What is the difference between Acyclovir and Valacyclovir? Acyclovir is a powerful word in antiviral therapy.

The drugs Famvir, Valtrex, Valaciclovir, and Acyclovir are part of the complex therapy of herpes viruses of all genotypes and severity. This viral infection is considered incurable and if infected, the pathogenic microorganism remains forever in the cells of the sick person. Medications make it possible to minimize the pathogenic activity of a viral infection, remove the dermatological consequences of its presence and prevent relapses of the disease in the event of a sharp decrease in the patient’s immunity. Let us consider in more detail the qualitative advantages of each of these drugs, their distinctive characteristics, pros and cons.

For what diseases are they used?

Acyclovir, Famvir, Valtrex, and Valacyclovir are used as antiviral agents for the treatment and prevention of herpes virus infection. The most effective medications are against herpes infections, which have DNA genotypes 1-6.

In practical dermatology, specialists actively use medications in this category for the treatment of oral, chickenpox (shingles) and genital herpes. In general, all these drugs are created for the treatment of the following types of diseases:

Labial herpes. It is believed that at least 96% of the population of planet Earth are carriers of this genotype of the viral infection. This is the most common type of dermatological disease, which manifests itself in the form of a red rash on the surface of the lips and skin around the mouth.
. It is provoked by herpes infection genotype No. 2. Medicines reduce the manifestation of characteristic symptoms, stop the further spread of the rash in the intimate area, remove itching, swelling and the inflammatory process. All of these drugs can be used as prophylactic agents to prevent infection with genital herpes if unprotected sexual contact occurs between a carrier of the infection and a healthy sexual partner.
. In fact, this dermatological disease has nothing to do with traditional round lichen, as it is provoked by a completely different type of infection. The culprit of the disease is a herpes virus with a third DNA genotype. Taking medications from this group reduces pain, prevents the development of relapses, and is an effective means of preventing the development of postherpetic neuralgia. The latter pathology is considered a serious complication of a herpetic infection and is difficult to treat conservatively, since it affects nerve endings and makes it impossible for the stable transmission of neural impulses from the centers of the brain to the muscle fibers.

During the acute phase of the disease, both Famvir and Valtrex, Valaciclovir and Acyclovir help to alleviate the patient’s general well-being, reduce body temperature, localize skin rashes and preserve healthy areas of the skin. In the case of primary treatment, medications make it possible to avoid complications and speed up the recovery process several times. When using loading doses of these medications in the first 3 days of the onset of symptoms of a herpetic infection, it is possible to prevent the long-term presence of such signs of skin pathology as itching, burning, pain and redness of the epithelial layer.

Release forms and cost of antibiotic drugs

These rotiviral drugs are produced in the following pharmacological forms.

Acyclovir

It is a synthetic analogue of purine nucleoside. Belongs to the category of drugs that have a selective effect exclusively on pathogenic herpes viruses. Available in tablet form. The total mass of the active substance is 200 mg. One cassette contains 10 tablets. The packaging of the drug is made of thick cardboard.

The cost of one cassette ranges from 29 to 35 rubles. The price range is determined by retail pharmacy chains that sell the medicine.

Famvir

Produced by the Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis Pharma. The drug is produced in the form of tablets, which are coated with a protective coating. Depending on the dosage prescribed to the patient, it is possible to select a medication with a total mass of active substances of 125, 250 and 500 mg in 1 tablet. One blister contains 10 tablets at once. All of them are placed in a thick cardboard package, which contains 4 plates of medicine. The cost of the antiviral drug starts from 1,300 rubles per package. The highest price was recorded around 1,550 rubles. The high cost of the medicine is justified by its imported origin.

Valtrex

Manufactured in the UK by Glaxo Smith Klein. The antiviral drug is produced in the form of tablets, 10 pieces in one plate. For better absorption of the drug into the walls of the large intestine, the tablets are coated with a protective coating. It protects the gastric mucosa from irritation, which is especially important for people prone to gastritis. The cost of 1 package of Valtrex is 1200 rubles.

