We talk about a cold that has popped up on our lips and immediately remember Acyclovir. This is an immunomodulator belonging to the group of antiviral drugs used to treat herpes types 1 and 2, genital herpes and chickenpox. It contains no toxic elements, it acts selectively - only on the cells of the virus itself, suppressing their reproduction.
Acyclovir-Acri ointment
So, let's start with the fact that herpes does not only occur on the lip; viral diseases affect various parts of the human body. Therefore, Acyclovir is sold in the following forms, each of which has its own indications for use: cream and ointment for topical use 5%, tablets (200 mg, 400 mg, 500 mg), solution for intravenous injection Lyophilisate 250 mg, ophthalmic ointment 3%.
What is acyclovir?
Acyclovir is a selective, antiviral drug, a nucleoside analogue, related to cytarabine, idoxuridine, trifluridine and vidarabine, active against 4 types of herpes virus (herpes simplex types 1 and 2, chickenpox (type 3), cytomegalovirus (type 4)). It slows down the growth and spread of the herpes virus in the body by affecting their viral cells at the DNA level. This drug does not completely cure herpes, but it reduces the symptoms of the infection and its acute course.
Acyclovir is used both for therapeutic treatment and for the prevention of relapses. It effectively eliminates skin rashes and foci of inflammation around it, prevents the spread of the viral pathogen (contamination), and reduces the complications of herpes.
The effect of acyclovir therapy is greatest when treatment is started early, especially for non-primary infections, which usually have a shorter course than the primary episode. Long-term prophylactic oral acyclovir in patients with frequent episodes of genital herpes simplex completely suppresses relapses in most patients; As with other acyclovir-responsive infections, the viral latency period is not eradicated and the pre-treatment relapse rate returns after treatment is stopped.
Caution should be exercised when using acyclovir prophylactically in the general population due to the theoretical risk of the emergence of viral strains that are resistant to acyclovir and other agents whose mechanism of action is dependent on viral thymidine kinase (viral protein).
Intravenous acyclovir is the drug of choice for biopsy-proven herpetic encephalitis (damage to the nervous system by herpes) in adults, and has also been successfully used in the treatment of disseminated herpes simplex in pregnant women and herpes in newborns. Intravenous and oral acyclovir protects against the spread and progression of varicella zoster virus infection, but does not protect against postherpetic neuralgia (a complication of herpes zoster, manifested by the appearance of serous rashes in the area of innervation of individual branches of the trigeminal nerve).
In immunocompromised patients, intravenous, oral, and topical acyclovir reduces the clinical course of herpes simplex infections, while prophylaxis with oral or intravenous dosage forms suppresses reactivation (recurrence) of the infection while taking the drug.
Ophthalmic use of 3% acyclovir ointment quickly cures herpetic corneal ulcers and superficial herpetic keratitis. Thus, despite its failure to eradicate latent virus, acyclovir, administered therapeutically or prophylactically, is now standard antiviral therapy for some manifestations of herpes simplex virus infection and does represent a major advance in this regard.
Indications for use
Acyclovir is indicated for the following diseases:
- infectious lesions of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the herpes simplex virus (primary and recurrent genital);
- chicken pox;
- shingles;
- herpetic lesions in children in the first month of life (including intrauterine infection);
- prevention of cytomegalovirus infection in patients who have undergone bone marrow transplantation;
- herpetic lesions of the cornea of the eyes (for eye ointment);
- Epstein-Barr virus infection.
Symptoms of acyclovir overdose
You should stop taking acyclovir if you experience these symptoms:
- easy bruising or bleeding, purple or red dotted spots under the skin;
- changes in behavior (motor restlessness and emotional agitation, confusion, hallucinations);
- disorders of the urinary system (anuria (lack of urination), painful or difficult urination), swelling of the lower extremities;
- feeling tired, shortness of breath.
Uncomplicated side effects of acyclovir include:
- skin allergic manifestations (itching, soreness of the skin when touched, rashes);
- nausea, which may be accompanied by vomiting, stomach upset (diarrhea);
- headaches and/or dizziness;
- pain in the mouth when taking acyclovir tablets buccally (by the cheek).
