Acyclovir

What is Acyclovir? Acyclovir is an antiviral drug to treat herpes virus infections, such as chickenpox, shingles, or herpes simplex. This drug is best known as herpes ointment and can be used for adults and children. Acyclovir medication is available in tablet, cream and ointment forms. One type of herpes ointment is generally safe for you to use under the supervision of a doctor.

For pregnant or breastfeeding women, it is best to consult a doctor before using it.

Benefits of Acyclovir as a Herpes Ointment

Acyclovir ointment is useful for treating herpes virus infections, such as herpes simplex, herpes zoster, genital herpes and chickenpox . The herpes ointment form is often used to treat cold sores caused by the virus. 

What you need to know is that acyclovir will not eliminate the virus in the body. The virus will continue to live in the body even if symptoms do not appear.

This medicine only reduces the severity and duration of the disease. For more details, you can read: Fact Check: Herpes Virus Can Recur After Healing .

Acyclovir helps wounds heal faster, prevents new wounds from forming and reduces itching.

In people with weakened immune systems, acyclovir can reduce the risk of spreading the virus to other parts of the body.

Acyclovir Trademark (Aciclovir)

For those of you who want to use this drug, there are several recommended brands of acyclovir that can be chosen. Here are some of them: 

• Acyclovir 5% Cream 5 g. Contains the active substance acyclovir, this drug is used to treat viral infections such as the treatment of herpes simplex infections of the skin, including initial and recurrent genital herpes. 
• Acyclovir 400 mg 10 Tablets. Acyclovir 400 mg can be used to treat skin infections caused by viruses such as herpes or chickenpox.
•  Acifar 400 mg 10 Tablets. This drug works by inhibiting the growth of the herpes virus that causes skin infections. 
• Zoter Cream 5 g. In cream form. Used to treat blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus in the area around the lips or face. 
• Clinovir 400 mg 10 Tablets. In addition to treating herpes simplex virus infections, the use of this drug can also prevent recurrent infections, namely herpes zoster. 
• Matrovir 400 mg 10 Tablets. Matrovir is a drug to treat viral infections such as varicella zoster and herpes simplex. This drug works by reducing the ability of the virus to grow and multiply. 
• Scanovir 5% Cream 10 g. In the form of ointment, this drug can be used for herpes simplex infections of the skin including initial infections in recurrent genital herpes and herpes labialis. The price of acyclovir ointment starts from Rp42,000.

Important Facts About Aciclovir

1. The discovery of aciclovir began with research involving chemical components similar to DNA and was eventually applied to develop antiviral drugs.
2. Aciclovir has a product called valacyclovir, which is more easily absorbed by the body and has a longer lasting effect.
3. The most important side effect associated with aciclovir is the potential for kidney disorders. Therefore, it is important to drink plenty of water when using this drug.
4. Aciclovir is one of the first drugs developed specifically to treat herpes virus infections since the 1970s.

Acyclovir Dosage

The dosage can vary depending on the form of the drug, age, type of infection and its severity. Here is the general dosage of aciclovir:

1. Acyclovir Tablets

• Genital herpes: The dosage for adults and children over two years old is around 200-400 milligrams which you can take five times a day, for 5-10 days. For children, it is better to consult a dermatologist.
• Herpes zoster: For adults and children over 12 years old, the dose is 800 milligrams, which you can take five times a day. You need to take this medicine for 7-10 days. Children’s acyclovir dosage should be consulted again with a dermatologist.
• Chickenpox: The dose for adults is 800 milligrams which you can take 4-5 times per day, for 5-7 days. For babies, toddlers and children, it is better to consult a dermatologist.

2. Acyclovir Cream

• Herpes simplex: The adult dose is 4-6 times a day for 10 days. Use in children can only be determined by a doctor.

3. Acyclovir Ointment

• Herpes simplex: Apply herpes ointment to the affected area every three hours. Do this treatment six times a day for seven days. In children, only a doctor can determine the dosage. 

Get the ointment or type of medicine you need only at the Halodoc Health Store with fast delivery and safe, sealed packaging.

