In the domestic pharmaceutical market, a herbal medicine based on the same name acyclovir appeared more than 25 years ago. Over the past time, dozens of analogues of this tool have been produced, various in terms of auxiliary components in the formula, country and manufacturer, price and form of release. In pharmacies, you can find all four basic forms, but Acyclovir ointment remains the most popular of them.

Forms of release, composition

It is advisable to apply a cheap and effective medicinal product designed to combat the herpes virus at the first rashes and the accompanying symptoms (burning, itching and redness). Instructions for use of the drug are in each of its packaging. According to her, the drug "Acyclovir" in the form of ointments is applied topically.

In pharmacies, a drug in this dosage form can be found in two dosages:

  1. Ointment 5%, used for external use. It is contained in metal tubes with a volume of 2, 5, 10 or 20 g. Its consistency is homogeneous, free of impurities. The color of the composition is white or slightly yellowish. The smell is neutral.
  2. Ointment 3%, intended for application under the conjunctiva. It is sold in tubes with a volume of 3, 5 or 10 g. Due to the associated component (white petroleum jelly), it has the same shade and density.

Pharmacological properties and indications for use

The herpes virus manifests itself in rashes that affect the mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes, vagina, and also the skin. The main effect of the drug is to suppress the viability of the virus, block its further reproduction and prevent re-infection.

Antiviral cream penetrates the structure of the DNI of pathogenic microorganisms and destroys it. Healthy cells are not affected.

The effect of applying the ointment is already felt within the first 24 hours and gradually intensifies.

"Acyclovir", like its analogues, is sold without a prescription and is prescribed by a specialist when:

  • herpetic eruptions;
  • chickenpox;
  • tinea versicolor;
  • Infectious mononucleosis caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.

Systemic application of acyclovir eliminates the pain and itching characteristic of the disease, accelerate the healing process of affected tissues.

In addition, the effect of the drug:

  • prevents the appearance of painful neoplasms;
  • activates the processes of restoration of damaged tissues and cells;
  • minimizes the risk of relapse.

On a note! Simultaneous oral administration and local application of acyclovir is possible in severe cases of virus damage.

Instructions for use of Acyclovir

Ophthalmic ointment “Acyclovir” is placed in the conjunctival sac of the lower eyelid for a week. When carrying out the procedures, it is advisable to adhere to the schedule and make such bookmarks every five hours.

The drug is prescribed for patients who have reached the age of three.

Ointment for external use

When a specific rash appears on the genitals, skin and lips, the doctor evaluates the patient’s condition, prescribes a blood test and selects the optimal dosage based on the results.

Standard application scheme:

  1. With shingles - no more than 10 days (a week - for therapeutic purposes, 3 days - to prevent relapse after eliminating the clinical symptoms of the disease).
  2. With rashes around the mouth - 5 days every 8 hours. Pre-wash, remove makeup and dry the affected area of ​​the epidermis with a clean towel.

In pills

Acyclovir tablets are drunk with plenty of water immediately after a meal 4 to 5 times a day (at a dosage of 200 mg) for no more than 10 consecutive days. Dosage and duration of therapy are also determined on the basis of a blood test and the clinical picture of the disease. The doctor who can choose a more effective analogue, confirm or refute the diagnosis is notified of the absence of improvements.

The active substance penetrates through the placenta, as well as into the blood and plasma, therefore tablets are not prescribed to women during the period of gestation due to the risk of intrauterine pathologies. In the last trimester, the medicine is permissible to use, but only as directed and with caution.

Important! Acyclovir is able to settle in the tubules of the kidneys. Preventing dysfunction of the urinary system and the development of renal failure, it is imperative to drink a lot during treatment.

Acyclovir during pregnancy and lactation

The listed groups of patients antiviral ointment "Acyclovir" is not assigned. At the time of therapy, breast-feeding is interrupted.

