Viral diseases always appear at the wrong time, and even worse when the mucous membranes, including the organs of vision, are the affected area. One of the solutions is Acyclovir - an eye ointment that effectively deals with viruses.
Material Content:
Description of the dosage form and composition of the drug
The main active substance of the composition is acyclovir (concentration is 5%). Also included are bird fat, propylene glycol and other excipients.
The drug has an antiherpetic effect, although it can be used not only for herpes, but also for conjunctivitis, barley, etc. Its main task is to destroy the causative agent of the disease. With herpes, it is the Varicella Zoster virus, which has its own DNA and is implanted in healthy cells. The active substance affects the synthesis of the DNA chain of the pathogen and stops its extension, as a result of which the virus dies.
Eye ointment is available in tubes of 5 or 10 g.
Instructions for use for children and adults
The method of application is the same regardless of the age of the patient.
Step by step sequence:
- Wash hands thoroughly before the procedure. Disinfecting the eyes is not necessary, but treatment will be more effective if you rinse the ointments with a solution of furatsilin or a decoction of chamomile before laying the ointment.
- Gently bend the lower eyelid.
- Put the required amount of ointment in the lower conjunctival sac (we will talk about dosages below). It is convenient to do this with a special tool, enclosed in the package, or with a clean cotton swab.You can squeeze the ointment directly into the bag, but it is less hygienic. If a packaged tool is used, it must be boiled before applying acyclovir.
- When the medicine is in place, close your eyes and wait a few minutes. In this case, it is recommended to massage the eyelids a little to evenly expose the product to the mucous membrane.
- If the excess is around the eyes or on the eyelashes, they can be removed with cotton or a soft cloth.
The procedure is recommended to be repeated 5 times a day with equal time intervals. The treatment lasts until the cold sore subsides, and also for three days after that, in order to consolidate the result.
The required amount of ointment for adults and children over two years of age is a strip of about 1 cm long. The main indication for adjusting the daily dose is the infant age, that is, up to 24 months. The norm for such babies is ½ of the dose of an adult.
Acyclovir can also be used as an ointment for conjunctivitis. In this case, the course of treatment is 1 week. The ointment is laid several times a day at intervals of 3 hours.
During pregnancy and lactation
During pregnancy and lactation, it is not recommended to start using antiviral drugs on your own. It is best to consult with a specialist first.
Studies have shown that acyclovir has the ability to penetrate into the cells of the body, therefore, some time after the start of use, the drug is in the blood of the patient. If a pregnant woman takes it, then the medicine passes through the placenta to the fetus. Nursing mothers also need to be careful, as the medicine is transmitted in small amounts to the newborn through breast milk.
There were no noticeable negative effects on the child, but you still need to know that Acyclovir is prescribed for pregnant and lactating exclusively in cases where the benefit to the mother outweighs the possible risk to the baby.
Drug interaction
In the instructions for the drug, compiled by the manufacturer, there is no data on interactions with other drugs.
Contraindications, side effects and overdose
The undoubted advantage of the drug is a very short list of contraindications. It can not be used only with individual intolerance to the components (allergies). Also, do not combine wearing contact lenses and treatment. This will not only make it harder to recover, but also quickly damage the lens, as the Varicella virus will remain on them.
When used, side effects may also occur:
- burning of the mucous membranes of the eyes (a common phenomenon that subsides shortly after the procedure);
- allergies, in rare cases, Quincke's edema;
- conjunctivitis;
- pathology of the cornea associated with a violation of its transparency (carotopathy);
- temporary inflammation of the eyelids or their chronic form (blepharitis).
All side effects, except for burning, are extremely rare. Treatment does not affect coordination and reaction, therefore driving a car is not prohibited.
The manufacturer notes that the chances of an overdose of ointment are small. Nevertheless, if you suspect a deterioration in the condition of the visual organs, you need to contact an ophthalmologist. If after application the burning sensation is too strong and lasts a long time, it is better to rinse the eyes with clean water.
Herpes analogs
The medicine may be replaced with one of the following drugs:
- Zovirax ointment. It is an almost complete analogue of Acyclovir except that the concentration of the active substance in Zovirax is only 3%, and not 5. It can be used not only during an exacerbation of the disease, but also as a prophylactic. Usually not prescribed for pregnant and lactating women.
- Valtrex. It has a similar effect on the DNA of the virus, but it is not applied topically, but internally, as it is available in the form of tablets. Treatment is much shorter - only 3-4 days. It is written out to both adults and children.
- Midday.Exists in the form of drops and injections. Not only kills the virus, but also strengthens the human immune system.
- Eye drops Ophthalmoferon. A powerful tool not only against ocular herpes, but also against other diseases of the visual organs. It stimulates the immune system, disinfects the eyes, relieves swelling and burning.
Acyclovir is a good option for viral eye diseases with a short list of contraindications and side effects. But if this ointment does not fit, you can always pick up a similar effective remedy.
