Aciclovir or acyclovir is an antiviral drug commonly used for treating
herpes simplex, a viral infection. Considered a breakthrough
anti viral therapy
drug, aciclovir is extremely selective and is low in cytotoxicity. It
is also used in the treatment of varicella zoster (chickenpox) and herpes
zoster (shingles). This drug was considered as the beginning of new era in
the treatment of antiviral infections. Pharmacologist Gertrude B. Elion was
involved in the development of this drug for which he was awarded the Nobel
Prize in 1988. Dr. Richard Whitley, a researcher from the University of
Alabama at Birmingham was the first to successfully use acyclovir in humans.
Trade Names: Acyclover
- Acivir
- Cyclovir
- Herpex
- Acivirax(Mash-Premier)
- Zovirax, and Zovir (GSK)
Uses of Aciclovir
As already mentioned Acyclovir is used in the
treatment of herpes simplex. This is a infection seen on the skin (lips,
mouth, face, hands, legs, genitals and anus). The drug is helpful for
treating of outbreaks of shingles (herpes zoster), chickenpox, acute
mucocutaneous HSV infections in immunocompromised patient and Bell's Palsy.
Besides this acyclovir drugs are helpful in the prevention of outbreaks of
herpes and shingles in patients who suffer from frequent outbreaks.
The various forms of herpes which are treated by Aciclover are as
follows:
- Genital herpes simplex (treatment and prophylaxis)
- Herpes zoster (shingles)
- Herpes simplex labialis (cold sores)
- Herpes simplex encephalitis
- Herpes simplex keratitis (ocular herpes)
- Herpes simplex blepharitis (not to be mistaken with ocular herpes)
All viruses that cause infections are more or less same and they are
inside the body only and they come into action when there is an outbreak. It
is to be noted that Aciclovir is not a cure for the infections. It helps in
the treatment of an outbreak which in turn can quicken the process of
healing of the sores, or lowers the risk of complications from the virus.
This include brain infection, persistent pain after sore healing or whole
body infection. It also helps in decreasing pain caused by the infection.
Acyclovir dose: Dosage Forms of Aciclover
Aciclover is available in
the form of tablets, creams, intravenous injection and ophthalmic
ointment.In the tablet form, the dosages are 200 mg, 400 mg, 800 mg and 1
gram. For topical cream, the dosage form is 5%, for intravenous injection it
is 25 mg/mL and for ophthalmic ointment, it is 3%. For labial herpes
simplex, Aciclover cream preparations are used. The intravenous injection is
used when high concentrations of the drug are required. For herpes simplex
keratitis, the ophthalmic ointment preparation is only used.
Dosage
Adults:Herpes simplex: 200 mg 5 times daily at 4 hours interval for
5 days.
Herpes Zoster: 800 mg 5 times daily at 4 hours interval for 7 days.
Children Below 2 years: Herpes Simples: 100 mg 5 times daily at 4
hours interval
Above 2 years: Same as adults
Contra- Indications: Hypersensitivity, glaucoma, depression,
psychiatric diseases
Acyclovir Side Effects
The drug has certain side effects, that can
affect individuals in different ways. The following are some of the common
side effects which will gradually disappear when the body gets adjusted to
the drug treatment:
- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite
- muscle pain, tingling or numbness
- lack of coordination
- insomnia
- headache
- swelling in your hands or feet
There are certain serious side effects for which immediate doctor's
attention is required like as follows:
- urinating less than usual or not at all
- fever, chills
- a red, blistering, skin rash
- jaundice
- easy bruising or bleeding
- body aches, flu symptoms
- swelling, pain where the injection was given
- pale skin
- hallucinations, seizure
- confusion, tremors
- weakness
- swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- hives
- difficulty breathing
Storage Conditions of Acyclovir
Always keep the medicine in the
container it came in. It should be kept tightly closed, and out of reach of
children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and
moisture.
Precautions to follow
Before taking Aciclovir, certain
precaustions need to be taken. Do not use this medicine if you are allergic
to aciclovir or valacyclovir (Valtrex®). Even if you are allergic
to any other medications, you doctor should be informed. This drug is not
recommended for the patient which has a history of kidney disease, liver
disease, a brain or nervous system, schizophrenia, or breathing problems; or
an electrolyte imbalance. If you are taking probenecid (Benemid®),
you may not be able to use aciclovir. Aciclovir will not prevent the spread
of genital herpes. Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to prevent
spreading the virus to others.
Disclaimer: The above information is for general understanding
of the visitor. Please consult a registered medical practitioner before
taking the aforesaid medicine.