Typically, cases of acyclovir overdose have been recorded extremely rarely, but common manifestations are allergic reactions, which entail a number of symptoms:
- hives, blisters, itching;
- difficulty breathing and swallowing;
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or legs;
- hoarseness;
- cardiopalmus;
- general weakness;
- pale skin;
- confusion and/or loss of consciousness;
- the appearance of unusual bruises on the body;
- blood in urine and stool;
- numbness, burning or tingling in the upper and lower extremities;
- temporary inability to move parts of the body.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Contraindications to Acyclovir and features of its use -
The drug should not be taken if you are hypersensitive to acyclovir or valacyclovir. Do not use the intravenous route of administration of the drug during breastfeeding. The drug should also not be used in cases of severe renal impairment. Forms of the drug for external use (creams and ointments) cannot be used to treat the mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes, and vagina.
Acyclovir is not effective against influenza and ARVI, because it has no effect on these types of viruses at all. The drug is prescribed with great caution for dehydration and renal failure. When taking tablets, they should be washed down with a full glass of water (regardless of meals, since simultaneous food intake does not affect the absorption of the drug in the intestines). Acyclovir and alcohol: the compatibility of taking antibacterial and antiviral drugs with alcohol consumption reduces the effectiveness of treatment.
Important: taking acyclovir has nuances that are important for patients with gastrointestinal diseases. For diseases that occur with impaired absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, it is necessary to either increase the dosage of acyclovir, or (optimally) switch to intravenous administration of the drug.
Acyclovir during pregnancy and breastfeeding -
Acyclovir tablets during pregnancy can only be used as directed and under the supervision of a physician. The drug can be prescribed only if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. But acyclovir ointment or cream during pregnancy (i.e. forms for external use) can be used without a doctor’s prescription.
When breastfeeding - there are no contraindications for using Acyclovir cream or ointment during lactation, i.e. You can use such drugs without a doctor’s recommendation. But with the exception of the drug Acyclovir Duo-Active, which in addition to acyclovir also contains 1% hydrocortisone (here it is advisable to obtain a doctor’s permission).
Acyclovir tablets can be used during breastfeeding, but only as prescribed by a doctor (and here you need to pay attention to some details). For example, according to the instructions, the original drug with acyclovir - Zovirax 200 mg tablets - can be used during breastfeeding, but the Russian tablets Acyclovir-Akrikhin cannot be used in nursing according to the instructions.
There are clinical studies that show that when a breastfeeding woman uses high dosages of tableted acyclovir, the dosage of acyclovir contained in breast milk will be only about 1% of the standard pediatric dosage taken for children (source). This is due to the fact that the baby receives acyclovir orally in breast milk, and acyclovir, in turn, has low bioavailability (only 10 to 20% of the total volume of the drug enters the blood from the intestines). In principle, this should prevent any negative side effects from occurring in breastfed babies, but you should still get a doctor's prescription.
What you need to know before you start taking acyclovir
You should not take this medication if you are allergic to acyclovir or valacyclovir (Valtrex). The use of Sitavig buccal tablets is not recommended if you have an allergic reaction to milk proteins.
To make sure this medication is safe for you, check with your doctor before taking it if you have a history of the following conditions:
- kidney disease;
- weakened immunity (as a result of taking some medications or caused by any disease).
It is especially important to consult a specialist if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, or if you are breastfeeding a child. Because herpes can be passed on to your baby during birth if you develop genital lesions at birth. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes during pregnancy.
During lactation, this medication may be unsafe. You should consult with your doctor to identify and determine any possible risks to your newborn baby.
Acyclovir can be used in children from 2 years of age.
Acyclovir during pregnancy
A pregnant woman's immune system is weakened and may be susceptible to viral infections. Therefore, expectant mothers and those undergoing lactation are asking the question, “Is it possible to use Acyclovir during pregnancy?” According to the instructions, the use of acyclovir during pregnancy is permissible, but with caution. Moreover, this formulation means that use is possible, firstly, only as prescribed by a doctor, and secondly, only when the therapeutic effect is greater than the risk. This applies to all dosage forms. As for the lactation period, the drug passes into breast milk. Therefore, first consult a doctor, and then take the drug. In case of negative reactions, it is necessary to change therapy or stop breastfeeding for a while.
How to take acyclovir?
