Today it has already been proven that the herpes virus is found in the body in 90% of the world's population. It can occur on different parts of the body during a period of weakened immunity. A complete cure for such an ailment is impossible, however, it is quite possible to remove the symptoms with the help of correctly selected medical devices. In our article, we will consider how the drug "Acyclovir" works with genital herpes, what are its features, method of use and contraindications.
About herpes
To date, a large number of types of herpes virus have been identified. In particular, the genital form is caused by the HSV-2 virus, which is transmitted sexually. Please note that infection of a person can occur not only during the exacerbation phase, but also when the symptoms do not bother the carrier of the virus. According to statistics, genital (or genital) herpes takes the second place in the frequency of manifestation among similar diseases.
Symptoms of Genital Herpes
The main manifestations of a viral disease are:
- an increase in the size of the inguinal lymph nodes;
- the appearance of small bubbles filled with light turbid liquid;
- itching and pain, burning in the area of the appearance of bubbles;
- after the bubbles burst, weeping sores remain in their place;
- tingling and itching when urinating;
- increase in basal body temperature.
Note! Bubbles with fluid may appear on the external genitalia, on the inside of the thigh, near the anus, in the cervix and vagina, in the urethra.
All of the above symptoms can occur only with exacerbation of genital herpes and appears within 1-1.5 weeks. In people with strong immunity, the disease is asymptomatic.
Composition and pharmacodynamics of the drug
“Acyclovir” for genital herpes is available in the form of tablets, which are packaged in a blister. One tablet contains 200 mg of acyclovir. The active substance is highly active in relation to the following types of virus:
- 1 and 2 types of herpes simplex ;
- shingles;
- Epstein-Barr virus.
The antiviral effect of the drug is due to direct interaction with viral thymidine kinase and subsequent phosphorylation, resulting in the formation of di-, mono- and triphosphate. Integrating instead of deoxyguanosine into the DNA of herpes virus, acyclovir triphosphate inhibits DNA polymerase, while inhibiting the replication process.
Please note that during the use of Acyclovir for genital herpes, the formation of new rashes is minimized, the risk of developing skin dissemination and the appearance of visceral complications is reduced. The regular use of “Acyclovir” significantly increases the rate of formation of crusts, pain is reduced even in the acute phases of viral diseases.
Rules for the use of the drug
In order to achieve the most positive results of drug treatment of genital herpes, you should adhere to the main recommendations that are indicated in the instructions, namely:
- Three times a day, take 400 mg of “Acyclovir”, while taking the tablets with plenty of water (course duration - 7-10 days). This option for taking the drug is recommended at the first stage of the disease.
- With the formation of rashes on the mucous membranes, it is necessary to take 200 mg of Acyclovir five times a day (course duration - up to 10 days).
Important! If genital herpes is detected, you should immediately consult a specialist, since small rashes tend to increase and form an ulcer. With independently selected improper treatment, intractable pathologies can develop.
Doctors recommend taking the drug after a meal, due to which the intestine will be protected from the negative aggressive effects of the drug. If after a course of treatment of genital herpes with “Acyclovir” the symptoms are slightly present, it is recommended to extend the therapy for an additional 2-3 days. For the best effect, it is advisable to consume B vitamins and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in parallel, which can support the human immune system.
Ointment "Acyclovir"
An effective tool in the treatment of genital herpes at different stages is the ointment "Acyclovir". The difference between the ointment and the tablet form of the drug is that it is considered less toxic and more gentle. Ointments have an immunosuppressive property, but the course of treatment is increased to two weeks. Dosage and duration of therapy with ointment "Acyclovir" of genital herpes are determined only by a specialist.
Contraindications
It is not recommended to take the drug if there is an individual intolerance to the components of Acyclovir. With caution, treatment with such an antiviral agent should be taken if:
- previously diagnosed with kidney, liver and neurological disorders;
- during pregnancy and lactation.
While taking the drug should refrain from sexual intercourse and wearing lenses. "Acyclovir" for genital herpes during pregnancy can be used only if no negative effect on the fetus has been identified. Depending on the form of the disease, the doctor determines what type of drug will be prescribed for pregnant women:
- in severe forms - tablets;
- in mild forms - ointment.
Side effects
In most cases, patients tolerate treatment with Acyclovir with genital herpes rather well, however, with an overdose, negative side symptoms may occur:
- severe headaches and dizziness;
- nausea and vomiting;
- decreased vision;
- fatigue and drowsiness;
- anaphylactic shock;
- lowering blood pressure;
- stomach ache;
- anemia and fever.
How to take "Acyclovir" with genital herpes, will be able to tell a venereologist, dermatologist, therapist, gynecologist and other specialists.
Analogs
Similar pharmacological effects and indications for use are such drugs as Herpevir, Acigerpin, Herperax, Medovir, Zovirax. All drugs belong to a single pharmacotherapeutic group - antiviral, antiherpetic drugs.
Prevention of genital herpes
In order to avoid the recurrence of genital herpes in the future, you should follow simple rules and recommendations:
- an annual examination should be made for viruses / infections that can be sexually transmitted;
- you need to regularly visit a urologist, so that you can subsequently identify a disease at an early stage;
- it is important to observe the rules of personal hygiene;
- It is recommended to abandon promiscuous sex life, which eliminates the risk of recurrence of herpes.
Relapses
It is necessary to carry out additional therapeutic measures if genital herpes has manifested in one year more than six times. With frequent relapses, the doctor may increase the daily dose of Acyclovir to 1600 mg per day. In addition, the patient must adhere to the rules of a healthy diet, take a vitamin complex, abandon bad habits. During treatment, loose clothing made from natural materials should be worn. Antiseptic treatment of affected areas of the skin will avoid re-infection.
Complications
With untimely antiviral treatment, patients are more likely to develop prostate cancer, the appearance of problems with urination, and a significant deterioration in the state of the immune system. Frequent pain can be felt, which goes to the lumbar region, to the rectum and stomach.
Reviews on the treatment of "Acyclovir"
According to the reviews left, the drug has a maximum effect only when applied at the first stage of the disease. A high result is visible only when the dosage and duration of the course of treatment are correctly selected. It was noted that when applying the ointment to the mucous membranes, a burning sensation was observed, which after a certain period of time disappeared. According to reviews, “Acyclovir” for genital herpes can be used only in short courses, otherwise the body becomes addictive, and the result with this treatment is ineffective.
In practice, the dosage of the drug is selected more often according to this scheme: 5 mg / 1 kg of patient weight. However, there may be exceptions to the rules.
"Acyclovir" in tablets with genital herpes or ointment can quickly stop the spread of infection throughout the body without deteriorating health.