Acyclovir. Instructions for use.

"Acyclovir" is a synthetic antiviral agent, an analogue of the DNA component - deoxyguanidine. It is successfully used to treat herpes simplex type I and II, tinea and chicken pox. In addition, the drug is considered an effective immunostimulating agent. Many people mistakenly believe that "Acyclovir" is an antibiotic. In fact, the drug is not an antibiotic.

"Acyclovir", the use of which gives a good result, prevents the formation of new vesicles and their spread to the skin with herpes, and also promotes a faster formation of dry crusts. With shingles in the acute stage, the pain sensations are significantly weakened.

The medicine is released in the form of a solution for intravenous administration, tablets or suspension for oral administration, cream and ointment for external use, eye ointment. The active substance is acyclovir. The instruction is applied to all forms of the drug.

With oral and intravenous administration of the drug, the active ingredient is absorbed by no more than 20%. "Acyclovir" is excreted through the kidneys in an unmodified state. With normal functioning of the kidneys, the elimination time of the drug is 3 hours, with renal diseases, the release of the active substance increases to 20 hours.

How to take Acyclovir? The instruction explains what form of the medicine and what dosage is provided in this or that case.

Tablets and suspension "Acyclovir" is prescribed for patients with rashes of simple herpes simplex of both types on the skin and mucous membranes (on the face, lips, genitals). In the same form, the preparation is shown for herpes zoster and for the prevention of exacerbation of herpes in patients with weakened immunity. When infections caused by herpes simplex, it is recommended to drink one tablet five times a day. Preventive measures consist in taking the drug four times a day for one tablet. With shingles, a dose is required - four tablets five times a day. Children under two years of age are prescribed half the dose of an adult, and after two years - a full adult dose. The duration of treatment of simple herpetic eruptions is five days. With herpes zoster, the medicine is drunk three more days after all the symptoms have gone.

"Acyclovir" is administered intravenously with simple herpes to adults and children from 12 years of age. The required dosage is 5 mg per 1 kg of body weight three times a day.

In herpes zoster and at the same time impaired immunity, adults are administered 10 mg per kilogram of body weight every eight hours, children under 12 years of age are 5 mg per kilogram of body weight.

Intravenously, only freshly prepared solution is administered (for 1 ampoule of Acyclovir - 10 ml of the solvent, it is necessary to administer the medication very slowly.) When digesting, add another 50 milliliters of the solvent to the solution.

The largest daily dose of the drug for intravenous administration for an adult can be no more than 30 mg per kilogram of weight.

In order to prevent "Acyclovir" take within a month and a half. Older people and those suffering from kidney disorders should reduce the dose.

When should I not take Acyclovir? The instruction indicates the following contraindications: pregnancy, breastfeeding, individual intolerance.

Side effects when using "Acyclovir" occur infrequently. As a rule, it is a headache, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, a feeling of fatigue, malaise, drowsiness, a bad dream, an inability to concentrate.

With external application, side effects are manifested in the form of skin itching, burning, dry skin, skin rashes, and peeling.

With intravenous administration, vomiting, nausea, renal failure, phlebitis, hallucinations, tremors, convulsions, drowsiness, inflammation at the injection site are possible.

Taking the drug orally, especially in large doses, you should drink more liquid.

In the treatment of genital herpes it is necessary to abandon sexual contact, since the use of the drug does not guarantee against infection of the partner, although it reduces the possibility.

Before taking Acyclovir, the instructions should be read carefully.