Many do not know what Acyclovir ointment is used for. It is an effective treatment for herpes infections.
Material Content:
The composition of the drug
The composition of this antiviral drug includes the same active substance - acyclovir. Of the auxiliary components can be called petroleum jelly, liquid paraffin, water, glyceryl and other components.
Ointment Acyclovir helps to block the intensive reproduction of the virus, "wedging" in the DNA synthesized by it. The active substance mainly accumulates only in affected cells, without affecting healthy cells and without exerting toxic effects on them.
Types of ointment Acyclovir
There are several types of medicine:
- Ointment for external use of 5% with a concentration of the active substance is 0.05 g. The substance has a yellowish color and a fairly dense structure.
- Topical cream. It has a lighter, uniform consistency. The mass is white. It is sold in miniature tubes of 5 or 10 g or dark glass jars with a capacity of 10 to 50 g.
- Eye ointment. It has a dense texture, has a whitish-lemon color. Available in small tubes of aluminum of 5 g. After opening, it is permissible to use for 5 weeks.
The effectiveness of treatment directly depends on when it was started. Timely therapy at the very first signs of infection contributes to a quick cure.
What is the drug used for?
Ointment is used to treat various infections caused by Herpes or Varicella viruses.
List of standard indications for use:
- herpes;
- shingles;
- chicken pox.
The drug prevents the intensive formation of new rashes on the skin and lips, and also reduces the likelihood of complications. When used correctly accelerates the formation of crusts, ensures their healing, removes discomfort and pain.
Plus, the tool has a powerful immunostimulating effect.
Acyclovir eye ointment 3% is used in the treatment of herpetic keratitis. It easily penetrates through the corneal epithelial cells and creates the necessary therapeutic concentration.
Instructions for use and dosage
Acyclovir cream or ointment is used as follows:
- First of all, wash your hands (it is advisable to use gloves or fingertips to minimize the risk of additional infection).
- Squeeze out a small amount of the product. About 255 cm of ointment is permissible to apply to 25 square centimeters.
- Gently distribute throughout the affected area of the skin. The drug in this dosage form can not be applied to the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, nose, vagina. This will result in a burning sensation, pain and skin rash.
Frequency of use - 4–5 times in 24 hours. It is necessary to ensure that the patient drank a sufficient amount of fluid. It is advisable to start using immediately after infection, without wasting time. In the case of a recurring infection, treatment should be done at the very beginning of the exacerbation. The standard course duration is 6–9 days. It is not worth using the medicine longer, because the body will get used to it, and viruses will lose their sensitivity. Therefore, priority is given to short-term treatment courses with interruptions.
Children are prescribed medication only in exceptional cases. In early and adolescence under 18 years old, they try not to use the drug.
The method of using eye ointment is quite simple:
- Wash hands thoroughly. It is best to perform all the manipulations with medical gloves to prevent infection on the mucous membranes of the eyes.
- Gently pull the lower eyelid down.
- Squeeze out a small amount of ointment (portion length not more than 2 mm). An overdose in this case is impossible, since a larger amount of the product simply does not fit in the space behind the lower eyelid.
- Lay in the cavity between the lower eyelid and the eyeball (in medicine this space has its own name - the conjunctival sac).
The duration of the interval between applications is determined by the doctor, but usually this interval is about 4-5 hours. An ointment can be used no more than 5 times a day. The course of treatment for the acute form of the disease varies from 7 to 10 days. After healing, it is advisable to use the drug for another 72 hours to consolidate the result.
If the patient wears lenses, then during the period of using the medicine it is better to do without them.
During pregnancy and lactation
During the period of carrying and feeding a child, a woman should be especially careful with any medications and carefully read the instructions. In case of illness or other disturbing symptoms, you should consult your doctor. Only he can prescribe a medicine that does not harm either the mother or the child.
The effect of the ointment penetrating through the placenta on the fetus, as well as through milk on the baby during breastfeeding, has not been studied, therefore, for safety reasons, they try not to use this medicine without an urgent need and only on the recommendation of a doctor.
Contraindications and side effects
The most important contraindication is hypersensitivity to the components of the drug or allergies. During pregnancy and lactation, such restrictions are relative. If necessary, the drug can be used, but with caution.
Of the side effects, it is worth mentioning the possibility of skin itching or redness. These are minor complications that do not carry any danger, therefore, the abolition of the drug in such cases is not justified.
The drug does not enter plasma and urine, does not adversely affect the functioning of other organs. Overdose with local competent use is not possible.
In case of accidental ingestion (this happens only if stored in a place easily accessible to children), the following symptoms may be observed:
- gastrointestinal tract disorders;
- dyspnea;
- headache.
This happens in mild cases. If a large amount is swallowed, the symptoms are more serious: these are convulsions, and impaired renal function, and neurological malfunctions up to lethargy or coma.
The victim must be urgently taken to a medical institution, where he will be provided with the necessary assistance in maintaining vital functions.
Analogs of ointment Acyclovir
Of the analogues, one can mention the following names:
- Acigerpine;
- Vivorax;
- Herpesin;
- Lisavir;
- Supraviran
- Cyclovir;
- Tsitovir.
Do not arbitrarily adjust the drug prescribed by your doctor using its analogues. All such changes must be coordinated with a specialist.
