Zovirax

aciclovir

Zovirax is an oral medication that is used to treat genital herpes, chicken pox and herpes zoster. Aciclovir is used to reduce the pain and the quantity of lesions when genital herpes affect an individual. This drug is meant to decrease the frequency and severity of the infections. When it comes to treatment of shingles, the use of aciclovir is meant to reduce the pain and hasten the healing process. It also curbs the spread of the virus and occurrence of new lesions. This drug is also ideal in dealing with chicken pox. It act very fast hence reducing the healing time and reduce the number of lesions. If used appropriately it can reduce the fever in less than one day after the symptoms of the illness appear.

Acyclovir can also be used in treating eczema herpeticum which is a skin infection that is as a result of herpes virus. It also prevents herpes effects on eyes, nose, skin, and mouth. This is especially in patients who are suffering from HIV. Another use this drug has been put into use is treating hairy leukoplakia. This is a condition that leads to hairy patches on the inside part of cheeks or tongue.

Note: Acyclovir is an antiviral medication that slows the spread of herpes virus on the body. It doesn’t cure this infection but it reduces the signs of the infection.

How to take

Acyclovir should be taken with plenty of fluids. Acyclovir may be taken with food as well but it is not a necessity. The recommended adult dosage for acyclovir 200-800 mg every four hours which is roughly 5 times a day. The typical intravenous dosage for adults is 5 to 10 mg/kg taken every 8 hours for seven days.

Before the infection is totally eradicated, you may note that your symptoms are beginning to subside. It is imperative the acyclovir treatment be administered immediately upon the first sign of symptoms. The symptoms include a burning sensation, tingly feelings, and blisters.

In the event that you forget to take a dose, take it immediately you remember then proceed to partake the rest of the daily dosage in intervals that are equally spaced. However, in case you remember when it is about time for the next dose, you can simply skip the dose that you missed and proceed with the usual schedule of dosage. It is not recommended that you take double dosage to replace the one you missed.

The risk of infecting other people is high because Herpes infections are communicable regardless of the fact that you are receiving acyclovir treatment. You should therefore make sure that other people do not come into contact with your infected areas. Avoid touching your eyes after coming into contact with the infected areas. Make certain that you regularly clean your hands to avoid infecting other people.

Side effects

The typical side effects of acyclovir include vomiting, nausea, headaches, and diarrhea. Additional side effects include confusion, agitation, anemia, rashes, and muscle pains. In addition to these you may experience hypersensitivity reactions, confusion, seizures, hepatitis, anemia, and muscle pains.

Sufficient research has not been done on the effects of acyclovir on pregnant women. According to patient records, birth defect rates of women in their first trimester were similar to birth defects in the general population. A significant amount of acyclovir might be passed on to an infant because it is secreted in the mother’s breast milk.