Valaciclovir

These are tablets intended for the treatment of all forms of herpes, coated with a protective coating. One tablet contains 500 mg of the active substance - acyclovir valine ester. Produced by the Russian pharmacological company Izvarino Pharma. Each drug cassette contains 10 tablets. The cost of packaging is 620-650 rubles.

What is the difference and which drug will help better - distinctive pros and cons

The drugs Acyclovir, Famvir, Valtrex and Valaciclovir, each in their own way, are effective in combating herpes infection and its pathological consequences for the human body. To understand in more detail the qualitative benefits of these drugs, you should study their features and pharmacological properties.

Acyclovir

This medication forms the basis of all antiviral drugs that pose a threat to the life of the herpes virus. Based on this component, most other antiviral tablets were created, but with a more advanced pharmaceutical formula.

The advantages of Acyclovir are that it has a stable therapeutic effect, destroys the cellular structure of the DNA of the virus, prevents its reproduction, and therefore prevents the appearance of new foci of rashes on the skin. Approved for use as a shock drug against herpes infection, as well as as a prophylactic drug for people with a weakened immune system.

Acyclovir is indicated for use by adults and children aged 2 years and older. The optimal duration of therapy is no more than 5 days. During this period, the symptoms of the disease completely recede and, in the absence of complications, the patient begins to recover. A distinctive feature of Acyclovir is that its use allows you to get rid of shingles in just three days. The antiviral drug not only suppresses the herpes infection inside the body, but also localizes the skin rash. The use of Acyclovir for this type of herpes virus is very important to prevent the occurrence of postherpetic neuralgia. The only contraindication and disadvantage of the drug is the patient’s tendency to have an allergic reaction to the active substance of the drug.

Valtrex

This is a complex antiviral agent that is used against genotypes 1, 2 and 6 of herpes. The medicine is considered very effective, but its administration should consist of 500 mg of the substance at least 2 times a day. This is a large dosage, which can negatively affect the general health of the patient. This is one of the main disadvantages of the medication. Therefore, the drug has a large number of medical contraindications. Valtrex is prohibited for inclusion in the therapeutic course for patients with renal or liver failure, diseases associated with damage to the cellular structure of the bone marrow, patients with.

Farmvir

This is a universal medicine used to treat various viral infections, including a strain of herpes. The active component of the drug is the substance pharmaciclovir. To treat manifestations of herpetic infection, Pharmvir tablets are prescribed to patients with herpes zoster and. The duration of the therapeutic course is from 5 to 7 days. When using shock dosages, the drug can be used in the treatment of genital herpes. A significant disadvantage of Farmvir is that it cannot be used to treat patients under 18 years of age. It is prescribed with caution to patients who have individual intolerance to medications in this group.

Valaciclovir

Effectively fights the herpes virus of all genotypes and in addition strengthens the protective function of the immune system. The active component of Valacyclovir acts as a catalyst in the process of interferon synthesis, without which a person will not have strong immunity. The advantage of the medication is that it is taken only once a day, 30 minutes before the first meal. This is very convenient for treating people who lead an active lifestyle. One therapeutic course must consist of at least 40 tablets. The disadvantages of the drug include contraindications in the form of prohibition of use during pregnancy, lactation, in the presence of renal and liver failure, allergies.

Based on the pharmacological characteristics of these antiviral drugs, we can make a reasonable conclusion that Acyclovir has the greatest number of positive therapeutic qualities, has virtually no medical contraindications for use and is suitable for the treatment of herpes of all genotypes in patients of various age categories.

Antiviral.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

The active substance of the drug inhibits vital activity DNA polymerases viruses, prevents the synthesis of viral DNA and inhibits replication processes.

After entering the body, valacyclovir transforms into acyclovir And L-valine , then reactions occur phosphorylation And acyclovir turns into acyclovir triphosphate . The resulting compound can suppress DNA polymerase malicious agent (virus) through a competitive mechanism.

