Aciclovir is an antiviral remedy, indicated for the treatment of cold sores or genital herpes, being effective in the initial lesions or recurrences of the disease. This remedy can be purchased at pharmacies in the form of cream, tablets and ophthalmic ointment, which can be used by adults or children, but under medical guidance.
To use Acyclovir in ointment just apply a small amount over the spot where the herpes sore is and let the skin absorb the product. In case of herpes zoster the doctor can indicate the taking of Acyclovir tablets so that it has a faster effect and when the eyes are affected it is recommended to pass Acyclovir ophthalmic ointment 4 or 5 times a day, according to medical advice.
Acyclovir can also be sold commercially under the name Zovirax.
Price
The price of acyclovir varies from 1 to 80 reais, depending on the brand of the medicine and its form of presentation.
Indications
Aciclovir in the form of a cream or ointment is indicated for herpes simplex, including cold sore and genital herpes, initial or recurrent. Aciclovir tablet is most indicated to prevent or combat herpes zoster and Aciclovir eye ointment is indicated for the treatment of herpes.
How to use
The mode of use of Aciclovir also depends on its presentation form:
Cream
Apply a little cream on the affected region 5 times a day, at intervals of approximately 4 hours, skipping the application at night. One should continue applying the cream for at least 4 days for cold sores and for 5 days for genital herpes. If healing does not occur, treatment should be continued for another 5 days, however, if the lesions remain after 10 days, the doctor should be consulted.
Tablets
The dose should be indicated by the physician, according to the purpose of the treatment.
Ophthalmic ointment
Apply a little of the ointment over the affected eye 5 times a day at approximately 4 hour intervals by skipping the application at night. You should continue to apply the ointment for at least 3 days after healing.
The patient should not wear contact lenses while using the ophthalmic ointment, and may experience a slight stinging sensation in the eye, which passes quickly, shortly after its application.
Side effects
The main side effects of acyclovir include:
- Cream: Burning or burning in passing skin, dry skin, peeling of the skin, itching, redness and irritation of the skin, and swelling of the skin;
- Pills: discomfort, vomiting, dizziness, tremors, loss of consciousness, convulsions, depression, restlessness, tiredness, confusion, hallucinations, fever, unexpected bruising and bleeding, hair loss, skin reactions after sun exposure, kidney pain, allergic reaction, yellowing of the skin or eyes;
- Ophthalmic ointment: corneal spots, irritation and inflammation of the eye, conjunctivitis, inflammation of the eyelids, and allergic reactions such as swelling, especially of the lips, face or eyelids.
Contraindications
Aciclovir is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the components of the formula.
This remedy should not be used by pregnant women, during breastfeeding, after bone marrow transplantation, in case of kidney or liver problems, and in case of an immune system disease such as AIDS, for example, without guidance or medical prescription.
