Acyclovir for children: instructions for use. Acyclovir for infants: can it be used? Acyclovir 5 percent for children

Acyclovir is a drug that has an antiviral effect. Available in the form of cream and ointment for external use, eye ointment, and also in tablet form. Acyclovir is usually prescribed to children to treat herpes.
Can acyclovir be given to children?

Acyclovir tablets can be prescribed to children over one year of age, since its effect on the body of an infant has not been fully studied. Children older than one month can be treated with ointment, since it has a direct effect on herpes viruses.

A doctor may prescribe acyclovir if a child has chickenpox. However, children under one year of age rarely get chickenpox. For chickenpox it is used both topically and internally.
Acyclovir ointment for children: indications for use

The ointment has been successfully used to treat herpes simplex viruses, herpes zoster and chickenpox. Acyclovir can be used as a prophylactic against herpes against the background of a general decrease in immunity (for example, after a course of chemotherapy, HIV-infected people).

Acyclovir is not often used to treat children under one year of age, but its toxic effect on the body of a newborn child has not been proven.
Dosage of acyclovir tablets

Tablets are prescribed in the following dosage:
children from 1 to 2 years: 100 mg per day (1/2 tablet) for five days every 4 hours;
after 2 years: 200 mg (one tablet) 4 times a day;
children 2-5 years: 400 mg (two tablets) 4 times a day;
children over 6 years of age: 800 mg (4 tablets) 4 times a day.

In especially severe cases, treatment can be extended to ten days. To prevent relapse of the disease, an alternative treatment method can be used: 400 mg of acyclovir every 12 hours. Every six months it is necessary to take a break from treatment to assess the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment.

To treat shingles, a child over 3 years of age is prescribed 800 mg of medication every 6 hours.

Dosage of acyclovir ointment

When determining the dosage of the ointment, it should be based on the child’s weight (no more than 80 mg per kilogram of the baby’s weight, no more than 0.25 grams per 25 sq.cm of damaged skin area). Children over 12 years old - at the rate of no more than 125 mg per 25 sq.cm. The ointment is applied to damaged areas of the skin every 4 hours, with a break at night. The full course of treatment is five days. If the skin rashes have not disappeared completely, you can extend the treatment period for another 5 days.

To treat a generalized infection in a newborn baby caused by the herpes simplex virus, the doctor may prescribe acyclovir every 8 hours at a dosage of 10 mg per kilogram of the child's weight. The full course of treatment is ten days.

Acyclovir eye cream dosage

Acyclovir cream is used to treat viral eye diseases (herpetic keratitis). It is placed in the conjunctival sac at least 5 times a day, taking a break at night. The course of treatment is at least 7 days. After the main symptoms of the disease disappear, it is necessary to continue using the cream for another three days.

During treatment, it is important to increase the amount of fluid your child consumes.
Acyclovir: adverse reactions

Like any medicinal product, acyclovir has a number of adverse reactions, if any of which are detected, you should immediately stop treatment and seek medical help. The following symptoms are noted:
nausea;
vomit;
intestinal colic;
rash on the body;
increased fatigue;
fever;
Blood tests show a decrease in hematology parameters.

In especially severe cases, when administered intravenously to children over two years of age, severe adverse reactions may occur.
nervous system:

Increased activity;
tremor of the limbs;
convulsions;
hallucinations;
coma.

It should be remembered that long-term use of acyclovir can cause addiction in the body, as a result of which the medicine will no longer be sensitive to viral strains. Therefore, if possible, short-term courses of treatment (10-12 days) should be carried out.

Acyclovir is a very popular means of combating herpes viruses. Is this drug prescribed to children, can it be used for acute respiratory infections and colds, and how to give Acyclovir tablets correctly?

Acyclovir is effective in treating herpes in children

Release form

Acyclovir is produced in several forms:

Pills. They are white in color, have a flat surface and have a ridge. Each tablet contains 200 mg or 400 mg of active ingredient. They are packaged in blisters of 5-20 pieces, and one pack contains from 10 to 100 tablets.
Cream for external treatment. It is represented by a homogeneous white mass. The percentage of active substance in this Acyclovir is 5%. One tube can hold 2 g, 5 g or 10 g of cream. Also, the drug can be packaged in jars, from 5 to 50 g of cream in one package.
Ointment for external treatment. It has a viscous consistency and a white or yellowish-white color. The concentration of the active component in this form of Acyclovir is also 5%. The drug is placed in aluminum tubes or glass jars, and the weight of the drug in one package ranges from 2 g to 30 g.
Eye ointment. It is a yellow or white mass. The concentration of the active substance in this dosage form is 3%. One tube of ointment includes 3 or 5 g of the drug.
Powder, from which a solution is prepared for injection into a vein. One bottle may contain 0.25 g, 0.5 g or 1 g of active substance. The number of bottles in one package is 1, 5 or 10.

