Role
of Acyclovir
Acyclovir is the generic name
of the drug Zovirax. It is an
antiviral prescription medicine
used to treat shingles, chickenpox,
genital herpes, herpes simplex
and herpes zoster. Acyclovir
can also help those with HIV
live longer by preventing herpes
simplex from occurring. Additionally
used to treat a viral infection
called lenkoplakia that occurs
on the tongue, this drug is
also used to for herpes virus
infections in newborn children.
However it is important to remember
here that Acyclovir does not
cure herpes; it only helps to
relieve the pain and heal sores
faster.
Acyclovir works against viruses
like HSV-1 (Herpes Simplex-1),
HSV-2 (Herpes Simplex-2), and
VZV (Herpes Zoster). It is considered
the drug of choice in the treatment
of mucosal or cutaneous HSV
infections in immuno-compromised
patients. It is also used to
treat severe episodes of genital
herpes infections, for herpes
encephalitis; for neonatal herpes
infections and for the treatment
of varicella-zoster infections.
This drug works by thwarting
the enzymes the virus needs
for replication of DNA in cells,
thus preventing the virus from
multiplying and growing.
Acyclovir should be taken with
food and with a full glass of
water. It is important that
you take this drug exactly as
prescribed by your doctor. Do
exceed it use or discontinue
its use without informing your
health care practitioner
Side
effects of Acyclovir
The side effects of this drug
are mild and usually go away
during treatment. They include;
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- diarrhea, and
- headaches
If these symptoms continue or
become troublesome, contact
your doctor. People who have
used this drug on a long term
basis have reported hair loss
as a side effect as well.
Some other rare side effects
of this drug include;
- dizziness,
- fatigue,
- skin rash,
- anorexia,
- leg pain, and
- sore throat
The side effects of nausea
and vomiting can be reduced
if Acyclovir is taken with meals.
Some drugs helpful in reducing
nausea include Compazine, Reglan,
and Phenergan. Aspirin usually
helps with symptoms of headaches.
Precautions
It is important that you inform
your doctor of any medical conditions
such as, allergies to foods,
sulfites or preservatives. Dehydration
or kidney disease can increase
blood levels of acyclovir, which
in turn increase the chances
of side effects occurring. If
you are on any of the following
drugs notify your doctor;
- any medicine for infection
- Carmustine (BiCNU)
- Cisplatin (Platinol)
- Combination pain medicine
containing acetaminophen and
aspirin (Excedrin)
- Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
- Deferoxamine (Desferal)
- Ganciclovir
- Gold salts
- Inflammation or pain medication
- Lithium (Lithane)
- Methotrexate (Mexate)
- Any narcotic
- Nephrotoxic agents
- Penicillamine (Cuprimine)
- Plicamycin (Mithracin)
- Probenecid
- Streptozocin (Zanosar)
- Tiopronin (Thiola)
- Valacyclovir
Using any of these drugs with
acyclovir may increase the chance
for side effects, especially
in those people with kidney
disease.
If you get pregnant or plan
on becoming pregnant, inform
your doctor about your medication.
Acyclovir is excreted in breast
milk, so do not use this drug
if you are breast feeding.
Do not miss or skip any doses
of this drug. If you do miss
a dose, take it as soon as possible.
But if it is almost time for
your next dose, skip the missed
dose. Never take a double or
extra dose of this drug. |