You must take acyclovir exactly as indicated in the instructions or as individually prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the drug in doses that do not comply with the instructions and do not exceed the permissible duration of use.
To use this medication in children, be sure to consult a doctor and carefully study the official instructions for the drug.
To use buccal acyclovir, do not crush, chew, suck, or swallow the tablet; simply place the flat side of the tablet on the herpes-affected area.
Note!
Giving buccal tablets to children is strictly prohibited, as this can lead to suffocation.
If you take acyclovir in the form of a suspension, be sure to use a special dosing measuring cup to measure the dosage. It is not recommended to use ordinary cutlery (a kitchen spoon) for this purpose.
The calculation of the dose of acyclovir used depends on the weight category (especially important for children). When losing or gaining body weight, the dose may vary.
During treatment with acyclovir, it is important to drink as much fluid (drinking water) as possible to maintain normal kidney function.
When prescribed a course of treatment with this drug, it is necessary to strictly follow it, even if your symptoms improve after the first days of using acyclovir, since interrupting treatment or skipping doses may increase the risk that the virus will become resistant to acyclovir, and there is also a high likelihood of frequent relapses.
The drug should be stored out of the reach of children, away from moisture and heat.
Preventative treatment
The question often arises of how to prevent such an unpleasant situation as the manifestation of herpes. What should be the prevention? The recommendations are simple:
- Get vaccinated every three years to avoid infection or recurrence of the disease;
- Take acyclovir as a preventive measure when the disease may be triggered. Consult your doctor to determine your risk factors;
- Don't forget about hygiene;
- Strengthen your immune system: lead a healthy lifestyle, eat right and move more.
Acyclovir against herpes
Consequences of an overdose of acyclovir
Cases of overdose with acyclovir have not been recorded, but if a dose of acyclovir is taken too high, the following symptoms may occur:
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- headache, dizziness, clouding of consciousness;
- dyspnea;
- anaphylaxis (immediate allergic reaction);
- febrile symptom (increased body temperature);
- swelling;
- visual impairment;
- general malaise;
- myalgia (muscle pain).
If you have taken a high dose of acyclovir and experience any of the above symptoms, you should seek emergency medical help as soon as possible.
Acyclovir - modern analogues of the drug
Below we will talk about several of the most common tablet analogues of acyclovir, the effectiveness of which is higher, and the resistance of the herpes virus to these drugs is lower. In addition, they have a very convenient dosage regimen. Please note that all tablet drugs discussed below are prescription drugs and should be used only as prescribed by a doctor.
Valacyclovir –
Valacyclovir is a precursor substance to acyclovir, i.e. this drug is converted into acyclovir after it enters the body. The most famous drug in the world based on valacyclovir is Valtrex (manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, UK).
Valacyclovir and Acyclovir: what is the difference? It is the higher bioavailability of valacyclovir compared to acyclovir - 50% instead of only 10-20%. This allows, when taking valacyclovir tablets, to create a very high concentration of acyclovir in the tissues, which, when taking the conventional drug Acyclovir, can only be achieved when administered intravenously. In addition, the high bioavailability of valacyclovir also makes it possible to reduce the frequency of dosing to just 2 times a day.
Dosage regimen - clinical studies have shown that taking high dosages of the drug for 1 day was most effective for the treatment of herpes on the lips, facial skin, and herpetic stomatitis. The dosage regimen is 2000 mg 2 times a day, with an interval of 12 hours (1 day in total), but this regimen is effective if treatment begins no later than 12 hours from the onset of herpetic rashes, and also if you have satisfactory or good immunity.
If more than 12 hours have passed, or you have a weakened immune system, it would be optimal to use the standard treatment regimen: 500 mg 2 times a day for 3-5 days (for severe herpes infection - up to 10 days).
Valaciclovir: price 2021 cost of the original drug “Valtrex” (UK) – from 1350 rubles for 10 tablets. 500 mg each. The drug Valvir (Bulgaria) - costs from 750 rubles per pack of 10 tablets. 500 mg each. The price for Valacyclovir-Akos, produced in Russia, starts from 450 rubles (for a package of 10 tablets of 500 mg). When choosing a drug, keep in mind that if your herpes virus is resistant to acyclovir, taking valacyclovir will also be ineffective.