Such forms of medicine as syrup, suppositories or suspension are not produced.

Compound

The main component of any form of medication that ensures its therapeutic effect is acyclovir. Additional substances differ in different types of the drug:

In the cream they are represented by petroleum jelly, cetyl alcohol, macrolog, propylene glycol, water and other chemicals.
In Acyclovir ointment, the auxiliary ingredients are propylene glycol, water, emulsifiers, nipazole and other compounds.
Microcrystalline cellulose, starch, Mg stearate, crosscarmellose Na and other substances are added to the tablets.
There are no additional chemical compounds in the injection form.

A practicing dermatovenerologist: Vyacheslav Vasilievich Makarchuk talks about the benefits, principle of action and possible side effects of the drug Acyclovir in the following video.

Operating principle

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug effective on:

Herpesviruses types 1 and 2.
Varicella Zoster viruses.
Epstein-Barr viruses.
Cytomegaloviruses.

The drug directly affects the DNA in viral cells, as a result of which the pathogen stops reproducing. Having penetrated the virus cells, the drug breaks the DNA chains and interferes with its replication. At the same time, Acyclovir has almost no effect on the cells of the patient’s body.

The use of such an antiviral medicine prevents the spread of the rash, accelerates the healing of the affected skin, and in case of herpes zoster, reduces pain. Acyclovir also has an immunostimulating effect.

Varicella Zoster virus

Epstein-Barr virus

Cytomegalovirus

Indications

The use of Acyclovir is indicated:

For herpes infection. The medicine is used topically for herpes on the lips, as well as on the genitals. The drug is indicated for herpes sore throat, dermatitis, stomatitis and conjunctivitis caused by the herpes simplex virus.
For severe or moderate chickenpox. Acyclovir is recommended to be used for chickenpox in infants up to one year old (for example, at 10 months), since in the first year of life this infectious disease is characterized by a predominantly severe course. The drug is also used for congenital chickenpox.
For herpes zoster. This disease, caused by the same virus as chickenpox, most often occurs in old age.
For preventive purposes, if the child has an immunodeficiency and there is a high risk of infection with pathogens sensitive to Acyclovir.

In addition, the use of Acyclovir is in demand for infectious mononucleosis. For influenza and acute respiratory viral infections, this medicine is often not used, since it has no effect on their pathogens, but can be prescribed for prophylactic purposes if there is a high risk of herpes infection.

Acyclovir is effective in treating chickenpox in children

At what age is it allowed to take it?

It is permissible to treat a child’s skin with Acyclovir cream or ointment from birth. When indicated, the drug in the form of intravenous injections can be used at any age, including infants. As for tablets, this Acyclovir is given from 1 year of age.

Contraindications

If you have hypersensitivity to any component of the drug.
With a mild form of chickenpox.
For bacterial infections, for example, streptoderma.

In case of dehydration, neurological problems or renal pathologies, Acyclovir should be used with caution. 5% ointment or cream should not be lubricated on mucous membranes.

You may be interested in watching the episode of the program of the famous children's doctor Evgeniy Komarovsky, dedicated to the herpes virus in children:

Side effects

Acyclovir has the ability to influence the central nervous system. Taking this medicine may cause dizziness, weakness, fatigue, drowsiness, tremors of the limbs, and headaches. Occasionally, a young patient may experience hallucinations.
The child’s digestive system may respond to treatment with Acyclovir with diarrhea, nausea, liver dysfunction, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Many mothers are interested in how to support the liver while taking Acyclovir, but if this organ is healthy in the child, additional medications are not required to support it. If the doctor has detected liver disease, he will also prescribe hepatoprotective medications along with Acyclovir.
Taking Acyclovir can cause a decrease in the level of red and white blood cells in the blood, as well as changes in the number of platelets.
External use of the drug sometimes causes skin irritation or peeling. Also, an allergy in the form of a rash may occur at the site of lubrication.
If the medicine is given intravenously, serious side effects such as kidney failure or seizures may occur. In rare cases, such use of Acyclovir leads to psychosis or coma.
Phlebitis may occur at the site of injection of the drug into a vein, and if Acyclovir accidentally gets under the skin, necrosis is possible.
Eye ointment can cause conjunctivitis, blepharitis, keratopathy or severe burning when applied to the mucous membrane.

