Doctors often prescribe Acyclovir for chickenpox. This is an antiviral medicine that has proven itself in the pharmaceutical market. We learn how to take the drug correctly during chickenpox, and whether it has contraindications.
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Composition and form of release
Acyclovir is an analog of purine nucleoside, created on the basis of synthesis. It got its name thanks to the active substance of the same name. In addition, the composition has additional elements:
- aerosil;
- starch;
- calcium stearic acid;
- polyvinylpyrrolidone medium molecular weight.
Acyclovir is sold in various forms:
- tablet form (200 mg, boxes of 20 and 100 pcs.);
- ointment or cream (5 g each in a tube);
- injection mixture (250 mg, pack of five).
Each of these varieties differs in the method of application and dosage.
Pharmacological action and indications for use
The main active substance is converted into a tripolyphosphoric acid compound, which penetrates into viral cells and breaks the chain of the main macromolecule, becoming its part. Thus, the process of further reproduction of elementary units stops.
Acyclovir is used in children with chickenpox in a complicated form. The drug has the following effects on the body:
- inhibits the reproduction of viruses;
- brings recovery closer;
- strengthens the immune forces;
- removes the prerequisites for the appearance of foci of rashes;
- accelerates the healing of vesiculate masses;
- softens the pain.
Thanks to this medicine, itching passes, which gives the child considerable discomfort, temperature decreases, and the number of rashes on the body decreases.
Indications for taking the medication are other pathologies:
- herpes, including genital;
- cytomegalovirus infection;
- purulent meningitis;
- unilateral herpetiform rashes.
Acyclovir can be prescribed in case of congenital chickenpox in an infant and as a prophylactic with weakened immunity.
Instructions and dosage for children and adults
There are two treatment options for chickenpox in children:
- from three to six years - one or two tablets during breakfast and dinner;
- after six years - 4 tablets in the morning, afternoon, afternoon snack and evening.
Acyclovir dosage also depends on the weight of the child. It is recommended to choose it from the calculation of 20 mg per kilogram of mass. The therapeutic course takes from five to ten days, depending on the severity of the disease.
Acyclovir for adults is prescribed four tablets five times a day for 7-10 days. Take the medicine orally during a meal or immediately after it, with water. Treatment should begin at the slightest manifestation of chickenpox. To prevent the development of viruses, they take two tablets every twelve hours.
The effectiveness of therapy largely depends on the speed of seeking help. During the course, it is recommended to drink more fluid and monitor the condition of the kidneys. Adults are not recommended to drink alcohol in the treatment of chickenpox.
Acyclovir is sold over the counter. However, it is important to consult a doctor before taking it.
During pregnancy and lactation
Specific clinical trials in pregnant women have not been conducted. Therefore, it is difficult to say how the active substance affects the fetus in the womb. According to the instructions for use, the use of Acyclovir is possible if the benefit to the woman is higher than the potential risk.
As for lactation, then during the treatment period, natural feeding should be stopped. In any case, it is forbidden to drink the drug without a doctor's prescription. The doctor’s task is to weigh the benefits and evaluate possible side effects, and then make a decision.
Drug interaction
Strengthen the therapeutic effect of Acyclovir by combining it with an immunomodulator. A combination of the drug with Zidovudine is acceptable. The effectiveness of drugs does not decrease. The use of tetracyclines and macrolides together with antibiotics increases the risk of side effects.
A combination of an anti-chickenpox agent with nephrotoxic drugs can negatively affect the work of the kidneys. Taking Acyclovir with probenecides slows the release of the first from the body.
Contraindications, side effects and overdose
It is forbidden to use Acyclovir for chickenpox in children if there are the following health problems:
- neurological diseases;
- dehydration;
- renal disease;
- allergy to components.
The medication is not recommended for babies up to two years.
Usually in adults, the drug does not cause unpleasant symptoms. In children, stomach problems may occur. They are expressed as follows:
- loose frequent stools;
- nausea;
- pain in the abdomen.
In rare cases, Acyclovir tablets cause allergies in the form of dermatitis, irritation and urticaria. Some patients complain of dizziness, weakness, tremors, increased fatigue, drowsiness. In general, the drug is well tolerated by the body.
Analogues of Acyclovir with chickenpox
The following drugs are considered the most popular analogues of Acyclovir:
- Vivorax. It has a minimum of contraindications, it is used with caution during pregnancy. The active ingredient is Acyclovir.
- Acyclostad. It has the same active substance as the previous antiviral. Recommended for the treatment of infections of the skin and mucous membranes of viral etiology.Forbidden for kidney disease, pregnancy and lactation.
- Acyc. It is contraindicated in children under two years of age, in adults with pathologies of the urinary system. It is successfully used for chickenpox and shingles.
- Zovirax. It has many additional consequences. Contraindicated in babies up to 24 months.
Only an attending doctor can replace Acyclovir with an analog. He will also draw up a therapy regimen based on the desired dosage.
Patients taking Acyclovir note its effectiveness and low price. Judging by the reviews, side effects manifest themselves quite rarely. Therefore, this medicine is successfully used to treat chickenpox in children and adults. The main thing is to read the annotation to the drug and follow the doctor's recommendations.
