Using Acyclovir to Attack the Herpes Virus

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are thousands of Americans who are infected with one of the most active virus known to man --- the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). Scientists have been studying how the virus works because it is among the most difficult to control. The virus has spread to different countries around the world. It causes a variety of illnesses, including mucocutaneous infections. or herpes simplex virus (HSV), is one of the most common agents infecting humans of all ages.

There are two types of Herpes virus, namely: Type 1 Herpes which is carried by over 80 per cent of the population and is the culprit behind recurrent cold sores; and Type 2 Herpes which affects five to 20 per cent of the population. This type is often associated with genital herpes.
Studies show that genital herpes simplex virus infects more than 1 of 5 adolescents and adults. It is more common in blacks than in whites, and more likely to infect women than men. Most people with genital herpes don't know they have it, and are unaware that they are spreading it to others. Many have no symptoms or mistake their symptoms for something else such as jock itch, insect bites, hemorrhoids, yeast infections, razor burn, or allergies to laundry detergent.

Infection in the genital region initially produces a painful, red, ulcerating crop of lesions that can spread over a wide area and may involve the perinuem and anus. Genital infection can also be associated with temporary numbness in the affected area, swelling glands in the groin, difficulty passing urine, and fever. Occasionally, primary infections such as these can also trigger viral meningitis.

Some years ago, genital herpes was diagnosed solely by visual inspection and laboratory culture of an active sore. Today, herpes may be diagnosed with a blood test, even when no symptoms are apparent or after sores have healed. Antiviral drugs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in reducing the infection.

There is no cure for any herpes viruses. Once a person caught a herpes virus it stays in the body for life although it is latent most of the time. However, a medication that can treat the outbreaks and symptoms of herpes as well as reduce future outbreaks is available.

Acyclovir is a drug used for the treatment of several conditions including herpes infections. Acyclovir Medication is available over the counter and commonly known under the brand name Zovirax. Acyclovir medication Zovirax is usually used for the treatment of facial cold sores.
Acyclovir ointment is used topically to treat initial genital herpes where it has been shown to decrease pain, reduce healing time, and limit the spread of the infection. Acyclovir is also available as a prescription tablet used to treat genital herpes infections and to treat patients with recurrent severe genital herpes. The dosage will be determined by the doctor. It is very common to prescribe a 5-day course of 3 tablets a day taken with 4 hour intervals, but this may vary. It is very important not to miss any doses because the patient needs to keep the level of Acyclovir up in their body. This episodic treatment will reduce the severity, frequency and duration of the outbreak as well as reduce future outbreaks and reduce the risk of spreading. Acyclovir can also be used to treat chicken pox and acts to reduce the healing time, limit the number of lesions, and reduce fever if used within the first 24 hours after the onset of the disease.

However, before starting to take this medicine, it is vital for a person with herpes to consult a doctor. Most anti-viral medications should not be used without medical advice or doctor's prescription.

Treat Herpes Effectively - Take Acyclovir

Genital herpes is an infection in the form of vesicular eruption caused by a virus; simplex-usually involving the mouth, lips, face (cold sores); zoster-infection of certain sensory nerves causing pain and/or blisters along the course of the affected nerve (shingles/zona); genitalis-lesions on the genitalia.

Around 50 million people in the world suffer from genital herpes and about 1 million people are infected each year. The best part is that many people even do not know that they suffer from the disease because they may not experience the symptoms.

If you have ever felt a burning, tingling or itchy feeling around your genital area, buttocks or thighs, or have noticed red open sores or bumps around the area, you may be one of the many people in the world who has herpes.

There are several medications for the treatment of genital herpes and acyclovir is one of the antiviral drugs developed for the treatment. These include acyclovir (zovarix), Val acyclovir (valtrex) and famciclovir (famir).

Acyclovir (brand name Zovirax) is the oldest of the antiviral medications. It has been available since 1982 in a topical form (ointment form) and sold since 1985 in pill form. Now acyclovir is available in a generic form.

It helps by reducing the replication of the viruses that needs to reproduce itself. Thereby it helps to keep the virus inactive. It is effectively used for the treatment of initial episodes and the management of recurring occurrences of genital herpes. Again, it helps in treating acute herpes zoster and chickenpox.

Studies show that these medications are quite safe and effective and rarely produce any side effects. However, certain side effects could be visible such as some allergic reactions, swelling in body parts, stomach pain or less production of urine in the body.

Acyclovir: Medication For Genital Herpes - San Francisco

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease. Genital herpes, a contagious viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV ), affects an estimated 30 million Americans. Each year, as many as 500,000 new cases may occur. Talk to your doctor about how to stop the spread of infection.

