The content of the article
Herpetic infection is caused by viruses from the Herpesviridae family. They belong to viruses containing DNA, have a complex structure and are able to infect various tissues of the human body. The main characteristics of this type of virus are:
- susceptibility of patients regardless of age and gender;
- ubiquity
- ability to be transmitted in various ways;
- ability to suppress immunity;
- ability to initiate tumor development.
Modern medicine knows eight main types of herpes viruses that cause various diseases in humans. The most common pathologies caused by herpes of the first or second type, the remaining types are less often diagnosed.
Most often, the appearance of herpes infection is facilitated by a weakening of the immune system, for example, with angina, SARS, or a cold. Less commonly, the disease manifests itself against the background of immunodeficiency in people taking immunosuppressive therapy or infected with HIV.
How to treat an infection
Unfortunately, to date, there are no drugs that can completely eliminate (remove) herpes from the body. However, the pharmaceutical industry has developed the drug Acyclovir, which suppresses the reproduction of viral particles and eliminates the symptoms of the disease.
Thus, as a result of treatment, the following effects are achieved:
- reproduction of the virus is suppressed;
- the symptoms of the disease are eliminated;
- the frequency of exacerbations decreases and their duration decreases.
“Acyclovir”, synthesized in the 70s of the last century, was the first medicine intended for the pharmacotherapy of herpes infection. During its application, many clinical studies have been conducted that have confirmed its effectiveness, and most importantly, safety. That is why it is often used in pediatric practice, including neonatology.
How does the drug work - method of administration
The chemical structure of Acyclovir is represented by a molecule of deoxyguanosine - a substance that is part of DNA. That is why the virus perceives this pharmaceutical product as a substrate for the synthesis of its own DNA molecule. Thus, an error occurs in the synthesis of viral particles and herpes reproduction stops.
After ingestion, the Acyclovir molecule itself undergoes a series of metabolic stages, as a result of which an active form of the drug is formed.These chemical transformations occur using the thymidine kinase enzyme specific for viral particles. Characteristically, Acyclovir acts exclusively on virus-infected cells. Due to this, high selectivity of action in the focus of inflammation and low toxicity of the drug is ensured.
The main metabolism of the drug occurs in the cells of the liver. This point should be taken into account in the treatment of patients with severe diseases of this organ. Most of Acyclovir is excreted through the urinary system, and only a small amount through the gastrointestinal tract.
In what forms is produced
Is the drug available in injections? This pharmaceutical product is available in the form of various dosage forms:
- pills;
- powder vials;
- ointment;
- ophthalmic ointment.
In syrup and drops, this medicine is not available.
In what cases is prescribed
The most common indication for the use of tablets and injections of “Acyclovir” is a herpetic infection of any localization. It is prescribed if there is the following pathology:
- herpes damage to the skin and mucous membranes, internal organs;
- chickenpox virus infection;
- shingles;
- herpetic infection in the oral cavity (stomatitis);
- damage to the central nervous system (CNS).
Also, the medicine is used for prophylactic purposes:
- in immunocompromised patients - for the prevention of herpetic lesions;
- with immunosuppressive therapy - to prevent the development of cytomegalovirus infection.
Instructions for use "Acyclovir"
What is the best hormone gel or pill? The purpose of the dosage and the duration of taking "Acyclovir" depend on the localization of the process, the form of release of the drug. In each specific situation, you need to consult a doctor who will recommend the right treatment regimen. Giving "Acyclovir" to children should only be after examination by a pediatrician.
Pills
Each tablet of Acyclovir contains 0.2 g of the main active ingredient. Patients under two years of age are indicated for the use of Acyclovir tablets in the following amounts: 0.1-0.2 g three times four times a day.
Powder for injection
It is used for injectable drug administration. Before use, the contents of the vial (ampoule) with the drug must be dissolved in physiological saline, followed by intravenous drip.
Table - The necessary dosage of "Acyclovir"
| Age | Amount of drug |
|---|---|
| 3 months-12 years | - 0.25-0.5 g per 1 m2 of body surface |
| Over 12 years old | - 0.005 g per 1 kg of weight |
At such dosages, Acyclovir is recommended to be administered every eight hours.
Ointment
This medicine is available in tubes of different volumes: from 5 to 30 g.An important feature of it is the very low intake of the active substance in the bloodstream. Only in case of significant damage to the skin a small amount of the drug can penetrate the body.
Ointment application
- A strip 1-1.5 cm long is squeezed out of the tube, this is enough to process an area of 5 × 5 cm.
- Lightly distribute the ointment, but do not rub it.
- The treatment of the affected area is repeated up to four to six times a day.
Usually, the ointment is applied to the areas of herpes for at least five days. The maximum duration of treatment with Acyclovir should not exceed ten days. This pharmaceutical product is intended for external use only. It is not used to treat cold sores in the mouth or eyes.
Eye ointment
It is produced in small tubes (up to five grams). In 1 g of ophthalmic ointment contains 0.03 "Acyclovir."
Apply this ointment only topically to the eyes. To do this, squeeze a small amount of medicine (about a centimeter), which should be placed in the conjunctival sac. The interval between procedures should be about four hours.
What could be the negative effects
According to doctors, the medicine is very well tolerated by patients and rarely provokes side effects. Sometimes after taking the tablets, you may experience:
- dyspepsia, change in the nature of the stool, abdominal pain;
- headache, vestibular disorders;
- impaired attention, sleep disturbances;
- an increase in liver enzymes, creatinine;
- changes in the blood formula.
When taking very large quantities of the drug, overdose phenomena may develop:
- CNS disorders (headache, convulsive syndrome, loss of consciousness);
- vomiting, loose stools;
- impaired renal function.
In this case, treatment is carried out in a hospital: symptomatic pharmacotherapy is prescribed, according to indications of hemodialysis.
In what situations is the drug not prescribed
The main contraindication to use is the individual intolerance of the components in the composition of the drug. If "Acyclovir" is prescribed as an intravenous injection, then it is not prescribed to patients who are breast-feeding, as well as to people with severe kidney diseases.
Analogs
"Acyclovir" refers to an over-the-counter group of drugs and is commercially available in pharmacies. However, before using it, you should clarify the schedule of admission with your doctor.
Also in the pharmacy chains are analogues of this drug:
- «Zovirax»;
- Medovir;
- Vivorax.
These drugs also contain “Acyclovir”, they are used for the treatment of herpes infections according to the same schemes.
Thus, "Acyclovir" is a safe and effective medicine for the treatment of herpes of any localization. This is confirmed by many years of experience in its application and a number of clinical studies. Given the low incidence of side effects during its use, it is recommended in pediatric practice, including in the treatment of infants.
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