Famciclovir (Favirox, Famvir) –
Famciclovir is the most effective remedy for herpes, and is a tablet form of penciclovir (penciclovir is also contained in Fenistil-Pentsivir cream for the treatment of herpes on the lips and facial skin). The bioavailability of the drug is about 77%, and the tropism of penciclovir to the virus is at least 2 times higher than that of acyclovir. All this makes famciclovir one of the most effective drugs. Experts consider it even more effective - even compared to valacyclovir.
Dosage regimen - for herpes of the lips, facial skin and herpetic stomatitis, this drug can also be taken for only 1 day. The most effective dosage regimen is 750 mg 2 times a day, with an interval of 12 hours (1 day in total). However, a single dose of 1500 mg of the drug is possible, although clinical studies have shown a slightly worse result of such therapy (compared to the previous regimen). It should be noted that such short regimens will be effective only if taking the drug begins no later than 12 hours from the moment the herpetic rash appears, and also if you do not have a weakened immune system.
If more time has passed, or you have a weak immune system, in this case herpes of the lips, facial skin and herpetic stomatitis are best treated using the traditional full treatment regimen for 5 days. Standard regimen: 250 mg 2 times a day, for 5 days (for severe herpes infection - up to 7-10 days). But I would like to add that numerous clinical studies have revealed the weak effectiveness of this regimen - especially in patients with a poor immune system.
Studies have shown that the effectiveness of therapy increases significantly if famciclovir is prescribed in higher dosages. In patients with good immunity, it is better to use the regimen - 500 mg 2 times a day (for 5 days), and in patients with weakened immunity - 500 mg 3 times a day (for 7 days).
Important: once again we draw your attention to the fact that short one-day treatment regimens for herpetic infections work well - 1) only if you start taking medications no later than 12 hours from the moment the herpetic rash appears, 2) if you have a more or less normal immune system. In patients with poor immunity, short courses of therapy are ineffective, even if treatment is started early. And therefore, in patients with weak immunity, standard full treatment regimens should always be used - preferably famciclovir.
Fenistil-Pentsivir cream –
The drug Fenistil-Pentsivir is the same famciclovir, but not in tablets, but in the form of a cream. Intended for the treatment of herpes on the lips and facial skin in adults and children over 12 years of age. The peculiarity of this cream is that it will be effective even if you do not start using it immediately from the moment the herpetic rash appears (but after a longer time).
For Fenistil-Pentsivir the price will be from 430 rubles (per tube of 2 g). After use, the drug still remaining in the cells will continue to have an antiviral effect for another 2 days. The only drawback is the frequency of application - 8 times a day for 4 days (at 2 hour intervals during the daytime).
But there is an excellent effect, and almost complete absence of the risk of herpes virus resistance to this drug. In addition, the drug contains cetomacrogol and propylene glycol, which facilitate the penetration of penciclovir into infected skin cells. We hope that our article on the topic “Acyclovir - price, instructions for use” was useful to you!
Sources:
1. Higher medical education of the author of the article, 2. National Library of Medicine (USA), 3. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI, USA), 4. “Modern approaches to the treatment of herpes (HSV) infections in adults” (Khokhlova N.I.), 5. Composition of drugs taken from the official websites of manufacturers.
What should you not do while taking acyclovir?
When using buccal acyclovir until it is completely dissolved in the mouth, you should avoid brushing your teeth, chewing gum, and wearing dentures. You can rinse your mouth with caution. It is recommended to drink plenty of water to prevent dry mouth.
It is worth remembering that herpes infections are contagious, even if you are treated with acyclovir you can still infect other people, so avoid contact of infected areas with other people. When touching the infected area, do not touch the mucous membranes of the eyes with your hands. Wash your hands with soap as often as possible to prevent the spread of infection.
With genital herpes, even during treatment with acyclovir, the risk of infecting a sexual partner does not decrease. It may still be contagious even if you don't have any symptoms.
Acyclovir ointment: instructions for use
Let's now figure out what Acyclovir ointment or cream helps with. This drug can only be used externally, and indications for its use:
- infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the herpes simplex virus (types HSV-1 and HSV-2), i.e. First of all, this is herpes on the lips and skin around the mouth, as well as as part of complex therapy for the treatment of genital herpes.