Drug Interactions with Other Drugs

The constituents of Acyclovir ointment 5% and 3% are excreted naturally during urination, partially remaining in the renal tubules. Preparations of a similar action will help increase the concentration of the active substance in the body and, accordingly, this precipitate.

Contraindications, side effects and overdose

The use of ocular ointment "Acyclovir" may be accompanied by multiple side effects, among which are common:

  • temporary decrease in visual acuity, blurriness of the “picture”;
  • burning sensations, itching, pain in the eye area;
  • redness;
  • profuse lacrimation;
  • angioedema.

Any adverse reactions are reported to the doctor, temporarily stopping the use of the drug.

An overdose of the drug is unlikely. In the case of laying an excessive amount of ointment or exceeding the maximum allowable daily number of procedures, local allergic reactions are possible.

An overdose of ointment for external use can cause skin rashes.

Analogs of Acyclovir

Acyclovir is an active substance, not a proprietary drug.

This component is the basis of many anti-herpes drugs, including:

  1. Zovirax. Excipients in the composition are liquid paraffin, propylene glycol and others. It is approved for use by pregnant women and is suitable for the treatment of newborns. The indications coincide with the indications of the “Acyclovir” ointment, but the list of contraindications and side effects is less extensive. It is forbidden for hypersensitivity to components, renal failure, various neurological disorders. Price: 193 - 205 rubles for a tube of 5 g.
  2. "Acigerpin." The formula contains sodium phosphate, lauryl sulfate and edetate, chlorocresol and other substances. It rarely leads to complications (allergic reactions, peeling). In isolated cases, hyperemia is possible in areas of ointment application. Used with caution during gestation. Cost - 7 - 20 rubles.
  3. Vivorax. Effective against the causative agent of the Herpes Simplex virus. Indications for use and a list of strict restrictions on the application of the ointment are identical to Acyclovir. In pediatrics, it is not prescribed due to the lack of official data on the effect on the body of patients of childhood. In case of an overdose, the following are possible: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, coma (extremely rare). Price - from 60 rubles.
  4. Herpevir. It is intended only for external use, for the treatment of eyes, genital herpes and mucosal lesions is not suitable. May cause minor allergic reactions (urticaria, redness, burning, rarely - swelling of the treatment site with ointment). There are no data on interactions with other medications. It has good performance even with spot rubbing. Price - from 200 rubles.
  5. "Acivir". The cream is a white mass. 1 g of the product includes 0.05 g of the active substance (acyclovir). Auxiliary components: cetomacrogol CS-1000, glycerol monostearate, sodium methyl paraben and propyl paraben, and others. When applied topically, an overdose is excluded. Contraindications include only a rare individual intolerance to any of the components in the formula. You can buy in pharmacies for 130 rubles and above.
  6. Herperx. Suitable only for topical application to the skin of the body and face, is not used in the treatment of mucous membranes. It is forbidden for hypersensitivity to components, as well as children under 18 years of age. Price - 68 - 80 rubles in online pharmacies in Russia.
  7. Virolex. Eye ointment contains 0.03 g of acyclovir and white petrolatum, cream for external application - 0.05 g. It is used for herpetic keratitis and rashes, respectively. Instructions for use and basic parameters are identical to Acyclovir cream. The average price is 207 rubles.
  8. "Acyclostad." Apply to the affected areas and healthy skin adjacent to them according to the treatment regimen. From adverse reactions, burning, pain is possible. If these symptoms do not go away for a long time - stop using the cream. There is no evidence of an overdose. The cost is from 95 rubles.

The budget drug "Acyclovir" is available without a prescription, but self-medication can cause harm to health, so it can be used only as directed by a specialist. Analogues of ointment are produced by India, Germany, Great Britain and some other countries. The price of such drugs reaches 350 - 400 rubles. The effectiveness of drugs depends on the degree of damage to the epidermis and mucous membranes, as well as the physiological characteristics of the patient.

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