Acyclovir, form of release, indications and contraindications to taking the drug

Whoever at least once in his life encountered diseases caused by the herpes virus, he probably knows firsthand the antiviral drug Acyclovir.Its effectiveness against viruses is proved not only by numerous studies, but also by positive results of use in medical practice.

It has been about 30 years since the invention of Acyclovir, and the relevance of its application does not give up its position until now.So what is this miracle drug?At what diseases it is applied, in what forms is it produced, does it have analogues?About this, and much more, we'll try to tell.

Contents:

1. Acyclovir - basic concepts
2. When is Acyclovir indicated?
3. In what form is produced Acyclovir
4. Use of Acyclovir during pregnancy
5. Adverse events and contraindications
6. Current analogs of Acyclovir

Acyclovir - basic concepts

Preparation Acyclovir belongs to the pharmacological group of antiviral drugs( code ATX J05AB01).The active substance - Aciclovir, was first synthesized in the 80s of the 20th century by the American scientist Gertrude Elayon.Which subsequently became the owner of the Nobel Prize for her discovery.

At that time, it was the first of its kind drug, which selectively, bypassing healthy cells, affected only the infected.The therapeutic effect of Acyclovir was undeniable.With its use, diseases caused by herpes viruses have become less dangerous, the risk of various complications has decreased.

Although Acyclovir has now become the basis for a whole galaxy of newer antiviral drugs, but its applicability to medical practice has remained quite high.

How does acyclovir affect a living organism?Based on the form of release, Acyclovir enters the human body through the skin, mucous or gastrointestinal tract, and with the help of the circulatory system is delivered directly to the cells.The maximum concentration of the substance in the body comes in 2-2.5 hours, and the constant reception at the same time of acyclovir-containing drugs ensures its maintenance.

As noted earlier, the substance acts selectively on cells.If this is not a virus-infected cell, the drug, without disturbing its metabolic processes, is excreted unchanged from the body.But if a cell is infected with a virus, then Acyclovir enters into chemical reactions with certain enzymes of the cell and forms the substance acyclovirithyriphosphate.

This connection acts on the virus itself in several ways.It either directly interacts with the DNA virus and slows down its multiplication, or is built into the chain itself and the viral genome( DNA) gradually disappears.

Acyclovir is excreted from the human body mainly by the kidneys.Moreover, a large percentage of the substance remains unchanged, and only up to 14% in the form of active metabolites.

When is Acyclovir indicated?

We already know that Acyclovir is a substance that is designed to affect viruses, namely herpes virus.Of the eight known types of this virus, the drug has an active effect on five.

These include:

• the first and second type of herpesvirus( simple herpes).We notice its manifestations in the form of a rash on the lips, face, eyes, mucous company, genitals.
• the third - Varicella zoster.This type of herpesvirus is called chickenpox( chickenpox).When the virus is re-infected, a disease such as herpes zoster occurs.
• the fourth type of herpesvirus is the Epstein-Barr virus.Promotes the development of mononucleosis of infectious etiology.
• the fifth type of herpesvirus - Cytomegalovirus.Cytomegalovirus can manifest itself in various diseases that affect internal organs( liver tissue, kidneys, pancreas, etc.), respiratory system organs, organs of the genitourinary system.

The use of acyclovir in respect of types 4 and 5 of herpesvirus is more likely to be preventive( for example, after a bone marrow transplant operation).

Once the type of the virus has been determined, appropriate treatment is prescribed.Duration and dose of the drug are calculated on an individual basis.But still, there are several general rules: the duration of the course is usually up to 10 days, and despite the form of release, five times the use of the drug.

Also, in complex therapy, together with Acyclovir, immunomodulating medications are prescribed, for example, Inferon.

In what form is produced Acyclovir

Based on the type of virus and its clinical manifestations, the substance Acyclovir is available in several forms for its better effects.

The acyclovir of the form of release has such:

• tableted form;
• powder form( used in the manufacture of a solution for intravenous administration);
• cream( ointment) for external use;
• ointment ophthalmic.

The use of this substance is possible in all age groups.Therefore, when treated with Acyclovir, the form of release for children can be used the same as for an adult.

All of the above forms have a different concentration of the substance and differ in the nature of use.

Acyclovir tablet formulation

Produced in a dosage of 02g. 04g.And 0.8 g.The tablet form is prescribed mainly for the treatment of acute, severe forms of herpesvirus.Dosage is selected individually, the nature of the disease is taken into account.

The administration of the drug in this form does not depend on the consumption of food, and is carried out only in the morning and in the afternoon.At night, when motor activity decreases, Acyclovir is able to accumulate in the kidneys, which is fraught with the onset of acute renal failure.

