Synonyms in a broader sense
Aciclovir, antiviral, antiviral drug Other trade name:
- Accarix®
- Aciclostad®
- Acivir®
- ViruMed®
- DYNEXAN Herpes Cream®
- Uva.
Introduction
Zovirax is the trade name of a drug with the active ingredient Aciclovir. This is a drug against viral diseases with a herpes virus. Aciclovir can be used locally as an ointment or cream, but can also be given in tablet form or through the vein.
It is mainly used for the following diseases: Meningitis caused by herpes simplex viruses, genital herpes with herpes blisters on and around the genitals, lip herpes and newborn herpes. It is also used in immunocompromised persons for prophylaxis and therapy of, among other things, chickenpox and shingles. The drug also relieves symptoms and shortens the duration of the disease.
However, the pathogens remain in the body for life and can lead to renewed attacks. Various forms of preparation are available for use. A cream can be used for local therapy on the skin for lip herpes or genital herpes. Tablets and infusion solutions are available for the prevention or therapy of genital and newborn herpes, as well as for the therapy of shingles.
Dosages
The standard dosage in the treatment of genital herpes is 5x200mg per day. For prophylaxis 4x200mg per day or 2x400mg per day can be used. In case of immunosuppression, severe infections or special situations, other dosages are also possible.
If kidney function is poor, the dose should be adjusted if necessary. In case of shingles (herpes zoster) doses of 5x800mg per day can be given. For children and infants the dosages are individually adapted to body weight and age.
Application/indication
Shingles: Shingles, which usually presents itself with painful blisters on one side of the body like a belt, is a common condition in old age and in immunocompromised persons. In order to avoid or reduce the pain that occurs after the blisters have healed, therapy should be considered for patients over 50 years of age and for severe courses of the disease. In young immunocompetent persons, shingles usually heals without consequences.
Therefore, the administration of Zovirax is not absolutely necessary in these individuals and must be decided on an individual basis. Genital herpes: Genital herpes manifests itself with blisters on and around the genitals. It can occur again and again in relapses.
Zovirax can be taken locally as a cream or tablet to accelerate healing or, if it recurs frequently, as a prophylactic over a longer period of time. The time before birth is of particular importance. Here a preventive therapy can be useful in order to prevent the infection of the child during birth.
However, the therapy cannot achieve a permanent cure, a reappearance of the blisters is also possible after the therapy. Herpes of the lips: Local therapy with Zovirax cream is also available here. The therapy should be carried out as early as possible and before the blisters break out, as it can then lead to a shortening of the active blisters.
For very severe infections, tablets or infusions can also be used. However, it cannot fight the cause of the blisters; the viruses remain in the body throughout life and can form blisters again. Zovirax is also used to treat neonatal herpes and meningitis caused by herpes viruses. In cases of immunosuppression, for example after transplantation or in cases of serious illness, Zovirax can also be given as a preventive measure, as in these situations, diseases caused by herpes viruses are very common. Special eye ointments are available for herpes infections of the cornea.