We have already said above that the key to the effectiveness of treatment with acyclovir is the earliest possible start of using the drug (24stoma.ru). For example, in the prodromal period (when the feeling of itching and bloating is just beginning to appear), or during the first 12 hours from the moment herpetic blisters erupt. If acyclovir ointment or cream is started to be used only after 48 hours or even after the herpetic blisters have opened, this will not reduce the duration of symptoms at all.
Application regimen - the effective concentration of acyclovir for the treatment of herpes of the lips and facial skin is 5%. It is very important to strictly follow the application regimen. For acyclovir ointment, the instructions for use state that the drug should be applied to the skin and red border of the lips 5-8 times a day (i.e., preferably every 2 hours while you are awake). The cream is applied in a thin layer to the areas of herpetic rashes and the adjacent skin - with careful massaging movements. The usual course of use is 5-6 days, but with severe clinical manifestations - up to 10 days.
How to choose ointment or cream with acyclovir –
Please note that acyclovir ointment and acyclovir cream differ in their properties. The ointment is absorbed much less well, which means the acyclovir contained in it will penetrate much worse into the skin cells affected by herpes, which reduces the effectiveness of the drug. The ointment is much cheaper to produce (than cream), and therefore 5% acyclovir ointment - the price starts from only 35 rubles.
The disadvantage of Acyclovir is also its rather poor penetration through the stratum corneum of the epidermis of the skin. To increase skin permeability to acyclovir, a number of manufacturers add propylene glycol to the composition. This component is added to the original acyclovir preparations - Zovirax cream and Zovirax Duo-Active cream, as well as to generics - Acyclovir-Belupo, Acyclovir-Sandoz and the Russian ointment Acyclovir-Acri.
If we compare the effectiveness of cream and ointment with the same 5% concentration of acyclovir, then the effectiveness of the cream will be higher. The cream tends to be absorbed faster, which means that acyclovir will better penetrate from the cream into the skin cells affected by the virus. Zovirax cream also contains dimethicone (silicone), which allows even cosmetics to be applied immediately after the cream is absorbed. On the other hand, Acyclovir-Acri 5% ointment will cost you only 40 rubles, and Zovirax cream will cost you 190 rubles. By the way, dimethicone is also included in the Acyclovir-Sandoz cream, which costs from 150 rubles.
Zovirax or Acyclovir: which is better? So, Zovirax cream is certainly better - when compared with Acyclovir Acri or similar drugs from other manufacturers. In addition to the classic Zovirax cream, which contains 5% acyclovir, propylene glycol and dimethicone, there is also Zovirax Duo-Active cream (it additionally contains 1% hydrocortisone). For example, if you start using this cream early in the prodromal period, due to hydrocortisone it can reduce the number and size of herpetic blisters that form, and sometimes even prevent their formation.
In our opinion, Zovirax Duo-Active cream is the best option for ointment or cream with acyclovir for herpes on the lips or facial skin. This cream has only 2 disadvantages - the price starts from 350 rubles (only 2 g per tube) and the age limit is up to 12 years. But, if we consider good herpes creams not only based on acyclovir, then Fenistil-Pentsivir (based on penciclovir) is also a very good cream. But the latter is currently temporarily unavailable in pharmacies - most likely due to the re-registration of the drug in Russia.
What are the side effects of acyclovir?
Common side effects after taking acyclovir may include:
- headaches and dizziness;
- pain in the gastrointestinal tract, feeling of nausea;
- hives (itchy skin with large red rashes);
- fast fatiguability.
If you observe the following symptoms, you should contact an ambulance as soon as possible:
- skin hemorrhages on the body;
- vomit;
- problems with urination;
- behavioral changes;
- pain in the mouth when using the buccal form of acyclovir.
Ointment, cream, tablets Acyclovir: reviews
Acyclovir is one of the first antiviral drugs.
Of course, this is not the best antiherpetic drug, but in principle it works well in children, as well as in adults who have not received long-term regular treatment with acyclovir in the past (especially against the background of reduced immunity, since in this case one can expect the development of virus resistance herpes to acyclovir). In addition, for Acyclovir tablets, reviews will be good only if you start taking them early (the same applies to ointment and cream forms). Clinical studies have shown that the best treatment results are achieved when patients begin to use acyclovir, either in the prodromal period or in the first 12 hours from the onset of herpetic eruptions.