Instructions for use and dosage

Pills

For the treatment of infections caused by herpes simplex viruses, 1/2 tablet is often prescribed as a single dose for children 1-2 years old, and a whole tablet for children over two years old. The drug is taken four or five times a day. It is recommended to take the tablet with plenty of water.. The average duration of therapy with Acyclovir is 5 days, however, if indicated, tablets can be taken for up to 10 days.

For chickenpox, a single dosage of Acyclovir tablets is often selected individually, since for effective treatment a small child needs to calculate the dose by weight. It is 20 mg of active substance for every kilogram of the baby’s weight. The calculated dose is given 4 times a day for 5 days.

For example, a 1.5-year-old child weighs 11 kilograms and, according to calculations, a single dosage will be 220 mg, so he is given 1 tablet containing 200 mg of acyclovir. And at 7 years old with a weight of 21 kg, 420 mg of the active substance is required per dose, so the child can be given either 2 tablets with 200 mg of acyclovir, or 1 tablet containing 400 mg of the drug. The maximum single dose is 800 mg of acyclovir.

For prevention, Acyclovir is prescribed in tablets if there is a high risk of herpes infection and low immune defense. The dosage of the medicine is 2 tablets per dose, if the drug is taken every 12 hours, or 1 tablet four times a day.

External means

Acyclovir ointment carefully treat the affected areas of the skin, trying not to smear the drug on clean skin, since the medicine forms a dense film on the surface. The dosage of the ointment is determined by the doctor, taking into account the baby’s weight and the area of his skin. Treatment of the rash begins from the very first days of its appearance, but the medicine is not applied to the skin at night. Treatment often lasts 5 days.

Acyclovir cream Apply with a clean hand or a cotton swab to the affected skin up to 5 times a day. The amount of medicine in this form is determined individually. Skin treatment is prescribed for a period of 5 to 10 days.

Eye ointment apply 5 times a day with pauses between placements in the lower conjunctival sac for about 4 hours. A strip of ointment for 1 application is approximately 1 cm long. After recovery, treatment is continued for at least another three days.

Injections

Acyclovir dosage for intravenous injections is calculated based on body weight(in newborns) or by body surface area(in children over 3 months). The drug is administered at intervals of 8 hours, monitoring kidney function. If tests reveal changes in creatinine levels, the dosage is adjusted.

Injections are often given over five days, but depending on the disease and the patient’s body’s response to treatment, injections may be prescribed for a longer period. For example, for herpetic encephalitis, Acyclovir is administered for 10 days.

Acyclovir injection is a slow infusion over one hour or longer(the medicine is administered by drip). To give an injection, water for injection or sodium chloride solution is added to the powder. Acyclovir can also be combined with glucose solutions.

Overdose

There have been no cases of overdose with topical use of Acyclovir. If you take many tablets of this drug orally, it will lead to neurological disorders, nausea, headaches, shortness of breath, loose stools or vomiting. In severe cases, exceeding the dosage causes renal failure, seizures and coma. Treatment involves symptomatic therapy and measures aimed at maintaining vital functions.

Interaction with other drugs

If you take Acyclovir along with other drugs that have a toxic effect on the kidneys, this will increase the nephrotoxic effect of the treatment.

Terms of sale

To purchase any dosage form of Acyclovir, you do not need to present a prescription from a doctor.

You do not need a prescription to buy Acyclovir for your baby.

Storage conditions and shelf life

The storage location for Acyclovir should be dry, protected from direct sunlight and inaccessible to children. The optimal temperature range for storing cream is +12+15°C, and ointment or tablets is +15+25°C.

After the release date of the tablet form, it can be stored for up to 3 years. The shelf life of the cream is 2 years. An opened tube of eye ointment should be used within 1 month.