Interesting Facts

1. Acyclovir is one of the first antiviral drugs developed specifically to fight viruses without damaging normal cells.
2. This drug is more effective if given within the first 48 hours after the rash appears, because at this stage the virus is still actively multiplying in the skin.

Contact This Doctor If You Want to Use Acyclovir

So, if you want to use acyclovir, make sure to contact and consult a skin specialist first.

You need to do this to prevent side effects or unwanted impacts.

Doctors at Halodoc are experienced and have received good reviews from patients they have previously treated.

These are some doctors you can contact before you use acyclovir to treat herpes virus infections, such as chickenpox, shingles, or herpes simplex.

Do not hesitate to contact a doctor immediately so that the use of the drug is in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations. The doctor is available 24 hours a day at Halodoc so you can consult from anywhere and at any time.However, if the doctor is not available or offline , you can still make a consultation appointment via the Halodoc application.

What are you waiting for? Come on, use Halodoc now!

How to Use Acyclovir

Here’s how to use aciclovir based on the form of the drug:

1. Tablet

• Take this medication by mouth with water or food. Make sure you take it as directed by your doctor. 
• Drink plenty of water after taking this medicine.
• Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. 
• Drink at the same time every day so you can remember it easily. 
• Do not use this medication more often or for longer than your doctor prescribes.

2. Ointments and creams

• Use herpes cream or ointment after feeling the first signs of infection, such as tingling, burning and redness.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying herpes cream or ointment. 
• Clean and dry the affected area before applying herpes cream or ointment. 
• Apply herpes cream or ointment to the affected area and rub gently.
• Apply enough herpes cream or ointment to cover all affected areas.
• Do not apply this medication to the eyes or nose, inside the mouth, or inside the vagina. If you accidentally get it in these areas, rinse immediately with water.
• Do not use this medication more often or for longer than prescribed.

Besides using medication, there are other treatments you can do to reduce herpes symptoms.

Read the following article for more information: 9 Do’s and Don’ts for Herpes Sufferers .

Cautions in Using Acyclovir

Before using acyclovir, there are several things you need to pay attention to:

• Tell your doctor if you are allergic to herpes tablets, creams or ointments, such as aciclovir and valacyclovir. You should also tell your doctor about any other allergies you have. 
• Inform your doctor about your medical history, such as immune system disorders, kidney problems or being infected with HIV. 
• Acyclovir tablets can cause drowsiness. Therefore, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires alertness after taking it.
• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are planning to have surgery, including dental surgery. 
• Tell us about any other medicines you are taking before using herpes tablets, creams or ointments. These medicines may include supplements and herbal products.
• Postpone any immunization or vaccination against viruses while taking this medication. If you have been vaccinated, you will also need to stop taking acyclovir.
• Older adults are more susceptible to drug side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and mental changes.
• During pregnancy, you should use this medicine only if you really need it. Try to consult the risks and benefits with your doctor.
• Acyclovir tablets can pass into breast milk. That’s why, consult your doctor before using it.

Acyclovir Interactions

There are several drugs that can interact with acyclovir. These interactions can change how the drugs work or increase the risk of serious side effects. 

Drugs that can interact with acyclovir are drugs that can cause kidney problems, for example ibuprofen and naproxen.

Side Effects and Dangers of Acyclovir Tablets

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug commonly used to treat viral infections such as herpes simplex and herpes zoster.

However, the use of acyclovir can cause side effects. Here are some possible side effects:

• Nauseous.
• Vomit.
• Diarrhea.
• Headache.
• Dizzy.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• Stomach ache.

What Do Studies Say About Acyclovir?

A study entitled Acyclovir Cream for Treatment of Herpes Simplex Labialis: Results of Two Randomized, Double-Blind, Vehicle-Controlled, Multicenter Clinical Trials (2002) showed that the drug acyclovir has been proven effective in the management and healing of herpes labialis through various formulations and routes of administration. 

Acyclovir can accelerate the healing of herpes labialis in immunocompromised patients. In addition, oral acyclovir 400 mg five times daily for five days has significantly reduced viral shedding and reduced the duration of pain in patients who started treatment early. 

Administration of acyclovir as a prophylaxis has also been shown to significantly reduce the frequency of recurrent episodes, and prevent erythema multiforme (skin infection) associated with herpes.