Phosphorylation usually occurs in two stages. The first reaction is catalyzed by an enzyme thymidine kinase . The drug exhibits particular activity against Herpes simplex, To Varicella zoster it is less sensitive. The substance is excreted by the kidneys or feces; the half-life is approximately three hours.

Indications for use

The medicine is prescribed:

for the treatment of diseases of the mucous membranes and skin caused by the virus Herpes simplex;
to prevent relapses of diseases caused by the same virus;
at herpes zoster ;
as a preventive measure cytomegalovirus infection after .

Contraindications

The product is contraindicated:

during bone marrow and kidney transplantation;
when on the active substance;
, If CD4+ lymphocytes do not exceed 100 µ/l;
children under 18 years of age (with the exception of organ transplantation, in which case the drug is used from 12 years of age).

Side effects

The drug has been well researched. As a result of laboratory studies and observations of patients with herpes zoster And herpes virus (including accompanying immunodeficiency ) receiving valacyclovir , almost all possible adverse reactions were identified.

Possible:

nausea, pain in epigastric areas, vomiting, and, increased activity of liver enzymes;
disorders of the kidneys, photosensitivity , shortness of breath, thrombocytopenia ;
, , agitation , psychosis , disturbances of consciousness and;
rash , , anaphylaxis , ;
neutropenia , aplastic anemia , vasculitis , thrombocytopenia ;
nasopharyngitis , facial swelling , increased, increased fatigue;
rhinorrhea , And .

Instructions for use of Valaciclovir (Method and dosage)

The drug is taken orally, regardless of food.

Valacyclovir tablets, instructions for use

For herpes zoster, a single dosage is 1000 mg (2 tablets), 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 7 days. The sooner the drug is started after the first symptoms of the disease appear, the more effective the treatment will be.

For herpes (including prophylactic use), the daily dosage is 1000 mg. It is recommended to divide into 2 doses, morning and evening, one tablet each. The duration of treatment is from 5 to 10 days (severe course of the disease).

If the patient has impaired renal function, the dose should be adjusted.

Overdose

There is no evidence of drug overdose.

Interaction

There were no clinically significant cases of interaction between tablets and other drugs.

However, the active substance is excreted from the body through the kidneys, by tubular secretion . Any medications that will be prescribed at the same time as Valaciclovir , will interfere with its normal excretion from the body. First of all, this applies to other drugs that block the mechanism of tubular secretion.

When combined with Mycophenolate , concentration acyclovir increases in blood plasma.

When combining the product with, and medications that disrupt the normal functioning of the kidneys, the load on these organs increases.

Terms of sale

Need a recipe.

Storage conditions

In a cool place, at a temperature no higher than 25 degrees.

Best before date

special instructions

If you have kidney problems, use the drug with caution. It is possible to develop disorders of the central nervous system.

For elderly patients, no dose adjustment is required, but the amount of fluid consumed should be increased.

During treatment, you should refrain from sexual intercourse, as the drug does not prevent transmission of the virus to your partner.

Caution should be exercised when treating patients with liver disease.

There is no clinical experience with the use of the drug for children under 12 years of age; therefore, the medicine is not prescribed to children.

Valacyclovir is a medicine for herpes, an analogue of acyclovir. The drug is available in tablets. The drug treatment regimen can be found in the instructions for the pharmaceutical drug. How to treat herpes with valacyclovir? And what analogues does the pharmaceutical industry produce?

Valacyclovir - composition and action

The tablets contain valacyclovir hydrochloride (valacyclovirum) and excipients - cellulose, starch, castor oil, chemical compounds - titanium dioxide, polysorbate, polyethylene glycol. Auxiliary components provide the drug with a tablet form, uniform consistency and color.