The likelihood of contracting infectious diseases caused by the herpes virus exists even in early childhood. Herpetic infections manifest themselves as a rash, herpes zoster, damage to internal organs, the central nervous system, in the form of chickenpox, inflammation of the oral mucosa and cornea. Infection with herpes can appear from 5 months, and in children of this age the infection is quite difficult.

Acyclovir is a popular drug that has a pronounced antiviral effect. The medication is active against herpes viruses. Acyclovir is produced in different dosage forms for the comprehensive fight against the disease. The drug stimulates the immune system and is used to treat other infectious diseases of viral origin.

Description of dosage forms

Acyclovir is available in tablets, cream, ointment, and powder. The active substance of the drug is acyclovir, this component provides a therapeutic effect. Pharmaceutical forms differ in excipients:

Pills:

stabilizer E460;
starch;
magnesium stearate;
croscarmellose sodium, etc.

Vaseline oil;
cetyl alcohol;
macrogol;
propylene glycol;
water, etc.

Acyclovir ointment:

propylene glycol;
water;
emulsifiers;
nipazole, etc.

There are no auxiliary components in the powder. It is used to prepare a solution that is injected into a vein.

The cream for external use looks like a white mass with acyclovir concentration of 5%. It is found in tubes or jars. The ointment has a viscous consistency with a yellowish tint. This form of the medicine also contains 5% acyclovir. The ointment is in aluminum tubes and glass jars. Eye ointment contains 3% active substance.

The tablet form may contain 200 and 400 mg of the main substance. Acyclovir 200 is preferable for a child over 3 years old. White pills are packaged in blister packs.

Properties and purpose of the drug

The effect of the drug is due to the therapeutic effect of its constituent components. Acyclovir penetrates cells damaged by the virus and destroys it.

The structure of acyclovre resembles the structure of guanine (an organic compound), which is present in cells. Viral enzymes convert the main component to acyclovir-3-phosphate, the structure of which is similar to deoxyguantriphosphate, which is part of the DNA of the virus. The virus enzyme integrates DNA into its chain, and acyclovir-3-phosphate does not allow it to multiply. As a result, the immune system’s fight against the herpes virus is facilitated.

Doctors say that acyclovir does not affect cell DNA and does not provoke mutation. This has been proven by numerous medical studies on animals and the practice of taking the medication in humans. Based on this, Acyclovir is safe for health.

The drug has a narrow spectrum of action, that is, it affects only a certain class of viruses - herpes viruses. This group includes herpes simplex virus (type 1, 2), varicella-zoster (chickenpox virus), cytomegalovirus (cytomegalovirus infection), Epstein-Barr virus (tumors, blood diseases). Based on this, Acyclovir is used only to treat diseases caused by herpes viruses.

Some patients use the medication to treat any infectious diseases caused by viruses (flu or even AIDS). However, you shouldn't do this.

The medicine affects different viruses differently. The drug is most effective in the fight against herpes simplex viruses, it has a slightly weaker effect on varicella-zoster and the weakest against cytomegaloviruses and Epstein-Barr viruses.

According to the instructions for use for children, Acyclovir is prescribed for the following diseases:

Herpetic infection. The drug is prescribed to a child if he has herpes on the lips or genitals. Other indications: skin diseases, inflammation of the oral mucosa, conjunctival membranes of the eyes caused by herpesvirus.
Chicken pox (severe or moderate). The drug is recommended for use for chickenpox in newborns up to 12 months. This is due to the fact that until this age the disease is severe. In addition, Acyclovir is used to treat congenital chickenpox.
Shingles. This disease is also provoked by the same pathogenic microorganism as chickenpox. Herpes zoster is more common in older patients.

Acyclovir is used to prevent herpes in patients with weakened immunity. In addition, the drug is used for purulent sore throat. Flu and acute respiratory diseases are not treated with it, since the medicine does not affect their pathogens. However, Acyclovir is used to prevent the diseases described above when there is a high probability of infection with the herpes virus.

Use of Acyclovir

The method of using tablets is oral (by mouth).

For herpes caused by herpes simplex viruses, a single dosage for children 1 - 2 years old is half a tablet, and for children over 2 years old - 1 pill. The frequency of use of the medication is 4 or 5 times in 24 hours. The child should be given a tablet and filtered water to drink. The therapeutic course lasts 5 days, but if necessary, the doctor will extend the treatment to 10 days.