Antiviral medication is not always needed to treat a recurrence. This is because symptoms are often much milder than the first episode, and usually last only a few days. Acyclovir is used to treat genital herpes infection. They work by stopping the virus.

Acyclovir is used both systemically and topically, but usually will only help with the symptoms of herpes and will not lead to a cure of the herpes virus itself. Acyclovir is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeing while you are using this prescription herpes medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Treatment choices and regimens for genital herpes vary greatly between individuals and physicians. Treatment of burn, ulcers, acute and chronic wounds typically is directed to keeping the wound as clean as possible and making the patient as comfortable as possible. It has been recognized in this respect that keeping the wound moist is advantageous to patient comfort.

Patients should address specific medical concerns with their physicians. Patients on antidepressants and their families or caregivers should watch for new or worsening depression symptoms, unusual changes in behavior, thoughts of suicide, anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, restlessness, or extreme hyperactivity. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have thoughts of suicide or if any of these symptoms are severe or occur suddenly. Studies reveal thst patients with acyclovir alone healed in an average time of 7.7 days, while patients on the combination healed in an average of 6 days. Only one patient in the acyclovir and vidarabine group had a healing time longer than 7 days, whereas six patients in the acyclovir and placebo group had healing times longer than 7 days.

Acyclovir Drug Information - Uses, Side Effects for Acyclovir Medication

How to Take Acyclovir

Take Acyclovir exactly as prescribed by health care provider. Use with caution because of the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and concomitant diseases or other drug therapy.Capsules, tablets, and suspension are interchangeable on a mg to mg basis.Shake suspension well before measuring dose. Measure and administer prescribed dose using dosing syringe, dosing dropper, or medicine cup.

Dosage Instructions for Acyclovir Drug

Parenteral: Treatment of initial or recurrent mucosal and cutaneous herpes simplex viruses (HSV) and varicella zoster (shingles) infections in immunocompromised patients; treatment of herpes simplex encephalitis; treatment of severe initial clinical episodes of genital herpes; treatment of neonatal herpes infections.
Oral: Treatment of initial and recurrent episodes of genital herpes in certain patients; acute treatment of shingles and chickenpox.
Topical: Treatment of initial episodes of herpes genitalis and nonlife-threatening mucotaneous HSV infections in immunocompromised patients (ointment); recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) (cream).

Contraindications of Acyclovir

Hypersensitivity to acyclovir or valacyclovir.

Interactions of Acyclovir with other drugs

Probenecid: IV acyclovir plasma levels may be increased, and the duration of action prolonged, while the urinary excretion and renal Cl may be reduced.
Zidovudine: Increased propensity for lethargy.

What are the Side Effects of Acyclovir -

Like other medicines, Acyclovir can cause side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Acyclovir include

• Headache, agitation, coma, confusion, delirium, dizziness, hallucinations, obtundation, psychosis, seizure, somnolence
• Itching, rash, hives (2%); alopecia, erythema multiforme, photosensitive rash, pruritus, rash
• Nausea, vomiting (7%); diarrhea, GI distress, abdominal pain
• Transient elevations of serum creatinine or BUN (5% to 10%); renal failure, elevated blood urea nitrogen, elevated creatinine.
• Anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytosis, leukocytosis, neutrophilia (less than 1%); leukopenia
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation, hemolysis, lymphadenopathy
• Anaphylaxis, fever, pain, peripheral edema

Warnings and precautions before taking Acyclovir :

• Advise patient before using Acyclovir with genital herpes that this drug is not a cure for genital herpes and does not prevent transmission of virus. Instruct patient to avoid sexual intercourse when lesions and/or symptoms are present to avoid infecting partner.
• The safety and efficay of Acyclovir medicine have not been studied in children and adolescents.
• Remind patient before using Acyclovir for recurrent episodes of genital herpes to initiate therapy at the first sign or symptom or recurrence and that medication may not be effective if started more than 6 hr after onset of signs or symptoms of recurrence.
• Instruct patient before using Acyclovir not to take any prescription or OTC medications, dietary supplements, or herbal preparations unless advised by health care provider.
• Advise women before using Acyclovir to inform health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Acyclovir. Insulin is recommended to maintain blood glucose levels during pregnancy. Prolonged severe neonatal hypoglycemia can occur if sulfonylureas are administered at time of delivery.

What if Overdose of Acyclovir ?

If you think you or anyone else taken overdose of Acyclovir , immediately telephone your doctor or contact your local or regional Poisons Information Centre Seek medical attention immediately. You may need urgent medical attention. Increased BUN and serum creatinine, renal failure, convulsions, lethargy, acyclovir precipitation, renal tubules, agitation, coma are mey be the overdose symptoms of Acyclovir.

What if Missed Dose of Acyclovir ?

If you miss a dose of Acyclovir Medicine and you remember within an hour or so, take the dose immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.