It makes sense to start using acyclovir cream or ointment only during the first 48 hours from the moment of illness, until the herpetic blisters burst (after this point, use will no longer speed up recovery). As for tablets with acyclovir, you can start using them no later than 72 hours, but you need to keep in mind that the later you start taking them by the end of this period, the less the result of treatment will be.
The main disadvantages of the drug Acyclovir are:
1) Low bioavailability of the drug - it is only 10 to 20% of the amount taken. In this regard, Acyclovir must be taken 5 times a day, which is not very convenient (this applies to both tablet forms and forms in the form of an ointment or cream). Valacyclovir and famciclovir have a bioavailability of 50 to 74%, which is why they usually need to be used only 2 times a day.
2) Poor penetration into the skin - products in the form of ointments or creams for external use have a significant drawback, which is that acyclovir does not penetrate very well through the most superficial layer of the skin (the stratum corneum of the epidermis). This certainly reduces the effectiveness of the drug. Some manufacturers, in order to increase the permeability of acyclovir, add propylene glycol to the ointment or cream.
3) Low tropism of acyclovir to the virus - acyclovir equally penetrates both healthy and cells infected with the herpes virus. If there is a “viral thymidine kinase” (enzyme) in the cell, acyclovir is activated and blocks the reproduction of the virus. However, the problem is that acyclovir has low tropism for viral thymidine kinase, so it may not find it in infected cells. Accordingly, in this case it simply does not convert into the active form of acyclovir-3-phosphate, which blocks the reproduction of the herpes virus.
4) Resistance to the drug - compared to all other modern antiviral drugs - resistance to the herpes virus most often occurs to acyclovir. According to statistics, in people with weakened immune systems, resistance occurs in 7-10% of cases, and in some groups of patients with immunodeficiency conditions it even reaches 27% or more of cases.
5) Intracellular half-life - acyclovir has a very short intracellular half-life (about 1 hour), which leads to a complete cessation of blocking viral replication - immediately after taking the drug. For example, the antiviral drug Penciclovir has a longer intracellular half-life (up to 20 hours), which ensures sufficient clinical antiviral effectiveness for up to 2 days after discontinuation of the drug.
Below you will find information about modern analogues of Acyclovir.
Directions for use and dosage of acyclovir
For the treatment of herpes virus types 1 and 2:
Adults: 1 tablet at a dose of 200 mg 5 times a day with an interval of 4 hours between doses. The course of treatment lasts up to 10 days on average.
The maximum dose taken per day is 1000 mg (5 tablets).
Children: used for children from 3 years of age: from 3-6 years - 400 mg (2 tablets) per day.
For children from 6 years of age, it is used in the same dosage as for adults. The course of treatment is determined by the doctor. On average, it is used up to 5 days.
For the treatment of herpes virus types 3 and 4:
Adults: prescribed at a dose of 800 mg up to 5 times a day (dosing interval 4 hours). The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor, but on average the course is about 10 days.
Children: from 3 to 6 years, 400 mg (2 tablets) 4 times a day.
Children over 6 years of age are prescribed in the same dosage as for adults.
In old age, the process of removing the drug from the body (clearance) slows down, so it is necessary to take care of drinking plenty of fluids during treatment with acyclovir, and if renal function is impaired, the dose of the drug should be reduced.
It is worth remembering that for each person, based on the state of health and the specific type of herpes virus, the dose may vary, so acyclovir should be prescribed by a doctor.
Is it possible to use Acyclovir for a cold?
Acyclovir can be prescribed for ARVI
Acyclovir successfully fights herpes viruses, but sometimes a therapist prescribes Acyclovir for ARVI. Why? It is no secret that with ARVI and colds in general, the immune system is weakened, and this is fertile ground for the manifestation of herpes, which, against the background of the same ARVI, does not alleviate the situation. Although Acyclovir is ineffective in the fight against viruses that cause respiratory diseases, it is used as a prophylactic agent to prevent the development of herpes.
Interaction of acyclovir with other drugs and substances
If you are using medications to treat tumors, osteoporosis (low bone density), gastrointestinal disorders, or rheumatoid diseases, then taking them together with acyclovir may increase the negative effect on the kidneys (nephrotoxicity). Therefore, you should be careful and when using any medications, you should consult your doctor.
