Medicines against viruses for colds
In most cases, colds are caused by viruses that are transmitted via droplet infections and make the person affected ill. In the case of colds, in most cases there is no need for medication against viruses, as they can be cured by simple household remedies for colds and light antipyretic and anti-inflammatory drugs. However, if in addition to his or her cold a strong feeling of illness and fever should occur, a doctor should be consulted.
This can determine whether flu viruses are responsible by a flu rapid test. In this case, medication against the virus can be prescribed and taken. Human herpes viruses cause serious illness in humans.
The best known is the somewhat more widespread cold sore, which is mainly caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 and 2. In addition to these herpes viruses, there are many others that can cause very serious diseases. What all herpes viruses have in common is that they contain a double-stranded DNA that can be replicated by the virus’ own enzyme (DNA polymerase).
It is precisely this enzyme that the drugs used to treat herpes act on. The active ingredients inhibit the viral DNA polymerase and thus prevent the viruses from further replicating. They are administered as a precursor and are then activated and effective in the body by a short metabolic process.
There are several different active ingredients that can be used against herpes, the main representatives being Aciclovir and Valaciclovir. Valaciclovir is a so-called prodrug, it is converted to Aciclovir after ingestion in the body and then activated and effective. In general, both substances can be taken orally as tablets, administered via a vessel as an infusion or applied to the skin as a cream.
In severe herpes infections it is necessary to administer the drug via a vessel, because this is where the drug is most effective.In general, Aciclovir is a well tolerated antiviral, but in higher doses it can be harmful to the kidneys. There are also the drugs Penciclovir and Famciclovir: Penciclovir is suitable for local application on the skin to treat herpes. Famciclovir on the other hand can also be taken as a tablet, is then activated in the gastrointestinal tract to penciclovir and is thus effective against the herpes virus.
Famciclovir should not be used during pregnancy or lactation. Occasionally dizziness, itching and dry skin may occur due to use. The medication Brivudine is administered as a tablet.
In addition to its action against the herpes virus, changes in blood count may sometimes occur, but these are reversible. Also this medication should not be taken during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. In addition, the doctor should pay attention to possible interactions with possible cytostatic therapy when prescribing it.
