What is acyclovir?
Acyclovir is a type of active ingredient and a generic drug, characterized by being an antibiotic capable of fighting mycosis or anantiviral, which can counteract the effects ofinfluenzaor flu.
Acyclovir tablets or acyclovir cream are its main presentations, on the one handwith an oral route of administration and on the other in the cutaneous route. The doses of acyclovir may depend on the infection being treated.
Note: A medical study mentions the present information: “Acyclovir shortens the clinical course of chickenpox whenadministered in the first 24 hours, but its use in children is not recommended because the benefit is marginal and does not justify the cost.” (1)
What is acyclovir for?
Acyclovir has a mechanism of action that inhibits thegrowth of bacteria or viruses, making the immune system can easily fight by natural inertia, the infectious organism. Specifically, acyclovir is prescribed for these cases:
1. Herpes simplex skin and mucous membrane infections
Herpes simplex is a set of infections as a result of the herpes virus, which usuallyappears in the labial areas, the epidermis and even genital herpes (as a cause of sexually transmitted diseases).
You should know: For cases of these mycoses, doses of 200 mg of tablets are recommendedevery 4 hours, in a 10-day treatment or with a topical application 5 times a day every 4 hours.
2. Chickenpox and shingles
Chickenpox is a skin infection, characterizedby redness and blistering with fluidor pus inside, for which doses of acyclovir are commonly recommended in 800 mg tablets 4 times a day.
To highlight: Acyclovir is also prescribed forshingles or shingles, which is a consequence of chickenpox in the body, causing rash and inflammations on the skin. To treat it, 800 mg of acyclovir tablets is recommended for 7 days or 10 days maximum.
Acyclovir Side Effects
Acyclovir, despite being simple with its administration, can bring with it a series of adverse effectsthat many people can bother. Therefore, you should be attentive to:
Important: One study mentions the following information: “If you do not comply with treatment with acyclovir, the disease will most likelyrecurwith greater intensity and this drug will no longer serve to stop the infection.” (2)
Contraindications of acyclovir
Acyclovir also has certainwarnings about its use, in a certain number of patients or people under certain conditions. Therefore, its application and administration is not recommended in the following cases:
- Hypersensitivity to the active metabolite.
- Pregnancy and lactation.
- Hepatic insufficiency.
- Kidney failure.
- Dehydration.
To highlight: Before starting treatment with acyclovir, it is recommended to inform the attending physician about the health conditions that are suffered, to avoid unnecessary risks.
Key Findings
- Acyclovir is an active metabolite with antibiotic and antiviral properties, whichinhibitsthe growth of bacteria or viruses.
- Acyclovir may be prescribed as atreatment in patients with skin infections, chickenpox, and shingles.
- Adverse effects on the gastrointestinal system may occur due toinadequate administration of acyclovir.
- The use of acyclovir is not recommended incases of hypersensitivity, pregnancy and lactation.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.