Powdery form of the product Acyclovir

Intended for solution preparation by intravenous injection( dropper).For this, Acyclovir powder is mixed with saline according to the instructions.Produced in a dosage of 1g., 0.5g.And 0.25 g.It is used for complicated conditions.The dose is calculated individually according to the weight of the patient.The average proportion is 1 kg.Weight / 5 mg.Acyclovir.

Form of cream( ointment)

Acyclovir as a cream( ointment) is used only externally with obvious manifestations of herpes( rash), and is usually a component of general therapy.It is packed into tubes of different volume( from 2 to 10 g), and contains in recalculation of 5% of the basic substance.Cream( ointment) is applied to the areas with a rash a small layer.Acyclovir in this form is able at an early stage to reduce and suppress the manifestations of herpesvirus.

Acyclovir eye ointment

Produced in the same way in tubes, with a three percent content of the main substance.Assign in the event that the herpesvirus hit the cornea of ​​the eye.With this diagnosis, Acyclovir is placed behind the eyelid( lower) of the affected eye.As a rule, this procedure can be done up to 5 times a day during the week.

The main thing, in whatever form of release is Acyclovir, it is better to apply it only after consulting with the doctor, in order to avoid negative consequences.

Use of Acyclovir during pregnancy

Considering the advisability of prescribing during pregnancy, the main point should be highlighted.If the expected benefit exceeds the potential threat from Acyclovir, the application instruction in this case resolves.

This is primarily due to the selective action of Acyclovir, which, without harming healthy cells, affects cells with herpesvirus.Experiments conducted in rats( not conducted in human terms for humane reasons) have shown that acyclovir does not contribute to abnormal fetal development.Rodents for a long time administered doses many times higher than permissible, and even then, rats without any problems nurtured and gave birth to offspring without abnormal abnormalities.

But, even based on experiments and observations, one can not with 100 percent certainty speak about the harmlessness of Acyclovir in pregnancy.At least taking into account the fact that the drug has a number of side effects that can occur in pregnant women and in ordinary patients.The appearance of unwanted complications after taking Acyclovir may affect the bearing of the child.

In the event that without Atsiklovira does not do, then it will be appropriate to use it locally( cream or ointment).It is believed that the use of the drug in such forms has less impact on the body, due to the fact that it practically does not enter the systemic bloodstream.

In rare cases, use other forms of the drug, but do it strictly under the supervision of doctors.

It is important, if during the carrying out of the child it is allowed to use the means containing Acyclovir, then during the period of breastfeeding it is not prescribed.

Adverse events and contraindications

Possible side effects from the use of the drug Acyclovir can be divided according to the form of release.If there was a local use( for example, cream) then "pobochka" may appear in the form of an allergic reaction, or a minor inflammation of the application site.Then immediately stop using Acyclovir.

If aciclovir is used orally or intravenously, the negative manifestations may manifest as follows:

• general abnormality of the digestive tract;
• with pain, with abdominal localization;
• with nausea, rarely vomiting;
• by diarrhea;
• general weakness,
• dizziness and even, delusional and hallucinogenic state;
• pain in the heart;
• heart palpitations, heart murmurs;
• tachycardia.

If the instructions for using the drug are not followed, severe complications from the kidneys, up to acute insufficiency, are possible.

The main contraindication for the administration of Acyclovir is an individual sensitivity to the active substance.

As it is possible to allocate some recommendations in the course of treatment by a preparation:

• with care to apply at illness of kidneys and a liver, and only under observation of the doctor;
• with lesions of the genital herpes virus, for a while refrain from intimate relationships;
• for herpetic keratitis( corneal damage to the eye) do not use contact lenses.

If in the process of using Acyclovir, you notice the manifestation of the above described side effects, then you should immediately consult a doctor for further treatment adjustments.

Modern analogs of Acyclovir

For 30 years of its existence, Acyclovir has acquired a huge number of analogues.Preparations have in their composition the same active ingredient - Aciclovir, but differ in trade names, which are appropriated to them by pharmaceutical companies.

Among such analogues should highlight:

• Zovirax
• gerpevir
• Tsiklovir
• Provirsan
• Tsiklovaks
• Gerperaks
• Vivoraks
• Medovir
• Tsiklostat
• Supraviran etc.

therapeutic effect., All of the above listed drugs have the same.Distinguish only by the amount of active substance, form of release and price.

But about 10 years ago, on the basis of Acyclovir, a new generation drug, Valociclovir, was created.Behind the chemical characteristics is the hydrate of the hydrochloride salt of L-valyl ester of Acyclovir.In comparison with the prototype, Valocyclovir is more bioavailable.This made it possible to reduce the intake of an antiviral drug from 5 to 3 times a day.

In the pharmacy network, it can be found under the following names:

• Valociclovir
• Valtrex
• Valavir
• Valcikon et al

Despite which drug you prefer, the original Acyclovir or its analogs, remember that theyMedicines, and are not assigned on their own!Prescribe their use can only be a doctor.

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