Aciclovir (Acyclovir)
is an
antiviral drug, also marketed under trade
names Zovirax (Zovyrax)
and Zovir.
One of the most commonly-used
antiviral drugs, it is primarily used for the treatment of herpes
simplex virus infections, as well as in the treatment of herpes zoster
(shingles). Aciclovir is extremely selective in its effects and low in
cytotoxicity. Its special chemical formula puts it apart from
previous analogues: it is a kind of prodrug which is administered in an
inactive (or less active) form and is metabolised into a more active
species after administration. That makes Aciclovir far more effective
than any other traditional drug of the kind and the side effects of the
treatment are minimized.
Acilovir is indicated for the treatment of Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
and Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections, including
Genital herpes simplex (treatment and prophylaxis)
Herpes simplex labialis (cold sores)
Herpes zoster (shingles)
Acute chickenpox in immunocompromised patients
Herpes simplex encephalitis
Acute mucocutaneous HSV infections in
immunocompromised patients
Herpes simplex keratitis (ocular herpes)
Herpes simplex blepharitis (not to be mistaken
with ocular herpes)
Bell's Palsy
It is also active against
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Activity is predominantly against HSV, and to a lesser extent VZV. It
is only of limited efficacy against EBV and CMV. It is inactive against
latent viruses in nerve ganglia.
Aciclovir slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the
body can fight off the infection. The medication will not cure herpes,
but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection.
Aciclovir is commonly marketed under the brand name Zovirax as tablets
(200 mg - blue capsules, 400 mg - white, shield-shaped tablets and 800
mg - light-blue, oval tablets), topical cream (5%), intravenous
injection (25 mg/mL) and ophthalmic ointment (3%). Zovirax suspension
is available as 200 mg/5 mL - off-white, banana-flavored suspension.
Cream preparations are used primarily for labial herpes simplex. The
intravenous injection is used when high concentrations of aciclovir are
required. The ophthalmic ointment preparation is only used for herpes
simplex keratitis.
In the case of oral and injection treatment, possible adverse effects
include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and/or headache. Aciclovir topical
cream is commonly associated (≥1% of patients) with: dry or flaking
skin and/or transient stinging/burning sensations. Infrequent adverse
effects include erythema and/or itch.
Since aciclovir can be incorporated also into the cellular DNA, it is a
chromosome mutagen, therefore, its use should be avoided during
pregnancy.
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to Aciclovir (Zovirax) or
valacyclovir (Valtrex). Before taking Aciclovir, tell your doctor if
you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease. You may
need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take
the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than
recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription
label.
Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even
while you are being treated with Aciclovir. Avoid letting infected
areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected
area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent
passing the infection to others.
Aciclovir (Acyclovir)
medication is available online and you may buy it
from this website, hitting one of the outgoing links. We make your
purchase chep, fast and safe!