Viruses are the smallest pathogens that cause a wide variety of diseases. Especially dangerous are viruses that enter the cell, since it is completely impossible to destroy them - they are reliably covered by a cell membrane. It was to combat them that the drug Acyclovir was created. For more than a decade, he and his analogues have been prescribed for herpesvirus diseases - a person is affected by a family of viruses that live in organisms of 90% of the world's population. Today we will consider the drug "Acyclovir", instructions for use, price and reviews about it.
Herpesvirus Family
The family consists of 8 viruses, among which:
- Herpes types 1 and 2.
- Epstein-Barr
- Cytomegalovirus.
- Chickenpox virus
- Herpes virus types 6, 7 and 8.
These viruses live for years in the body, causing many concomitant diseases with a weakened immunity of the patient. Moreover, no one sins on a simple, it would seem, herpes, diagnosed by almost the entire population of our planet. And it would be worth it, since it causes serious complications - some of its strains can even cause oncology. Today, doctors associate the herpesvirus family with miscarriages, congenital malformations, and immunodeficiency conditions. Fortunately, not everyone has the infection in such an aggressive form, because it all depends on the strain of the virus and the state of immunity. That is why herpes, if it has already entered the body, it is important to constantly monitor and prevent a decrease in the body's defenses.
What is acyclovir?
"Acyclovir" is a synthetic analogue of an acyclic purine nucleoside (DNA component). The main function of the drug is the antiviral effect, which Acyclovir selectively exerts against herpes viruses. It is introduced into the cell (in which the virus has already "settled"), binds to its enzymes and violates the DNA of the virus, which prevents its reproduction. In this case, the drug practically does not affect the cells of the carrier of infection. On sale there is a drug with additions in the names - "Acre", "Herds", "Akos". This is the same tool, but from different manufacturers and in different forms of release. So, "Acyclovir 200 Herds" (we will consider the instructions and analogues of the drug today) is a German product, the price of which is much lower than Russian and Ukrainian. Of course, this is a big plus.
"Acyclovir" (200 mg in tablets, instructions below) prevents the development of visceral complications. The drug also has an immunomodulatory effect. It is strong immunity that suppresses intracellular viruses and prevents them from manifesting themselves.
Acyclovir-Akos (200 mg tablets), the instructions for which we are considering today, are only partially absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract. Most of it is excreted unchanged in the urine. With renal failure, the elimination half-life increases several times.
Instructions for use "Acyclovir" (200 mg)
So let's get it right. What diseases are Acyclovir (200 mg) used for? Instructions for use read as follows:
- With herpes of the skin and mucous membranes, both primary and in the phase of exacerbation.
- With genital herpes.
- With shingles.
- With chickenpox in the first day after the rash appears.
- With cytomegalovirus.
- Patients with severe immunodeficiency caused by chemotherapy, HIV infection, taking drugs that suppress the immune system, for the prevention of infections caused by herpes simplex.
The drug is used both for the prevention of herpes virus infections, and with their neglected form. The difference is present only in dosage.
The composition of the drug
Note. "Acyclovir" 200, the composition of which is characterized by a minimum of components, is made on the basis of a synthetic analogue of the nucleic nucleoside and additional components - potato starch, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, polyvinylpyrrolidone, colloidal silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate.
The drug contains lactose in its shell, therefore it is not recommended for people with hypersensitivity to it. However, in this case, cream and powder for the preparation of injections are on sale.
Is Acyclovir harmful?
The answer is mixed. Like other antiviral drugs, Acyclovir 200 mg (tablets, the instructions of which we are discussing today) can cause side effects. When applying, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive fatigue, headache, allergic reaction to the composition of the drug are possible.
With intravenous administration, blood counts increase - urea and creatinine, bilirubin. Enzymes of the liver increase. People who suffer from kidney disease should take Acyclovir with extreme caution, as it adversely affects their work. Therefore, such patients need a dose adjustment of the drug.
Usually "Acyclovir" (200 mg in tablets), as indicated in the instructions, is well tolerated and non-toxic to the body. But you can’t take it constantly to suppress herpes viruses - it is harmful to the liver. In addition, over time, viruses get used to the drug, and it ceases to help.
In what forms is Acyclovir sold?
In pharmacies "Acyclovir" can be found in 3 forms:
- Ointment. Local application is especially popular for the treatment of the notorious “cold” on the lips.
- Tablets. For the treatment of more "in-depth" herpes.
- Powder for the preparation of intravenous injection.
In this case, "Acyclovir" in tablets (200 mg) is most popular. Instructions for use are discussed below. And in the form of ointment.
"Acyclovir" in tablets
The drug is available in packs of 20 tablets. The method of application depends on the diagnosis and age.
Prevention 1 tablet 4 times a day.
Herpes simplex virus. 1 tablet 5 times a day.
Shingles. 4 tablets 5 times a day.
For adults and children over two years of age, the dosage is similar.
In renal failure, "Acyclovir" is used 200 mg 2 times a day with an interval of 12 hours.
The duration of treatment is usually 5 days (with shingles - 8). For the prevention of genital herpes, "Acyclovir" is used from six months to a year.
Attention! Drink tablets with plenty of water and do not drink them at night.
Drug cost
"Acyclovir" (200 mg tablets), the instructions and price of which can be found in almost every pharmacy, are quite affordable. Its cost in Russian rubles is from 60 to 200 rubles. The price depends not only on the number of tablets in the package, but also on the manufacturer. So, "Acyclovir-Farmak", tablets of 200 mg, 20 pieces, is produced by a Ukrainian pharmaceutical company, so its cost is very low - 20-30 UAH.