In the human liver, valacyclovir is converted into acyclovir (a substance with a specific antiviral effect against herpes types 1 - 6). After transformation, it inhibits and stops the reproduction of viruses. The action of acyclovir is specific; it does not affect healthy cells, but destroys only those that are infected.

Due to their introduction into living cells, viruses are difficult to fight; it is necessary to destroy the cells of your own body. The specific effect of acyclovir is that it destroys only infected cells. It is integrated into the DNA of the cell (essentially - already the DNA of the virus) and stops the synthesis of new viruses. As a result, new rashes stop appearing, healing of existing wounds accelerates, and crusts dry out.

Use of the drug

Valaciclovir is used as a medicinal and prophylactic agent. It is effective for treating diseases caused by herpes viruses (from types 1 to 6), but is more often used against the first three types of viruses - oral, genital and shingles (chickenpox). Instructions for use recommend treatment with valacyclovir for the following diseases:

Labial or oral herpes (HSV-1, the carriers of which are 95% of the planet's population).
Sexual or genital herpes (HSV-2)- treatment with valacyclovir can reduce the frequency of relapses and reduce the likelihood of infection through sexual contact. And also the likelihood of transmitting genital herpes to a sexual partner.
Herpes zoster (HSV-3, which also infects 95% of the population) - treatment with valacyclovir reduces pain, prevents relapses and complications in the form of postherpetic neuralgia.

The use of valacyclovir allows you to stop the development of the disease - reduce the extent of rashes, lower the temperature. In case of primary infection, speed up recovery. If you are a carrier, reduce the frequency of relapses.

If you take the drug early, you can stop the disease without the appearance of subsequent symptoms (to do this, you need to use loading doses of the drug at the first signs of the disease - burning, redness, itching).

Important: when treating genital herpes, valacyclovir does not prevent infection, it only reduces the likelihood of transmitting the virus to another person.

In addition, valacyclovir is used in organ transplantation in complex therapy to reduce the likelihood of organ rejection.

Dosage and duration of treatment

1 tablet may contain 250, 500 or 1000 mg valaciclovir. When treating with valacyclovir, a single dose of the drug varies from 250 mg to 2 g(depending on the stage of development of the disease, the age of the person and the timing of the start of treatment). Most treatment regimens for herpes in adults use a dosage of 500 mg. Therefore, valacyclovir 500 is the most popular tablet form of the drug. How to take valacyclovir to treat different types of herpes?

Treatment regimen for oral/genital herpes

Treatment for herpes types 1 and 2 (oral and genital) depends on whether it is a primary infection or a recurrence. For primary infection, the single dose is higher - 1 g, taken 2 times a day. In case of relapse, the single dose is reduced to 500 mg of the drug (also 2 times a day). The duration of treatment depends on the body’s reaction and can take 3 or 5 days.

The given treatment regimen is standard; its action is not always effective. This treatment regimen is used when rashes have already appeared. If you start treatment earlier (with the first signs of burning, itching and discomfort on the skin), then it is better to use a different dosage regimen. Then you can prevent rashes completely.

Advice: the regimen for taking the drug at the first signs of illness is a loading dose (2 g) on the first day of illness, twice, with an interval of 12 hours.

Treatment regimen for herpes zoster

Treatment of shingles virus (HSV-3 or Zoster) requires a higher dosage of the drug than treatment of HSV-1 and 2. The standard regimen for herpes zoster is 1000 mg.(1 or 2 tablets, depending on the form of release) valacyclovir three times a day for a week (herpes zoster - always relapse, the acute form of this type of infection is called chickenpox).

Preventive appointment

To prevent relapses, take valaciclovir 500 mg per day. In this case, you can divide the daily dose into two doses, take a 250 mg tablet in the morning and evening. The duration of preventive treatment is several months (three, four or more - up to a year).

Side effect

Taking the drug may cause the following side effects:

headache(in 15% of cases);
nausea(according to medical studies, no more than 8% of those people who were treated with valacyclovir);
occasionally observed temporary visual impairment(only 3% of people).

