactions to the drug. Typically, this reaction is due to individual susceptibility to the components.
We examined whether Acyclovir can be used for breastfeeding.