Such a disease as herpes is familiar to almost every person today, especially since for the first time this ailment was described by Hippocrates. Science has already learned how to deal with this virus and has provided a wide range of medications that can destroy it. But the leading place in this variety of pharmaceutical products is occupied by the drug Acyclovir. Analogues of this drug are less known to the consumer, despite the fact that their pharmacological properties are not inferior to the leader. It is with these drugs that we will familiarize ourselves in more detail.
The drug "Acyclovir" and its pharmacological action
This antiviral is especially effective against herpes zoster and herpes simplex. In structure, it is similar to the purine nucleoside of deoxyguanide, the normal component of DNA, which is responsible for the transmission of hereditary information. Due to this similarity, the drug has the ability to interact with viral enzymes, which prevents the further propagation of viruses. Therefore, already on the second or third day there is a positive trend when taking the drug "Acyclovir" (tablets). Reviews of patients and doctors confirm this fact.
After introduction into the affected cells, the agent undergoes a multi-stage transformation, at the final stage turning into active acyclovir triphosphate. It is this form that allows only viral DNA replication to be blocked, practically without affecting the DNA of human cells.
Indications
With the systemic use of the Acyclovir Fort tablets, as well as other forms of the drug, they prevent the formation of new rashes on the affected areas of the skin, prevent skin dissemination, weaken the pain syndrome, and accelerate healing (formation and exfoliation of the crusts).
Intravenously prescribed medication for patients with infectious processes that are caused by herpes viruses against the background of severe disorders of the immune system. Often use the drug "Acyclovir" for stomatitis in children and adults.
In addition to the fact that the medicine is effective against herpes, it also has an immunostimulating effect, which is aimed at restoring the body's defenses.
The drug "Acivir"
The basis of this medication is the substance acyclovir. Children can be prescribed the drug from birth to prevent or treat herpes. The product is available in the form of soluble tablets, in which, in addition to the main active substance, additional components such as corn starch, croscarmellose sodium, microcrystalline cellulose, purified talc, anhydrous colloidal silicon, aspartame and flavorings are used.
Prescribe this drug, as well as the medicine "Acyclovir Forte", for infections caused by the Herpes simplex virus. In particular, the drug is effective for herpes of the mucous membranes, epidermis, genitals and herpes zoster.
As for contraindications to taking the medicine, their list is not large. Acivir is not recommended for patients with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, as well as for impaired renal function, if the daily diuresis is less than 100 ml. Also, do not use the drug during pregnancy if the risk to the child exceeds the health benefits of the mother.
Ointment "Atsigerpin"
Quite often, with infections of the mucous membranes, skin and lips that are caused by herpes, “Acyclovir” (ointment) is prescribed. Analogs that can be purchased at the pharmacy are also effective in the above diseases. One of these drugs is Atsigerpin, in which acyclovir is used as the main substance.
The medication is intended for external use only. The amount of ointment that is applied to the skin or mucous membrane depends entirely on the size of the affected area. To prevent the further spread of infection, the wound is treated with a cotton swab or cotton swab. Processing is carried out 4-5 times a day with an interval of at least 4 hours. If wound healing does not occur for 5 days, the course of treatment should be extended for another 5 days.
As for the side effects of the drug, they occur very rarely and manifest themselves in the form of local allergic reactions, flushing of the skin, peeling, etc.
Pills "Acyc"
With genital herpes, as well as infections of the mucous membranes and skin caused by this virus, doctors can not always prescribe the drug Acyclovir. Analogues of this medication, such as the “Acyc” remedy, are also effective in the aforementioned ailments, therefore they are often prescribed to patients.
A preparation is shown for the prevention of primary and recurrent infections caused by Herpes simplex in patients with impaired immune system functions, including HIV. In addition, a medicine may be recommended for chickenpox and shingles.
When taking "Acyc", it is necessary to carefully monitor changes in the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and central nervous system. It is on these systems and human organs that the tool can affect negatively. So, in some patients, after the first dose, there may be vomiting, diarrhea, intestinal colic and nausea. Various rashes may appear on the skin.
For any of the above manifestations, the drug should be discontinued and contact a medical institution.
Cream "Acyclostad"
If the drug “Acyclovir” is prescribed for children, for example, with stomatitis or rashes on the lips, the pharmacist in the pharmacy may recommend an analogue - cream “Acyclostad”. It is also applied topically, and it includes acyclovir.
But it is worth noting that this drug is used only for herpes on the lips and is strictly prohibited for the treatment of rashes on the mucous membranes. It is not recommended to use it during pregnancy and lactation. The exception is cases where the benefit for the expectant mother exceeds the possible risks for the development of crumbs.
