Aciclovir

Introduction

Aciclovir is an active ingredient from the group of so-called virustatics. Virustatics use various enzymatic mechanisms to inhibit the virus that has entered the body from multiplying in the body cells. Aciclovir is well-tolerated and can be used without hesitation, except for some side effects and risks that must be considered. As a rule, an application period of about one week is sufficient for a successful virus treatment. In some long and persistent courses of disease, in which the virus repeatedly breaks out, it may be necessary to carry out a low-dose long-term treatment with acyclovir.

Indications

This group of drugs is only used to combat certain types of viruses. Aciclovir is mainly used in modern medicine for the treatment of the Herpes Simplex Virus and its representatives. The disease patterns include: Aciclovir can be used in different dosage forms as mentioned in the treatment of herpes labiales, i.e. lip herpes or genital herpes.

In addition, it is sometimes given to immunocompromised patients suffering from chickenpox. The varicella zoster virus can also be successfully treated with acyclovir, which under certain circumstances causes the unpleasant shingles all over the body. The herpes virus can also cause serious infections, such as herpes encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), which is a life-threatening condition and must be treated with acyclovir as a matter of urgency.

Here, acyclovir is given as an infusion over a longer period of time and the patient is treated in the intensive care unit. Patients who have to undergo an organ transplantation are given acyclovir purely prophylactically in order to prevent possible infections from developing in the first place. During radiation treatment of a patient suffering from cancer, acyclovir is often given as a tablet over a longer period of time as a preventive measure.

The mode of action of Aciclovir is always the same and usually very successful. Medicines against shingles and shingles in the eye

• Cold sores
• Genital Herpes
• Shingles
• Chickenpox
• Meningitis caused by herpes viruses

There are different herpes viruses against which acyclovir can be used. Aciclovir is activated in cells affected by herpes and leads to a destruction of the DNA of the herpes virus.

Very well known is the so-called Herpes Simplex Virus, which often attacks the face in the area of the lips. Aciclovir can initially be used in the form of a cream to treat the herpes virus. If the effect of the cream is not sufficient or if the disease occurs repeatedly, acyclovir can be taken as tablets and thus also serve to prevent new diseases.

Different herpes viruses can infect different parts of the body. The genital area can also be affected, the herpes simplex virus is the trigger for this. Aciclovir is a remedy that works very well against the virus responsible for genital herpes.

Therapy with acyclovir is best started within the first day after the onset of symptoms such as redness, swelling and itching in the genital area. It can be applied to the affected area in the form of a cream. If the cream does not completely combat the disease, Aciclovir can also be applied in the form of tablets or via an infusion. A dosage of 200mg acyclovir is used five times a day or 400mg three times a day. This dose should be taken for about five to ten days and must be adjusted in children under two years of age and in severe kidney disease.