Acyclovir for chickenpox in children is used after a doctor’s prescription. The dose is calculated depending on the patient’s weight - 20 mg/1 kg of body weight four times a day. Chicken pox is treated for 5 days. To prevent herpes infection in case of weakened immunity, tablets are given in a dosage of 2 pieces with an interval of 12 hours or 1 tablet four times.

The ointment is applied to the damaged area without going onto clean skin, since after treatment a dense film is formed. The choice of dose depends on the weight of the child and the area of the damaged area. The rash is lubricated immediately after its appearance; ointment is not used before bedtime. The therapeutic course lasts 5 days.

Treat the damaged areas with cream or apply a gauze pad about 5 times in 24 hours. The dose is determined for each patient individually. Treatment lasts 5–10 days. Eye ointment is placed into the conjunctival cavity about 5 times a day with an interval of 4 hours. Use a strip of ointment about 1 cm long. After eliminating the symptoms, the eyes are treated for another 3 days.

The powder is used to prepare an injection solution, which is injected into a vein. The dosage for newborns is calculated by weight, and for children from 3 months - by body area. The medicine is administered at intervals of 8 hours. In this case, it is necessary to monitor the functionality of the kidneys. If the creatinine concentration is abnormal, the dose of the drug is adjusted.

The injections are given for 5 days, but the duration of treatment depends on the symptoms and the child’s response to the drug. For example, for herpes encephalitis, the solution is administered for 10 days.

Precautionary measures

Giving Acyclovir to children is prohibited in the following cases:

Hypersensitivity to acyclovir or excipients.
Mild form of chickenpox.
Infectious diseases of bacterial origin (streptoderma).

Under the supervision of a doctor, the drug is used when there is insufficient amount of fluid in the body or due to the loss of a large amount of water and salts. This restriction applies to children with neurological disorders and kidney diseases. External forms of the drug with a concentration of acyclovir of 5% are prohibited from using for the treatment of internal membranes.

According to the instructions for use, Acyclovir provokes the following negative phenomena if the rules of use are violated:

The drug affects the nervous system, causing dizziness, weakness, fatigue, and drowsiness. The child's limbs tremble, his head hurts, and sometimes hallucinations appear.
Sometimes the gastrointestinal tract reacts to therapy with nausea, diarrhea, liver dysfunction, intestinal spasms, and vomiting. If the patient has impaired liver function, the doctor will prescribe not only Acyclovir, but also hepatoprotectors. If the liver is in normal condition, then no auxiliary drugs are needed.
After taking the drug, the likelihood of a decrease in the concentration of red and white blood cells and an abnormal platelet count increases.
When using dosage forms for external use, there is a risk of burning and peeling of the skin. In addition, a rash may appear on the treated area.
With intravenous use, the likelihood of functional kidney disorders and seizures increases. In addition, there is a threat of mental disorders or coma.
In the area where the solution was administered intravenously, inflammation of the venous wall may appear. If the medicine accidentally comes into contact with the skin, there is a risk of tissue death.
After eye treatment, the likelihood of inflammation of the conjunctival membrane, blepharitis, corneal diseases, and severe burning sensation when treating the mucous membrane increases.

If the dosage of tablets is exceeded, neurological disorders, nausea, headache, shortness of breath, diarrhea or vomiting may occur. Sometimes functional kidney failure develops, convulsions and coma occur. To eliminate these signs, symptomatic treatment is carried out.

When using the external form of the drug, there are no overdose symptoms. Acyclovir should not be combined with medications that are toxic to the kidneys.

Alternative drugs

If there are contraindications, Acyclovir can be replaced with other medications with the same active ingredient or a similar principle of action.

Analogs of Acyclovir:

Zovirax is available in tablets, cream, eye ointment and powder for preparing a solution.
Acyclovir-Acri is available in the form of pills and ointments.
Virolex is a Slovenian analogue of Acyclovir. Tablets, eye ointment, and injection powder are used to treat herpes infections.
Cyclovir is an Indian-made tablet with a concentration of the active ingredient of 200 mg.
Acyclovir Hexal has a pronounced antiviral effect. The cream is produced in Germany.
Vivorax is available in tablets and cream for external use.
Acyclovir Belupo is a tablet and cream from Croatia.
Herperax is available in the form of tablets and ointments.