Be careful!
When taking acyclovir simultaneously with Probenecid (a drug for gout), the half-life of acyclovir increases and its biotransformation (redistribution in the body) decreases. This is especially important for those who have impaired kidney function.
This is not an exhaustive list of drugs that may interact with acyclovir. You should tell your doctor about any medications you start or stop using.
Interaction with other drugs and alcohol
Acyclovir and alcohol
When a doctor prescribes a particular drug, the question arises about compatibility not only with other drugs (more on this below), but also with alcohol. After all, a cold often appears at the wrong time, but plans are made to attend an event where there will be strong drinks. What to do in such a situation? Despite the absence of direct contraindications, alcohol and medicine are incompatible.
It is not recommended to take Acyclovir with alcohol
Firstly, alcohol, by suppressing the activity of leukocytes and the production of antibodies, reduces the body's defenses. Secondly, any drug puts a strain on the liver and kidneys, and alcohol has a similar effect. And when the liver cannot cope with processing, enzymes are released that suppress the action of Acyclovir. That is, the effect of the immunomodulator will be zero. Also, this can provoke intoxication of the body and increase the risk of side effects such as nausea and vomiting; convulsions, disturbances of consciousness; tremors and hallucinations; allergies (itching, skin rashes, urticaria, angioedema); loose stools; anemia; shortness of breath, pain in the sternum, increased heart rate; disorders of swallowing and respiratory functions; cephalalgia, dizziness, drowsiness.
If you suffer from a hangover after drinking, this is not the right time to take Acyclovir. When a hangover occurs, the body is already under stress. Taking the drug may cause a deterioration in your general condition.
Acyclovir and antibiotics
It may happen that Acyclovir is taken at the same time as antibiotics. When treating viral diseases, simultaneous use of antibiotics is not recommended, as they will simply interfere with each other. That is, treatment will be ineffective either from Acyclovir or from another drug. The one-time use of medications will not speed up the patient’s recovery, and the liver will not say “thank you” to you, since it creates an additional load, which can lead to negative consequences. In exceptional cases, as prescribed by a doctor, a one-time dose is possible, but it is associated with risks. Be sure to consult with your doctor.
What you need to know about acyclovir
Do not forget that acyclovir, like all other medications, must be stored out of the reach of children. Never share your medications with other people, so as not to harm their health. Remember that acyclovir should be used only for its intended purpose.
Always consult your doctor to make sure the information on this page applies to your individual situation.
Sources
Acyclovir / Drugs.com (English)
Acyclovir / State register of medicinal products (ukr.)
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Acyclovir: price for 2021
The price of the drug acyclovir in 2021 has not increased compared to previous years, which is most likely due to high competition between manufacturers, as well as the appearance in pharmacies of a large number of more modern and effective analogues of acyclovir. The highest price is the original Acyclovir from GlaxoSmithKline (UK), sold under the Zovirax brand.
Ointment and cream Acyclovir 5% –
- Acyclovir-Acri ointment, 5 g – from 35 rubles,
- Acyclovir-Belupo cream, 5 g – from 70 rubles,
- Acyclovir-Sandoz cream, 5 g – from 150 rubles (2 g tube – from 75 rubles),
- Zovirax cream, 5 g – from 190 rub.
- Zovirax Duo-Active cream, 2 g – from 350 to 400 rubles.
Please note that all of the above products contain propylene glycol (to enhance the penetration of acyclovir into tissues). However, despite this, the ointment will in any case be inferior in effectiveness to the cream. The second point is that only Acyclovir-Sandoz cream and both Zovirax creams contain dimethicone, which will allow you to easily apply cosmetics over the absorbed cream.
Eye ointment Acyclovir 3% –
- Acyclovir-Sintez (Russia) – from 150 rubles,
- Acyclovir-Akos (Russia) – from 150 rubles,
- Zovirax 3% (UK) – from 240 rubles.
Acyclovir tablets: price
- Zovirax 200 mg (25 tablets) – from 250 rubles,
- Acyclovir Acri 200 mg (20 tablets) – from 70 rubles,
- Acyclovir Acri 400 mg (20 tablets) – from 220 rubles.
