Acyclovir

Oral acyclovir is used in the treatment of initial genital herpes infections and to treat patients with recurrent (6 episodes per year) severe genital herpes.
An antiviral drug, Acyclovir is especially effective concerning viruses of simple herpes and surrounding herpes (depriving). It accelerates the formation of a scab, weakens pains in a sharp phase of surrounding herpes. The medication warns the formation of new elements of a rash, reduces the chances of skin dissemination and visceral complications.
Medications and Prescriptions

Generic name: acyclovir

Product Brand Name: Zovirax ®

1. Prescribed for: Oral acyclovir is used to treat initial genital herpes infections and prescribed for patients with recurrent (6 episodes per year) severe genital herpes. It reduces the pain and the number of lesions in the initial case, and lessens the severity and frequency in those with regular infections.

In the treatment of shingles, acyclovir reduces pain, shortens the healing time, and limits the spread of virus and the formation of new lesions. It can be used to treat chicken pox and acts to reduce healing time, limit the number of lesions, and reduce fever if used within the first 24 hours after the onset of the disease. Acyclovir ointment is used topically to treat initial genital herpes where it has been shown to decrease pain, reduce healing time, and control the spread of infection.
2. Dosing: Acyclovir is excreted mainly by the kidney. It may be taken with or without food. In patients with kidney dysfunction, the drug and dosages need to be reduced.

3. Drug interactions: Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease and patients should avoid intercourse when they have visible lesions. Particularly with overuse, resistance to acyclovir can develop. As a result, the medication should be used only for severe cases and only as long as needed. Long-term suppression for repeated genital herpes should include periodic re-evaluations and trials without the drug or irregular short-term treatments.

4. Side effects: Rare side effects of acyclovir in patients treated short-term are nausea, vomiting, and headache. Long-term treatment has the added potential for diarrhea and rash.

5. Storage: The medication should be stored at room temperature in a tight container.
Caution! Prior to starting this medicine, it is essential that you should talk to your doctor! Do not use it on your own initiative, without medical advice.

Acyclovir Notes

Acyclovir, prescribed together with 5 % Zovirax cream, is an oral medication that is highly effective in treating herpes infection starting from the very initial to severe genital herpes infections. While decreasing the severity and frequency in developing persistent infections, Zovirax acyclovir helps in reducing the pain and lesions formed from the initial case.
The effects of acyclovir medication benefit for herpes patients in reducing the healing time and preventing the increase of virus and the development of new lesions. If used within the first 24 hours after the disease is diagnosed, the drug also helps in treating chicken pox by cutting down the healing time and curing the lesions along with fever. Application of Zovirax ointment helps in treating initial genital herpes, thus reducing pain, healing time, and spread of the infection.

From 2 g to 800 mg, the dosage of Acyclovir defers in people to people. To avoid over dosage, it is important to follow the prescription and Acyclovir mg while taking the medication. People with kidney dysfunction are required to take only mild doses as it can worsen the disease. Always keep away from the overuse of Acyclovir and remember to take it only for critical cases of herpes that requires treatment.

In people using Acyclovir, there happens some rare side effects for short term. That includes headache, vomiting, nausea etc. Rash and diarrhea are some rare side effects of Acyclovir found in patients treated with Acyclovir for long-term. However, always consult your medical expert before taking the medicine.