Drug Info
- Brand Names: Aciclovir, Zoviclovir;
- Active Ingredient: Aciclovir;
- Manufacturer: Accord, Aurobindo, GlaxoSmithKline, Healing Pharma.
Aciclovir and its drug substance
Aciclovir is a nucleoside analog that is integrated into the DNA of the herpes virus and inhibits its replication (self-reproduction of nucleic acids, genes, chromosomes, etc.). Aciclovir’s mechanism of action makes the medicine efficient in control of virus infections.
Aciclovir is active against various herpes viruses and some other viruses, including:
- The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) - mainly causes infections in or around the mouth and spreads by oral contact;
- The herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) - causes genital herpes and spreads by sexual contact;
- Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is transmitted through the air or from person to person.
Aciclovir tablets start working 1-2 hours after administration. An improvement is seen after 3 days of treatment; however, the course should be continued as prescribed. It takes 5 days or more until a full recovery, depending on the severity and type of an infection.
Indications for use
The goal of Aciclovir pharmacotherapy is a full treatment from viral infection and preventing the occurrence of complications. Its use depends on the character of the infection and a doctor’s recommendations. The most common cases for Aciclovir use include the following:
- Infections caused by a herpes simplex virus, including infection of the lips, genitals, and other mucous membranes;
- Preventing infection in people with weakened immune systems;
- Varicella or herpes zoster infections.
It is important to mention that Aciclovir is effective for the treatment of viral infections but is not a panacea. Any treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a physician, who will determine the type and severity of infection and recommend the best dosage and duration of administration, depending on each case.
Treatment regimens and dosages
Aciclovir dosage can vary depending on the type and severity of infection, a patient’s age, and other factors. However, common recommendations on dosages usually include the following:
1. Herpes simplex virus (herpes on the lips or genitals):
- Oral administration for adults - 1000 mg per day divided into 5 receptions at four-hour intervals;
- Oral administration for children - 500 - 1000 mg per day divided into 4 - 5 receptions at regular intervals.
2. Prevention of herpes in patients with reduced immunity:
- Oral administration for children and adults - 100 - 200 mg four times daily at approximately six-hour intervals.
3. Aciclovir shingles dose and varicella:
- Oral administration for adults - usually 800 mg every 4 hours, five times a day, during 7 - 10 days;
- Oral administration for children - 200 - 800 mg four times a day.
Recommendations for use
Take the drug as directed by your doctor or follow the instructions for use. General recommendations for use include the following information:
- Take the drug with or after the meal;
- Do not chew or break the tablet;
- Drink the tablet with a sufficient amount of water;
- Make sure a child swallowed the Aciclovir pill;
- It is essential to administer tablets at the same intervals.
Missed Dose
To fight off viral infections effectively, one should take the tablets regularly and maintain a concentration of Aciclovir's active substance in the blood. Missing one or several doses may reduce the effectiveness of the therapy, increase the duration of treatment, and cause other severe consequences.
Try to stick to the dosing regimen during the treatment to get the maximum effect. Take a missed dose as soon as possible if there is much time left until the next dose. Otherwise, skip it and take the next scheduled dose at the prescribed time.
Precautions
Like other antiviral agents, Aciclovir is unsuitable for people under certain conditions, and sometimes, you need to use the drug cautiously. One should consider the precautions listed below before and during Aciclovir use:
- Do not change dosing, and don't stop taking your pills without consulting a medical specialist;
- Inform your doctor about all medical problems, allergies, and other drugs you are taking before the start of treatment to prevent the risk of interaction and side effects;
- Older people, especially those who use high Aciclovir doses, should have sufficient fluid intake;
- Immediately contact your doctor if you experience new symptoms or deterioration in well-being. It may indicate ineffectiveness of the medication or other problems;
- A medical expert should decide whether to adjust dosing if you have a weakened immune system or kidney disease;
- To prevent the spread of infection, especially in the case of shingles, observe hygiene, avoid touching the affected areas, and do not share your personal items with other people.
Use of Aciclovir in pregnancy
The treatment may be recommended if the infection is severe and threatens the health of the child and mother. The sooner treatment begins in case of exacerbations of herpes or another infection, the better.
Use of Aciclovir may be considered during pregnancy if there is a serious medical necessity. In some cases, treatment may be preferable at a specific stage of pregnancy.
Possible Aciclovir side effects
Not only antiviral agents but any drug may cause adverse reactions. Some patients may experience side effects, but their intensity may vary from mild to severe. The most common Aciclovir adverse reactions include the following:
- Nausea;
- Dizziness;
- Diarrhea;
- Abdominal pain;
- Itching;
- Fatigue.
Remember that most Aciclovir side effects are mild and temporary. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you experience severe adverse reactions.
Aciclovir: interaction with other drugs
Drug interaction is an alteration of the effects of one drug or substance by the impact of another. Sometimes, drug interactions may be positive (when one medication increases the effect of the other) but most often negative (when one medicine reduces the effectiveness of another and increases the risk of side effects).
One should pay attention to Aciclovir interactions with the following drugs:
- Cimetidine;
- Theophylline;
- Probenecid.
Drug interactions may vary depending on a person's characteristics, such as age, gender, genetic predisposition, and other diseases.
Alcohol mildly affects the work of Aciclovir. However, medical experts recommend avoiding alcohol in case of any infection so that your body can effectively deal with it and reduce the risk of side effects.
Storage
Store Aciclovir in a cool and dry place at room temperature. Do not keep the medication in the bathroom cabinet or near the sink. Do not put it in your car's glove compartment or leave it in the automobile. Keep it out of reach of children.
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