The medicine "Biocyclovir"
This antiviral drug is used for systemic therapy for severe infections provoked by herpes viruses. The product is available in the form of a powder, from which a solution for infusion is prepared. Acyclovir is used as the main active substance in it.
Before using the product, it is diluted in 10 ml of a solution of sodium chloride or water for injection, and then injected using an infusion pump. If therapy is necessary for children, then the medicine is diluted in two stages: the first - in 10 ml of saline, the second - the necessary age-related dosage is added to the infusion solution in a ratio of 1: 5.
Cream "Vivorax"
As a rule, doctors prescribe the following for patients who have cold sores on their lips, treatment: “Acyclovir” in the form of an ointment or “Vivorax” cream. These agents are effective for primary and recurrent skin infections and rashes on the mucous membranes, if their cause is Herpessіmplex virus. Therefore, they are prescribed for chickenpox and Epstein-Barr disease.
Vivorax cream is applied to the affected areas 5-6 times a day, every 3 hours. As a rule, the therapeutic effect is already visible on the 2nd – 3rd day of treatment, but even if no positive dynamics are observed, the course of therapy should be continued until 7–10 days.
It is contraindicated to use the medication for pregnant and lactating women. There is also not so much information about the use of the cream for children, so you should not experiment with your baby. It is better to contact the clinic and get qualified advice from a specialist.
Herpevir tablets
If the first symptoms of herpes appear, a visit to the doctor should not be postponed, because the virus spreads very quickly in the body. After examining the patient and a number of laboratory tests, the specialist will accurately establish the diagnosis and prescribe treatment. This may be the drug "Acyclovir", analogues based on the identical active substance, such as the drug "Herpevir", or other drugs in the form of tablets or ointments.
It is worth noting that the tablet medicine based on acyclovir - "Herpevir" - is prescribed for children and adults with herpes zoster and chicken pox, as well as infections of the skin and mucous membranes. Often this drug is recommended for use by patients with severe forms of immunodeficiency.
Means "Herpetad"
To date, in severe infections caused by the herpes virus, doctors often prescribe the drug "Acyclovir" (tablets) to patients. The use of a tablet form of the drug contributes to the rapid destruction of infected cells and the restoration of the patient's immune system.
However, not only Acyclovir can help with such ailments, the Herpetad drug can be prescribed. It is available in tablets of 800, 400 and 20 mg. The main active ingredient of the drug is acyclovir, but pharmacists used colloidal silicon anhydride, magnesium stearate and microcrystalline cellulose as auxiliary components.
The medicine also has side effects. So, for example, during systemic administration of the drug, the patient may complain of distracted attention, overwork, mood swings, etc. It is because of the fact that the drug affects the central nervous system, it is forbidden to drive vehicles while taking it, and also perform various work at heights .
The drug "Zovirax"
With herpes in newborns, the medicine “Acyclovir” (tablets) is not always used. Analogues of the drug, such as Zovirax powder, are used much more often. To prepare the solution, you must use water or a solution of sodium chloride. The concentration of the active substance should be clearly calculated by the doctor, taking into account the age of the patient and the complexity of his illness. Otherwise, it is unlikely to avoid overdose and immediate manifestation of side effects.
It is also worth noting that when using this medication, you need to carefully monitor the condition of the kidneys, because it is through this human body that acyclovir is excreted.
Medovir medicine
Some people who have herpes on the skin or mucous membranes do not find time to consult a specialist and are self-medicating. Especially often, patients with recurrent infections do this. They believe that they already know enough about this ailment, and therefore have the right to prescribe treatment for themselves. And this is categorically wrong. So, for example, the Medovir preparation, which is based on the same acyclovir, can help reduce the clinical manifestations of the disease and even relieve pain, but patients with impaired liver or kidney function can cause a lot of problems.
So what to replace the medicine "Acyclovir" with?
To date, the assortment of medicines that can quickly get rid of herpes is plentiful, but the “Acyclovir” remedy (tablets) is still the leader. Reviews of patients about this medication speak for themselves and indicate that recovery occurs quickly, and side effects with strict adherence to the dosage are very rare.
However, it is incorrect to say that this medication is a panacea for the Herpes simplex and Varicella zoster viruses. After examining the patient and obtaining the results of laboratory tests, the doctor can prescribe the drug Acyclovir, analogues and other drugs that can restore the immune system, and she, in turn, can defeat herpes.
Talking about replacing a drug prescribed by a doctor is wrong. This is possible only in those cases when, after the end of the recommended course of treatment, the patient does not observe positive dynamics. However, only a doctor can judge the condition of the patient, who will select a complex of effective drugs in each case.