Thus, Acyclovir is a drug for children that is effective against herpes viruses. The medication is used only after prescription by a doctor, who decides on the choice of dosage form, dosage and duration of therapy for each patient separately.

This is a potent antiviral agent. Its release form is quite varied: ointment and cream for external use, tablets for internal use. Often this remedy is intended as a treatment for herpes infection in children. The cost of the drug in tablet form ranges from 60 to 1000 rubles. It depends on the dosage, manufacturer and number of pieces in the package.

What is Acyclovir? Release form and indications for use

Acyclovir in the form of ointment and cream in Russia costs from 15 to 200 rubles. The price depends on the manufacturer, the volume of packaging, and the popularity of the pharmaceutical company, which significantly affects the final cost of the product.

This medicine is used in the following cases:

therapeutic effects when the skin and mucous membrane are affected by the Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2,
genital herpes,
preventive purposes,
prevention in people with positive HIV status,
surgical interventions in the brain,
chicken pox,
herpes zoster.

In what cases should Acyclovir not be used?

Breast-feeding.
Child under three years old.
During pregnancy, the drug is taken only if prescribed by a specialist, and there should be all risk factors for the unborn baby are taken into account.
Elderly people, especially those with disorders of the central nervous system and kidneys, from taking this medicine worth giving up.

What is the best way to take the drug?

Taking pills should be tie to food intake(immediately after), then you need to wash them down with plenty of water. It is possible to individually prescribe a higher dosage amount according to medical indications, but this is extremely rare due to the high dosage specified in the instructions and the possibility of thereby increasing the risk of adverse reactions in the body.

According to the instructions for the treatment of herpes, adults need to take medication five times a day at regular intervals (except at night). The course of treatment in such cases is usually up to one and a half weeks. When treating HIV+ and AIDS, the dosage is doubled, the duration of administration is agreed upon individually.

The quality and effect of treatment directly depends on the timely start of the course of therapy, as well as on parallel existing chronic diseases in the body. In case of relapse, a personal treatment algorithm should be prescribed.

It is important to know: with frequent relapses of herpes, it is imperative to undergo specialized tests to investigate hidden infections of the body, because this is often the first sign of HIV infection, which practically does not manifest itself in the early stages.

For chickenpox, the amount of medicine per day according to the instructions should be quadrupled, however, such prescriptions are made exclusively by a specialized specialist.

In the case of treatment of herpes zoster, the dosage is almost completely the same as the previous one, intended to neutralize smallpox.

The dosage for a child is minimal, since it is important to minimize the risk of side effects, because it will be much more difficult for the baby to cope with them. Acyclovir for children is started at 20 mg; the daily dose should not exceed 800 mg, but it should not be used immediately.

Smallpox in children is treated for about five days, according to the classic regimen of using tablets. A child from 3 to 6 years old is prescribed four doses of Acyclovir, 400 mg at a time; for children from 7 years old, it can be increased to 800 mg once. It is worth remembering that the maximum amount of the drug puts a strong strain on the child’s body and it should be administered only in case of urgent need.

Treatment of herpes viruses of the first and second types should be carried out according to a similar scheme. This drug is usually not used to prevent herpes.

Elderly people should know that taking Acyclovir provokes the removal of fluid from the body in a significant amount, especially if we are talking about large dosages. That is why, in the case of the therapeutic effects of Acyclovir, it is necessary to significantly increase the amount of fluid consumed per day.

If there is an urgent need to take pills for renal failure, then such a practice exists, but the dosage will be extremely minimal (200 mg twice a day), and the supervision of specialists will be enhanced.

How does an overdose of a drug manifest itself in the body?

coma,
convulsions,
Sopor,
renal failure.

promotes the removal of fluid from the body, therefore it is important to take this fact into account if it is necessary to take medications in parallel. It is more effective for people with reduced immunity when taking immunomodulators concomitantly. In case of kidney disease, it is worth weighing all the risks and, in case of emergency, it is important to ensure high-quality maintenance of this organ while taking Acyclovir.

It is important to know: during pregnancy and breastfeeding, the drug has a cumulative effect, which can significantly affect the health of the child. If a specialist prescribes such a drug, there is a practice of interrupting breastfeeding.