"Acyclovir" in powder
Powder for injection is recently prescribed quite rarely. Children from 12 years old and adults 5-10 mg per 1 kg of body weight with an 8-hour interval. The maximum dose taken per day is 30 mg / kg. With intravenous administration, the development of additional adverse reactions that are not observed when taking pills is possible - hallucinations, drowsiness, tremor, kidney complications, convulsions, psychosis.
"Acyclovir" for external use
The cream is prescribed for external use for such manifestations of herpes as a “cold” on the lips, a rash in the genital area with genital herpes, localized shingles. This cream effectively eliminates the appearance of the virus on the skin, penetrating through the epidermis into the affected cells. Almost does not enter the systemic circulation. Thus, the tool prevents the formation of new elements of the rash, reduces pain with shingles. In this case, the cream is not recommended to be applied to the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and vagina. Price - 20-40 UAH. (in Russia - 150 rubles).
Ophthalmic ointment "Acyclovir" is used for keratitis of herpes virus etiology and for the prevention of colds on the lips. The agent is applied to the affected areas up to 6 times a day. The course of treatment is 5-10 days. It is important to start it as soon as possible. In this case, "Acyclovir" is more effective.
special instructions
"Acyclovir" is not prescribed for pregnant women due to insufficient data on its safety for expectant mothers. Moreover, during lactation it is contraindicated, as it is partially excreted in milk. If there is an urgent need for the appointment of the drug, milk is withdrawn from the baby.
People with renal insufficiency "Acyclovir-Acre" in tablets of 200 mg (in the instructions for use above was indicated) should be prescribed carefully. With the simultaneous administration of medication with nephrotoxic drugs, renal function impairment is possible. In old age, especially with a concomitant diagnosis, it is recommended to drink water in large quantities.
"Acyclovir" is not recommended to be combined with alcohol (although there is no direct data on its interaction with alcohol), because, like any other antiviral drugs, in combination with them, the drug can cause allergies, kidney damage, etc.
Can I use the drug for a child?
Since the effect of Acyclovir 200 mg in tablets (instructions for children will be described below) on the body of infants has not been studied, it is not recommended to give it to children up to a year. In case of chickenpox, it is prescribed both internally and externally. But up to a year, children rarely suffer from this ailment. An ointment to relieve the symptoms of herpes is indicated for children from 1 month.
Apply as follows:
- 1-2 years - 100 mg / day 4 times a day (5 days).
- after 2 years - 200 mg 4 times a day.
- 2-5 years - 400 mg 4 times a day.
- after 6 years - 800 mg 4 times a day.
In severe cases, the drug is used up to 10 days. As an alternative treatment for the prevention of relapse, 400 mg of the drug is indicated every 12 hours. "Acyclovir", instructions for use of tablets of 200 mg confirms this, is prescribed for children. But it is better to consult with your doctor first.
Analogues of the drug
Preparations with acyclovir in the main composition that fight herpes virus:
1. "Acyclovir sandoz" (German cream for herpetic eruptions).
2. "Acyclovir belupo" (tablets).
3. "Zovirax" (powder for the preparation of injections, tablets).
4. "Virolex" (available in the form of powder, tablets, eye ointment and cream).
5. Medovir (powder for solution).
6. "Vivorax" (cream and ointment).
7. "Herpevir" in tablets.
Each of these drugs has one active substance, but different components of the additional composition. It is important to know for people with certain types of food intolerances.
What are the reviews on Acyclovir?
Given the prevalence of the herpes virus, many have had experience with the drug. It suited the majority, since the substance acyclovir is usually well tolerated and rarely causes side effects. Consider the reviews about it in more detail. For starters, the benefits.
1. "Acyclovir" refers to the first generation of antiviral drugs, therefore, differs in low price compared to other drugs of this series. More advanced drugs are notable for their high prices, but they also have fewer side effects.
2. Efficiency is another undoubted advantage. "Acyclovir" helps very quickly, in a matter of days, eliminate the symptoms of herpes. Moreover, due to its immunomodulatory properties, herpes does not bother the patient for a long time.
3. "Acyclovir" is used not only for herpes. Practice shows that it is also effective against viruses that cause colds and flu, as well as rotavirus. After taking Acyclovir, the fever quickly drops, and in general the patient is recovering. True, it is better to use it for influenza on the recommendation of a doctor.
And now let's pay attention to the shortcomings, which, despite the abundance of positive reviews, are still present.
- "Acyclovir" does not help everyone. If it is ineffective, either another herpes treatment regimen or another antiviral drug is needed. This is due to the individual characteristics of the body.
- Side effects. The instructions indicate a lot of side effects, which, fortunately, rarely occur, but the risk of their occurrence, especially with an overdose, is present. It is especially cautious to take this drug for kidney diseases, in particular, for renal failure.
- Sometimes one "Acyclovir" for the treatment of herpes is not enough. Herpes disappears, but then appears again quickly enough. This suggests the need to increase immunity with immunomodulators. Or, again, about the need to select another antiviral drug.
Finally
In general, Acyclovir and its analogues are well tolerated and are effective. The disadvantages are undoubtedly much less than the advantages, which explains the popularity of the drugs. However, many complain that doctors began to prescribe it less and less. Perhaps this is due to the growing popularity of more expensive products.