Acyclovir - instructions for use, dose, side effects, contraindications

Acyclovir is an antiviral agent from the group of synthetic analogs of acyclic purine nucleoside, deoxyguanidine, which is a component of DNA. Acyclovir has a high specificity for viruses Herpes simplex 1 and 2 types, the virus causing varicella and shingles (Varicella zoster), the Epstein-Barr virus. Moderately active against cytomegalovirus.

Acyclovir penetrates directly into virus-infected cells. Cells infected with the virus produce viral thymidine kinase, which in turn phosphorylates acyclovir to acyclovir triphosphate, which is an active and selective inhibitor of DNA polymerase of viruses. Probably, the mechanism of inhibition by acyclovirtriphosphate of DNA synthesis consists in that it is a substrate for this enzyme, which makes it possible to carry out the 3-5 'bond necessary for the extension of the DNA chain. Thus, premature rupture of the DNA strand occurs, which leads to suppression of viral replication.

Pharmacokinetics:

When applying the ointment on intact skin: the absorption is minimal; not detected in blood and urine. Affected skin: moderate absorption.

Indications:

Skin infections caused by the virus Herpes simplex, including herpes lips, genital herpes, shingles, chicken pox.

Contraindications:

Hypersensitivity to acyclovir or other components of the drug; age to 18 years (efficacy and safety of the drug is not established).

Carefully:

Caution should be given to patients with dehydration, with renal insufficiency.

Pregnancy and lactation:

Adequate and strictly controlled clinical studies of the safety of the drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding were not conducted. The application is shown only when the intended benefit to the mother exceeds the potential risk to the fetus or the baby.

Dosing and Administration:

Outwardly.

Ointment is applied to the affected areas 4-6 times a day (as soon as possible after the onset of infection). Ointment is applied either with a cotton swab or with clean hands to avoid additional infection of affected areas. Therapy should be continued until the time when no bubbles form on the vesicles, or until they completely heal.

Duration of treatment - at least 5 days, a maximum of 10 days. If symptoms persist for more than 10 days, consult a doctor.

Side effects:

Redness, dryness, scaling of the skin, burning, inflammation in contact with mucous membranes. Itching, tingling at the site of application. Possible the development of allergic dermatitis.

There are isolated reports of cases of edema of Quincke with topical application of acyclovir drugs.

If any of the side effects listed in the manual are aggravated, or if you notice any other side effects not listed in the instructions, tell your doctor.

Overdose:

Overdose is possible if accidentally swallowed.

Symptoms: headache, neurological disorders, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, impaired renal function, lethargy, convulsions, coma.

Treatment: maintenance of vital functions, hemodialysis.

Interaction:

Clinically significant interactions with external application have not been identified.

Special instructions:

Ointment should not be applied to the mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes, nose and vagina. The effectiveness of treatment will be higher the earlier it was started (at the first signs of infection: sensations of tension, itching, burning, tingling, redness).

Patients with immunodeficiency states in the treatment of any infectious diseases should follow the recommendations of the doctor.

When pronounced manifestations of herpes lips is recommended to consult a doctor.

Acyclovir does not prevent sexual transmission of herpes, therefore during treatment it is necessary to abstain from sexual intercourse, even in the absence of clinical manifestations.

Effect on the ability to drive transp. cf. and fur:

No data.

Form release / dosage:

Ointment for external use 5%.

Packaging:

By 2 g, 5 g or 10 g in aluminum tubes.

Each tube together with the instruction for use is placed in a pack of cardboard.

Storage conditions:

Store at a temperature not exceeding 25 ° C.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Shelf life:

3 years.

Do not use after expiry date.

Terms of leave from pharmacies:Without recipe

Registration number:LS-000439

Date of registration:12.05.2010

The owner of the registration certificate:VERTEKS, AO VERTEKS, AO Russia

Manufacturer: & nbsp

VERTEKS, AO Russia

Information update date: & nbsp15.05.2014

Illustrated instructions

Instructions

Acyclovir (Aciclovir)