Side effects:

Nausea, vomiting, weak stomach, hepatitis (in rare cases) and stomach pain.
Changes in the activation of liver enzymes.
Headaches, dizziness, temporary loss of control of consciousness (rare), convulsions, hallucinations.
Difficulty breathing.
Skin rash and hives.
Hair loss.
General fatigue and slight malaise.

The medicine should be stored at room temperature(25 degrees), shelf life is 2 years.

This drug should be used strictly according to instructions applications and recommendations of a specialized specialist. Prolonged use and the occurrence of relapses can lead to resistance of the virus and not provide the desired medical effect.

During pregnancy and lactation, this drug is prescribed last and, most often, in the form of an ointment. For elderly people and people with renal failure and pathological processes of the nervous system, Acyclovir should be used with particular caution.

When driving, there may be a risk of headaches and dizziness, therefore, during the period of completing the full course of treatment, it is better to avoid independent driving, in order to avoid emergency situations on the roads.

Acyclovir ointment

The ointment or cream has a fatty base, so it can only be used for external local application. This form of medication works when applied five times a day; in order for it to give maximum effect, the ointment is applied in a dense layer to the lesions.

For the mucous membrane or oral cavity, such a solution will not be effective, since the ointment does not linger for long in a moist environment.

The ointment is perfect for local elimination of the herpes virus, herpes zoster or smallpox. This release form is perfect for children, as it is extremely convenient to use. It is also widespread in AIDS prevention and control centers. For the treatment of children under one year of age, ointment is usually not used, as well as any other form of release of the drug.

What is better to use: ointment or tablets?

How to choose the right form of medication? What will work faster and more efficiently? As a rule, the result of taking Acyclovir is approximately equal. According to the opinion of consumers, the following conclusion can be drawn: firstly, you need to strictly follow the recommendations of a specialized specialist; it is also important to pay attention to the degree of development of the disease and the area affected.

If the doctor gives you the right to choose, then you can think about the issue of comfort in taking or applying Acyclovir. It is worth noting that in most cases, doctors prescribe an ointment or cream to treat children or for lesions on a small surface area. Tablets are prescribed for more serious inflammatory processes; it is worth taking into account the location of the lesion: as mentioned earlier, ointment and cream are not used to treat the mucous surface and internal genital herpes, as it is ineffective. There are also cases of complex effects using cream or ointment and tablets, which gives faster results, but it is worth remembering: it is better to entrust any prescriptions to a person with specialized education and work experience.

Numerous reviews from consumers of the drug are a solid foundation confirming its effectiveness, but in any case, every medical drug is not universally effective for everyone in need of treatment. If you need to choose a medication based on this operating principle, you should carefully read the instructions and strictly follow them, because the consequences may exceed your expectations.

This is a potent antiviral agent, however, if frequent infections of this type occur, it is unlikely to be able to neutralize it, since the virus may become resistant to the main component of the drug. This fact must be taken into account in case of relapse of the disease.

Overall, Acyclovir is an excellent antiviral drug with an affordable price, but many consumers and healthcare professionals consider it a drug of the last century. This opinion is mainly due to the many side effects and contraindications, as well as the lack of long-term results with frequent manifestations of this type of infection.

Another disadvantage of Acyclovir is the frequency of administration, which can cause some discomfort to the patient, especially if we are talking about an on-the-job illness. Doctors have proven that it penetrates not only into the affected areas, but also into healthy ones, thereby causing them some damage, which is very undesirable in the modern world. When you stop consuming the drug, it immediately stops blocking the source of infection, thereby increasing the risk of recurrent diseases with low sensitivity to the main component of the drug.

Analogs of Acyclovir presented on the Russian pharmaceutical market:

Valacyclovir - has some advantages in the form of a higher concentration of the main substance, which allows you to get a faster effect and reduce the frequency of administration,
Penciclovir cream is a potent drug that allows it to act quickly and block the recurrence of infection for a short period of time after the end of the course,
Famciclovir is one of the leaders in the treatment of this type of disease. It is several times more effective than its predecessor and preserves the human body from a possible relapse for a slightly longer time.

So, there are a large number of similar drugs: some of them are more effective, while others are somewhat similar in their results to Acyclovir. Undoubtedly, for many buyers, a significant advantage in choosing a drug will be its affordable pricing policy in conditions of systematic inflation and not always justified price increases in the absence of wage conversion.