The drug is broken down in the liver and excreted through the kidneys. People with kidney disease or liver disease should take reduced doses of the drug (so as not to overload the diseased organ and worsen its condition).

Important: the drug may settle in the renal canals. Therefore, to prevent such complications during treatment with valacyclovir, it is necessary to drink a sufficient amount of fluid.

Valaciclovir is a relatively new drug. Therefore, a sufficient number of medical studies have not yet been carried out and the effect of the drug on the child’s body has not been clarified. In general, it has an antiviral effect. According to research, he treats children in the same way as adults. But due to lack of clinical studies Doctors do not prescribe valacyclovir to a child under 12 years of age.. Medical instructions recommend prescribing valacyclovir for the treatment of children over 12 years of age only for special indications (for the prevention of cytomegalovirus (one of the types of herpes) and to prevent organ rejection after transplantation).

Preparations with the active ingredient - valacyclovir

Valacyclovir is the active ingredient. It is included in various drugs (from different manufacturers):

Valacyclovir and Valcicon(manufacturer - Russia) - tablets 500 mg. Valacyclovir can be in higher concentrations - 1000 mg.
Valavir(Ukraine) - 500 mg tablets.
Vairova, Virdel, Valmik(Indian-made drugs) - tablets of 500 mg, Valmik can also be 250 mg.
Valacyclovir canon(Chinese valacyclovir) - 500 mg tablets.
Valvir(drug produced in Iceland) - tablets in two dosages - 500 mg and 1000 mg.
Valtrex(valaciclovir from Poland) - 500 mg tablets.

The price of the listed drugs may differ several times. Moreover, they contain the same active ingredient, which means the therapeutic effect in the treatment of herpes is the same. Tablets from different manufacturers differ in additional binders, excipients, packaging and price.

Analogues of the drug

Valaciclovir is one of the generic versions of acyclovir. Besides this, there are two more drugs that are analogues of acyclovir - penciclovir and famciclovir. They are also used to treat herpes infections, and are more effective and fast-acting. The price of penciclovir and famciclovir is higher.

The need to synthesize new antiviral drugs arose several years after the discovery of acyclovir. This is the first specific drug against herpes. It is also used in medicine, but is different less efficient. It has the most affordable price and therefore is in deserved demand among pharmacy customers. Treatment with acyclovir is most effective when taken initially. With repeated treatment, it has a less noticeable effect.

In addition, the drug has a number of disadvantages. For example, a low percentage of bioavailability - the amount of a substance that actually enters the blood and blocks herpes (everything else is excreted through the kidneys and intestines). Therefore, there was a need to synthesize new, improved drugs.

Famciclovir is an analogue of valacyclovir

Valaciclovir, famciclovir are analogue drugs. These are tablets that act more effectively than acyclovir (they are better absorbed into the blood and have a longer lasting effect). Famciclovir has the highest bioavailability - 77-80% of the active substance enters the blood. This concentration is achieved within 45 minutes after taking the drug (unlike acyclovir, which reaches its maximum concentration only after 2 hours). Therefore, famciclovir is the most effective and fast-acting remedy against herpes.

This drug has a high price (among other antiherpetic drugs), so it is taken in difficult cases - with frequent relapses of infection or with herpes zoster. This type of infection is characterized by high pain and long-term complications (pain at the site of healed wounds and rashes persists for several weeks).

Preparations containing the main active ingredient famciclovir are:

Famvir (made in Switzerland) - tablets of 125, 250 and 500 mg.
Famciclovir-teva (medicine from Israel) - tablets of 125, 250 or 500 mg.

For the treatment of herpes infection, famciclovir is prescribed in the following regimen:

For herpes zoster (chickenpox) - 250 mg of the drug three times a day, the course of treatment is 7 days.
For complications of herpes zoster (postherpetic neuralgia) - 500 mg, three times a day, for 7 days.
For primary disease with genital or oral herpes, the dosage is the same (250 mg), but the course of treatment is shorter - 5 days. Take three times a day.
In case of relapse of genital or oral herpes - the dosage and number of doses is less - 125 mg twice a day, 5 days.
For preventive purposes, to reduce the number of relapses, the minimum dose is 250 mg per day for a month.

