Zovirax® is the trade name for the drug Aciclovir. This is a drug from the group of antivirals. Antivirals are used to treat and combat infections caused by certain viruses.
These viruses belong to the herpes virus family, which causes a large number of different infectious diseases requiring treatment. Zovirax® is available in various forms of administration. For example, it can be used as an ointment for lip herpes, and for other herpes infections it is often administered in tablet form, and especially in hospitals in cases of very severe infections as an infusion into the vein. The Zovirax® Eye Ointment is a product for herpes infection in the eyes.
Mode of action
The chemical structure of Zovirax® or Aciclovir is similar to the nucleic acid guanosine. This is an important component in the construction of DNA. In order for Zovirax® to develop its effectiveness, it must first be converted into the active form.
This is usually done by a specific enzyme contained in the virus, thymidine kinase. Since the active ingredient of Zovirax® is structurally similar to guanosine, an enzyme is incorporated into the DNA of the virus in its place. Due to the small difference in structure, the incorporation of Zovirax® ultimately results in the DNA no longer being able to be built up completely and correctly. This process prevents the viruses from duplicating their DNA in order to be able to divide. The reproduction of the virus is thus prevented.
Use during pregnancy
Many women get different forms of herpes during pregnancy. Pregnant women then often have to ask themselves which medication they can take without endangering their unborn child. In general, any medication taken during pregnancy should be discussed with the gynecologist in charge.
The doctor can then weigh up the benefits and risks of taking the medication and order the medication accordingly or better not. Similar considerations apply to the drug acyclovir. If a typical cold sore develops during pregnancy, it can be safely treated with Zovirax® ointment/cream.
In most cases, the ointments contain only a small percentage of the active ingredient. In addition, acyclovir acts locally in the case of lip herpes and is only distributed in very small amounts throughout the body. Thus, there is no risk of damage to the unborn child.
If the patient is unsure, she can consult her gynecologist about this. The use of Aciclovir tablets should also be discussed with the doctor if pregnancy is present. If the patient suspects that she is pregnant, the existence of a pregnancy should first be clarified and then the doctor informed about the situation.
Again, the doctor must weigh up the benefits of the medication. If a severe herpes infection exists in the mother during pregnancy, the infection can also become dangerous for the fetus. Therefore, treatment of the infection is the first priority.
Thus, it may be necessary to administer acyclovir in tablet form or as an infusion. Since Aciclovir can be incorporated into the DNA, it represents a so-called chromosomal mutagen. Mutagens cause a change in the DNA, which is why it is also called a gene mutation or chromosomal aberration.
Therefore, taking Zovirax® also carries the risk that other regular cells besides the virus cells are disturbed in their DNA structure. This represents a potential risk of damage to the fetus during its development. This effect on DNA is called teratogenic and carcinogenic. Studies have not yet been able to prove these damaging effects. However, due to the possibility that malformations may be induced, administration should be carefully considered by the treating physician.
