Acyclovir medication treats viral infections

Acyclovir medication treats viral infections. index-china is the address of buying and selling Acyclovir medicine in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Can Tho … and nationwide.

What is acyclovir? Indications for treatment of Acyclovir ?

Acyclovir is the generic name for Zovirax, a prescription drug used to treat certain viral infections.

This drug may be used as part of a combination therapy. This means you may need to take it with other medications.

Acyclovir is an antiviral agent used in the treatment of infections caused by a virus, including:

1. Herpes Zoster Infection (Shingles): Acyclovir used in the treatment of herpes zoster infection is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
2. Genital herpes: Acyclovir used in the treatment of genital herpes is a sexually transmitted virus infection caused by the herpes simplex virus.
3. Chickenpox: Acyclovir used in the treatment of chickenpox is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus.

The mechanism of action of Acyclovir

Acyclovir belongs to a class of drugs called antiviral drugs. It works by reducing the ability of the herpes virus to multiply in your body. This treats your symptoms of infection. However, this medicine does not cure herpes infections. Herpes infections include cold sores, chicken pox, shingles or genital herpes.

Even with this drug, the herpes virus can still live in your body. Your symptoms may occur again later even after your current infection symptoms disappear.

Contraindicated

Do not use if you are allergic to Acyclovir or any other drug belonging to the group herpes group drug.

Acyclovir is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women.

Dosage and usage of Acyclovir

Information about Acyclovir products

Acyclovir is available in the form of Generic and brand name drugs, under the brand name: Zovirax.

Acyclovir is available in tablet, capsule and liquid form. It is also included in a cream and ointment you apply to the skin. In addition, Acyclovir is available as an intravenous (IV) drug only provided by a healthcare provider.

Images Acyclovir oral tablet

Photos Acyclovir topical cream

Image Acyclovir intravenous form

Dosage recommended

The dose of Acyclovir will vary for different people, depending on the type of infection and whether it is used to treat or prevent infection. Your doctor will calculate the right dose for you.

Shingles

1. The usual recommended dose is 800 mg orally 5 times a day, 4 hours apart, taking 7-10 days.
2. Treatment should be started within 48 hours of the rash or injury for maximum benefit, but may start as early as 72 hours after the lesion begins to form.

Chicken pox

1. The recommended dose for chickenpox is based on body weight, the usual dose is: 20 mg / kg of body weight (not exceeding 800 mg) taken 4 times daily for 5 days.
2. Treatment should be started within 24 hours of the rash.

Genital herpes

1. The usual dose is 200 mg orally 5 times a day, 4 hours apart, taking 10 days of medication.
2. Doses to prevent the return of genital herpes usually start at 200 mg 3 times a day.
3. You should start taking acyclovir as soon as possible after the appearance of signs and symptoms.

Using

1. Acyclovir can be taken before or after a meal.
2. If you have been prescribed a dispersing tablet, you may be stirred into a small glass of water (50 ml) for easier swallowing. However, you can swallow them as usual if you like.
3. Drink plenty of water during treatment with this medicine. This helps prevent dehydration and kidney damage. This is especially important for older people.
4. Your doctor will advise you on how long to take aciclovir, usually 5 – 10 days.
5. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly, even if you feel better after a few days. This is to prevent the infection from returning.

The maximum effect of this drug can be observed in 1.5 to 2 hours after ingestion and 2 hours after intravenous administration. The effect lasts for an average of 9 to 12 hours.

Warnings and precautions when using Acyclovir

1. Hydration: Acyclovir may increase the risk of kidney injury when taken with other medicines that cause kidney damage. Drink enough water to prevent the buildup of the drug.
2. Impaired renal function: This drug can cause your kidneys to stop working, Acyclovir is used with caution in patients with severe kidney injury.
3. Neurological disorders: Using high-dose intravenous Acyclovir may increase the risk of neurotoxicity, especially in the elderly with neurological disorders, kidney or liver injury.
4. Low red blood cells and platelets: This drug may cause thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
5. Sexual contact: You should not have sex with your partner when you have signs of a genital herpes outbreak. This medicine does not cure herpes infections. It can help reduce the chance of spreading herpes to your partner.
6. Elderly: Acyclovir is used with caution in elderly people with kidney injury or liver damage due to an increased risk of neurological problems.

Side effects of Acyclovir

Common acyclovir common side effects include:

1. Nausea and vomiting
2. Diarrhea
3. Headache
4. Dizzy
5. Tired
6. Pain in muscles or joints
7. Visual changes
8. Hold water
9. Alopecia
10. Bewilderment
11. Behavioral change

Serious side effects may also occur. If you have any of these side effects, call your doctor right away:

1. Severe rash: hives or rash that causes blisters and peeling
2. Jaundice or eyes
3. Unusual bleeding or bruising
4. Epileptic
5. Loss of consciousness
6. Swelling of the face, lips or tongue
7. Shortness of breath
8. The amount of urine decreases or blood in the urine
9. Drowsiness or confusion
10. Illusion
11. Pain, numbness or tremor

The same is true of age. People over 65 may have more side effects from acyclovir because their kidneys are not eliminated as quickly as younger people.

Other drug interactions with Acyclovir

Using certain medicines with Acyclovir may increase the risk of side effects on the kidneys, including:

1. Cephalosporin antibiotics like cefalexin
2. Ciclosporin
3. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nsaid), eg diclofenac, celecoxib
4. Trimethoprim

Acyclovir may increase the concentration of aminophylline and theophylline in the cheek

Sources of reference to Acyclovir:

• 1. Source Drugs.com  article Acyclovir : https://www.drugs.com/acyclovir.html , Last updated on 4/1/2019.
  2. Source Healthline.com article Acyclovir, Oral Tablet : https://www.healthline.com/health/acyclovir-oral-tablet , written on March 15, 2018.
  3. A reputable source index-china.com summarizes the article Acyclovir drug to treat viral infections : https://index-china.com/acyclovir-medication-treats-viral-infections/ , updated 16/3/2020.

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Note: Information about the article about Acyclovir for the purpose of sharing knowledge for reference only, patients are not allowed to use the drug themselves, all information on drug use must be under the direction of a qualified physician.