In addition to the standard treatment regimen, you can use a loading dose of 1500 mg of the drug on the first day of treatment for the disease, when the first signs are detected (burning, redness at the site of the future blistering rash).

Acyclovir or valacyclovir

What is the difference between two similar drugs - acyclovir and valacyclovir? Acyclovir - has low bioavailability. It is only 15-30%. It means that no more than 30% of the substance taken enters the bloodstream and counteracts viruses.

To increase the bioavailability of the drug, ointments and creams with acyclovir are used. In this case, the amount of acyclovir that enters the tissue can reach 45-50%, but only locally (in those areas where the ointment is applied).

The highest concentration of the active drug substance occurs 2 hours after the tablet enters the stomach. That is, the effect of the drug begins no earlier than the specified time.

Valacyclovir - has higher bioavailability (55-60%). In this case, a high percentage of the active substance in the blood is provided by oral administration of the drug (tablets). Valaciclovir itself is only available in tablet form.

Note: Valacyclovir not only has higher bioavailability, but also a longer duration of action. Therefore, it is enough to take the drug only twice a day. In difficult cases (or with herpes zoster), it is taken more often - three times a day.

Valaciclovir is a drug for the treatment of oral, genital and herpes zoster. It prevents relapses, complications and helps to quickly cure the blistering rash that appears. This is a modern, effective and quite affordable means of treating herpes.

To combat the herpes virus, there are not many drugs that have proven their effectiveness and, unfortunately, among them there are not yet those that would cure herpes once and for all. However, the antiviral drugs we will compare can increase the duration of remission and reduce the number of relapses.

Below we will look at how they differ from each other, as well as from the lesser known famciclovir.

Famciclovir, valacyclovir and acyclovir - what is the difference?

There are contraindications, consult a specialist

Acyclovir prevents transmission of the virus to healthy cells. It is used to treat and relieve symptoms of herpes, chickenpox and shingles. Available in various forms, most often prescribed as ointments and tablets. Ointment applied directly to the affected area reduces pain, itching, limits spread and speeds healing. The doctor may prescribe it in tablet form for a 10-day course or long courses of six months for frequent relapses (6 or more times a year).

Valaciclovir is available in cream, oral and intravenous forms and is a prodrug. This means that when it enters the body, it turns into another substance. In this case, under the action of enzymes, it breaks down to ordinary acyclovir. How then does valacyclovir differ from its predecessor?

This formula of the substance ensures a prolonged effect. If a course of treatment with simple acic requires taking about 6 tablets (200 mg each) per day at regular intervals to maintain uniform concentration in the body, then val-ir should be used less frequently.

Thus, the advantage is a reduction in the multiplicity and, as a result, a lower probability of missing an appointment. It is available on our pharmaceutical market under the trade name Valtrex, produced in Poland.

42 tab. (500 mg)

Famciclovir is developed for the treatment of herpes types I and II and herpes zoster. Like valac-r, it has a prolonged effect and is taken less frequently, but in the body another derivative is formed from it - penciclovir(the mechanism of action is similar to regular acic-r, but unlike it, it does not break the viral DNA chain).

In addition to less frequent dosing, the benefits of famciclovir include:

higher bioavailability - 77% (versus 30% for regular);
higher effectiveness of the cream in the treatment of herpes on the lips;
for genital herpes, it reduces the duration of the crust formation stage.

In our pharmacies it is sold under the trade name Famvir, produced in Spain.

3 tab. (500 mg)

Conclusion and Conclusion

Valaciclovir and famciclovir are superior to their predecessor in terms of duration of action and/or effectiveness, but their main disadvantage is their higher cost.