Data Aug 22 ● Comments 0 ● Views

Doctor Dmitry Sedykh

Herpes infection in children can occur at any age and be severe, especially in children in the first year of life. Therefore, in order to stop further exacerbation of the disease, doctors recommend using Acyclovir. The medicine against herpes is available in a variety of dosage forms, so it is convenient to use it in the form of tablets, and, if necessary, externally.

Acyclovir is the most popular medication for herpes. It has a pronounced antiherpetic effect and works effectively against various types of pathogens, including the most common herpes simplex. The drug not only relieves the baby of the herpes virus, but also activates the immune system.

The drug is available in tablet form, ointment, cream and powder. The active substance of the drug coincides with the trade name of the drug. In addition to the active ingredient, the drug also contains other elements. The cream is a 5% product with acyclovir, exactly the same dosage of the active ingredient in the ointment, but the ointment contains 3% of the active ingredient. Tablets are available in 200 and 400 mg of acyclovir.

Acyclovir: choice of form and tolerability of the drug, consequences

Indications for use

The medicine against herpes has a high therapeutic effect. That is why it is used against various types of herpes infections. The active substance has a unique structure, similar in structure to the component guanine contained in cells. The component penetrates the DNA chain of the pathogen and blocks its replication process. Subsequently, the body’s defenses are included in the fight against the pathogen, and the herpes virus is neutralized.

The medication does not have a negative effect on the cellular structures of the body that are affected by the virus - the effect of the drug is aimed solely at combating the pathogen. It is unable to affect DNA and cannot cause cellular mutations. Long-term studies of the drug have confirmed its loyalty in children. Instructions for use recommend using the drug against the following types of pathogens:

herpes simplex types 1 and 2;
zoster virus, which causes chickenpox;
cytomegalovirus;
Epstein-Barr.

The diseases for which Acyclovir is used are of viral origin, but the drug will not act on the influenza virus - this is important to consider when treating with an antiherpetic drug. Acyclovir does not have the same effect on the herpes pathogen - the active substance fights best against the first two types of pathogen. The drug also reduces pain from herpes zoster. At the same time, Acyclovir has a weak therapeutic effect if it is necessary to treat cytomegalovirus or Epstein-Bar.

The medication is prescribed when the body is affected by a herpetic infection, wherever the vesicles are located - they can affect the lips, face, and genitals. Herpes sore throat and ophthalmoherpes are treated with Acyclovir. A child under 2 years of age is prescribed medication for the treatment of chickenpox, since at this age the child is especially hard on the disease, and the disease provokes complications. The remedy is also recommended for the herpes zoster type, which usually affects children with reduced immunity.

If a small patient has a weakened immune system, then doctors will also recommend an antiviral drug. For example, with purulent sore throat, a decrease in local immunity often provokes complications, in the form of an outbreak of herpes. Such an outbreak can be contained with the help of acyclovir.

How to use the medicine

Acyclovir must be given to children in a special dosage. Therapy for adults is not suitable for children. If the disease is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 or 2, then the drug in tablet form is given as follows:

children under two years old – half a tablet;
for children over two years old - a whole tablet.

The intake of Acyclovir is distributed over five days, four tablets must be taken daily. The drug "Acyclovir" in tablets can be given to children with herpes for up to ten days, depending on the severity of the disease.

If your baby has chickenpox, then you can give acyclovir only after visiting a doctor, since manifestations of chickenpox can be a symptom of another disease. In this case, the dosage is calculated as follows - 20 mg per kilogram of body weight. The frequency of administration is four times a day. The course of treatment for chickenpox is five days. Treatment with acyclovir is not always indicated; in mild cases of the disease, the drug is not prescribed.

Ointment for external use with acyclovir is used exclusively on the damaged area. After rubbing in a certain amount of ointment, a film should remain on the surface. The dosage should not exceed the required amount of the drug purely for the affected areas. It is necessary to treat the site of a herpetic rash five times a day. The course of treatment lasts at least five days.

When applying the cream, it can be used in the same way as an ointment, but doctors recommend using the cream under a thin gauze bandage. The cream is used for extensive damage. Applications with Acyclovir cream must be applied five times a day, changing the gauze swab every 2-3 hours. The course of therapy is up to ten days.