Why are Cyclovir tablets needed? Instructions for use, reviews, indications and analogues of this drug will be presented below. You will also learn about how much the mentioned drug costs, whether it has contraindications, and what side effects occur while taking it.
Composition, packaging, description and form
In what form is the medicine “Cyclovir” made? Instructions for use of the drug reports that it is sold in the following forms:
- Tablets. The active element of this tool is acyclovir. White cylindrical tablets go on sale in contour packs, which, in turn, are sealed in cardboard boxes.
- Ointment "Cyclovir". Instruction (application), reviews of people and doctors say that this drug is highly effective. The ointment goes on sale for 5 g in tubes, sealed in cardboard boxes.
Pharmacodynamics of the drug
How do ointments and Cyclovir tablets work? Instructions for use informs that this medication is a synthetic antiviral drug. Due to the interaction of its active substance with the enzymes of cells that are infected with the virus, their replication stops.
By its nature, the medication in question has a structural (chemical) similarity with deoxyguanidine. Therefore, it easily interacts with the synthesis of DNA viruses and selectively exerts a detrimental effect on them.
According to the attached instructions, this medication is particularly active against viruses such as chicken pox, cytomegaloviruses, Epstein-Barr virus and herpes simplex.
Pharmacokinetics
Is Cyclovir (tablets) absorbed? Instructions for use informs that the process of absorption of this medication occurs in part from the digestive tract. The bioavailability of the drug is 20%. Its highest concentration in the blood is observed 1-2 hours after administration.
Once in the systemic circulation, the active substance of the drug binds to proteins by 12-15%.
It should be noted that this medication can easily penetrate the BBB.
Indications for use
When is Cyclovir (tablets) prescribed? Instructions for use indicate that this medication is intended for systemic use in the following cases:
- in the treatment of an infection that was caused by the herpes simplex virus, as well as chickenpox;
- for the prevention of infections that were triggered by the herpes simplex virus and chickenpox (especially in people with reduced immune status);
- as part of a comprehensive treatment for severe immunodeficiency (including HIV infection), as well as for people who have undergone bone marrow transplantation;
- for the prevention of cytomegalovirus infection in patients.
As for the local form of the drug, it is actively used in ophthalmic practice (including keratitis and other eye lesions that were caused by the herpes simplex virus).
External use of the drug is indicated for infections of the skin that were caused by herpes simplex and chickenpox viruses.
Contraindications
What conditions of the patient are forbidden to prescribe the drug "Cyclovir" (tablets)? Instructions for use report such contraindications:
- breast-feeding;
- hypersensitivity reaction to the main and additional components of the drug;
- children under two years old;
- period of pregnancy.
The drug "Cyclovir": instructions for use
Cyclovir, the reviews of which are presented at the end of the article, is a very effective antiviral drug. Its dosage and methods of use should be determined only by the doctor. If you do not have the opportunity to visit a doctor, then you should carefully study the attached instructions.
What dosage is prescribed Cyclovir (tablets)? Instructions for use informs that this medication must be taken orally. For adult patients and children from two years of age, the drug is prescribed 200-400 mg three or five times a day.
If necessary, the dose of tablets is calculated according to this scheme: 20 mg / kg (i.e. up to 800 mg at a time) four times a day.
If Cyclovir is required for a child under two years of age, then it is prescribed in an amount equal to 1/2 dose for adult patients.
The duration of treatment with this drug is 5-10 days. In renal failure, a correction of the dosage regimen is necessary.
How to apply ointment?
As a local and external preparation, Cyclovir is prescribed five times a day. The ointment is applied in a small layer on the affected area and left in this form for several hours. Over time, the medication is carefully removed with a cotton pad and re-applied.
The indicated form of the drug is advisable to apply after herpetic eruptions come out over the skin. Its effectiveness is manifested only when the bubbles begin to burst. As a result of local exposure to the ointment, the infection does not spread to other areas of the skin.
Side effects
Unfortunately, taking the drug in question contributes to the development of many side effects. The use of pills, even at the dosages recommended by the doctor, can cause nausea, skin rash, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headaches, increased fatigue, dizziness, fever, decreased concentration, drowsiness, hallucinations, and insomnia.
Very rarely, this medication causes hair loss, a transient increase in the concentration of bilirubin in the blood, creatinine, urea and the activity of liver enzymes, as well as lymphocytopenia, erythropenia and leukopenia.
As for the local use of Cyclovir, it often causes superficial punctate keratitis, a burning sensation at the site of application, as well as conjunctivitis and blepharitis.
With external use of the ointment at the place of application, burning sensations are also possible. In addition, the patient may experience a skin rash, peeling, itching, dryness and erythema. If the medication in question accidentally fell on the mucous membranes, then there is a risk of their inflammation.
Overdose cases
If the dosages of the Cyclovir medication are exceeded, the patient may show enhanced adverse reactions. Such conditions are effectively treated by gastric lavage, hemodialysis, the introduction of plasma and a plasma substitute.
Compatibility with other means
How does the drug “Cyclovir” interact with other drugs? With the combination of this medication with probenecids, tubular secretion of the active substance decreases. Thus, its half-life and plasma concentration are increased.
The concomitant use of Cyclovir with nephrotoxic drugs increases the risk of developing a nephrotoxic effect, especially in people with impaired renal function.
The effect of the drug "Cyclovir" is enhanced while taking immunostimulants.
Special recommendations
It is undesirable to prescribe the drug in question for those who have severe kidney impairment. When taking "Cyclovir" it must be borne in mind that it can cause the development of acute renal failure. This is due to the formation of a precipitate in the form of crystals of the active substance.
Treatment of elderly patients must be carried out with sufficient water load and under the strict supervision of a doctor.
When genital herpes is required to avoid sexual contact, as the use of "Cyclovir" does not prevent the transmission of the virus.
Cost and analogues
You can replace Cyclovir with such means: Acyclovir, Acyclovir-Vishfa, Acyclovir-Farmak, Valvir, and so on.
The price of the medication in question is not very high. You can buy this drug in the amount of 10 tablets for 20-30 rubles.
Patient Reviews
Now you know what Cyclovir is. Instructions, reviews, testimonies are presented in the materials of this article.
Herpetic eruptions periodically worry many people. Therefore, pills and ointments intended for their treatment are very popular. Patients claim that the drug "Cyclovir" manifests itself only on the positive side. It contributes to the rapid elimination of skin lesions that were caused by the herpes virus. The only drawback of this medicine is the presence of many side effects.