Tablets for genital herpes: medicines, preparations and the most effective remedies

Herpes is a common skin disease that occurs in adults and children due to the activation of the virus in the body. Its distinctive symptoms are grouped blisters that appear on the body, face and mucous membranes of a person. The best drugs for herpes are tablets. They kill the virus from the inside, and not only eliminate the external manifestations of the disease, as creams and ointments do.

The pharmaceutical market offers many drugs for herpes. However, not all of them are equally effective in relieving colds. The action of the tablets is to reduce the activation of the infection and put it into a dormant state. It is worth noting that it is impossible to completely destroy the herpes virus from the body.

How do antiherpetic tablets work?

It is impossible to completely get rid of the virus once it has entered the body, but it is assumed that patients may experience long-term remission. With a decrease in immunity, an exacerbation occurs, characterized by a herpetic rash, in especially severe cases - neuralgia, fever.

The main groups of drugs used to treat herpes contain one of the active ingredients: valacyclovir, acyclovir, famciclovir or penciclovir. Valacyclovir and famciclovir, which are included in the medicine for herpes, are initially inactive. Once in the human body, these components are transformed into acyclovir (valaciclovir) and penciclovir (famciclovir), which, in turn, affect the herpes virus.

For local treatment, medications are used that include the active ingredients mentioned above, as well as drugs based on idoxuridine, foscarnet and tromantadine.

Features of antiherpetic drugs:

Low toxicity to human DNA.
DNA synthesis is blocked in replicating viruses.
During the period of remission, herpes is not affected.
They have almost the same high clinical efficacy.
Penciclovir has the longest cellular half-life (up to 7 hours).
Famciclovir and acyclovir have high bioavailability - they are taken orally.
The bioavailability of penciclovir is low and it is used topically.

In patients with normal immunity, resistance to antiherpetic drugs is rarely observed. In order to relieve an exacerbation as quickly as possible, it is necessary to apply the remedy for herpes topically - on the lips, genitals, skin, and additionally take internally both antiherpetic medications and immunostimulants, which help the body more effectively resist the virus that is actively reproducing in the body.

When and why are they appointed?

You should not treat yourself. Only after appropriate diagnosis will the doctor be able to prescribe the best remedy to help against genital herpes. It will speed up the healing of blisters, eliminate rashes in intimate areas, and relieve the constant feeling of tingling and itching.

It is known that more than 80% of people are carriers of this infection. Having penetrated the body's lymphatic system, herpes remains there forever, periodically exacerbating.

If treatment is not started promptly, women may develop:

Cervical cancer and dysplasia.
Dryness of the vaginal mucosa.
Decreased sexual desire.
Endometritis leading to infertility.

In men, herpes affects the anus and head of the penis. Sometimes rashes are observed in the urinary tract and rectum. The consequences of the pathological process can be:

Prostatitis in chronic and acute forms.
Herpetic proctitis.
Urethritis.

How long will it take for the rash to go away?

When taking medications for herpes, you should not expect an immediate effect from them. The sooner treatment is started, the faster the unpleasant symptoms of the disease will pass.

If you start applying cream to itchy areas of the skin before blisters form on your lip, in some cases you can completely avoid the appearance of a large rash. The symptoms of herpes are also quickly eliminated if you take antiherpetic tablets and immunostimulating drugs simultaneously with the use of local treatment.

Therapy takes much longer if you start taking medications after visible rashes have appeared on the skin. Even when using ointments, you will first need to wait until the rash dries and crusts over. After this, it may take three to 10 days for healing and complete recovery.

Pills for men

Treatment of genital herpes in men is carried out with antiviral drugs and agents that have an immunostimulating effect. The following medications have proven themselves to be effective in treating the disease:

Famvir. Contains the active component famciclovir, which has a powerful effect not only on herpesvirus, but also on cytomegalovirus. Penetrating into infected tissues of the body, the substance is converted into triphosphate and prevents DNA replication of the pathogen. Famciclovir practically does not accumulate in healthy cells and does not have a negative effect on them. The drug is not recommended for use in cases of viral infections in children, pregnancy and lactation. Side effects during therapy with famciclovir are extremely rare. Negative reactions can occur in the form of nausea, skin rashes, drowsiness, cephalgia, thrombocytopenia.
Zovirax. A good effect from drug therapy is achieved due to the presence of acyclovir, an antiviral component that inhibits the replication of the pathogen. Due to the high selectivity of the substance, negative effects during treatment rarely occur in patients. Men can supplement therapy with oral tablets with Zovirax cream, intended for topical use.
The medication is not prescribed for renal failure or dehydration.
Side effects can manifest themselves in the form of diarrhea, vomiting, anemia, leukopenia, impaired renal function, liver dysfunction, nervous agitation and tremor.
Valaciclovir. The antiviral effect of the drug is ensured thanks to the component valacyclovir hydrochloride, which helps to inhibit the activity of DNA polymerase of herpes viruses. Indications are also damage to the mucous membranes and skin by the pathogen Herpes simplex. Valaciclovir is prescribed to patients to prevent relapses of a viral disease. Adverse reactions may include itching, rashes, diarrhea, hepatitis, swelling of the face, vasculitis, and fever.

Immunomodulators

Antiviral drugs against herpes are prescribed for genital, neonatal and mucocutaneous forms of the disease, herpes zoster, chickenpox, and herpetic encephalitis. The dosage, duration of use and type of drug are determined by the doctor, focusing on the type of ailment and the characteristics of its course.

Famvir

The most effective medicine for herpes is Famvir, tablets based on famciclovir, developed specifically for the treatment of a wide range of diseases. The drug is well tolerated even in patients with reduced immunity.

Action provided by the main component:

After transformation and entry into virus-infected cells, it suppresses its spread throughout the body.
Reduces the manifestations of postherpetic neuralgia and its intensity.
Speeds up recovery.
Increases the duration of remission.

Other new generation antiviral drugs for herpes based on famciclovir have similar properties. The medicine is contraindicated for use in patients suffering from individual intolerance to penciclovir.

Acyclovir

In the pharmacy you can find Acyclovir tablets for herpes on the face, for rashes caused by chickenpox. This drug is also available in the form of ointments and creams. The antiherpetic agent has a selective effect. After entering the body, Acyclovir undergoes a series of transformations, subsequently integrating into the viral DNA chain and blocking its development.

The use of Acyclovir and drugs containing it is indicated for:

Genital and labial herpes.
Chicken pox.
Shingles.
For recurrent herpes types 1 and 2.
Bone marrow transplantation – as a prophylactic agent.
HIV infection with severe immunodeficiency.

Acyclovir is a fast-acting drug. This is the most effective remedy for herpes if taken in the first days of the onset of the disease. If you start taking the pills later than 72 hours after the first symptoms of illness appear, the therapeutic effect will be less pronounced.

Valaciclovir

Valaciclovir tablets are used to treat herpes on the lips, genital malaise, and recurrent HSV on the skin and mucous membranes. The drug is also prescribed as a prophylactic agent in cases of infection with cytomegalovirus after internal organ transplantation. Valacyclovir is transformed in the body into acyclovir, which, in turn, suppresses the spread of the herpes virus.

Possible side effects from taking the pills:

Nausea, sometimes diarrhea, vomiting.
Headache, in rare cases - dizziness and hallucinations.
Hematuria.
Failure to comply with the drinking regime results in precipitation of crystals of the active component in the lumen of the renal tubules.

Valtrex, Vairova, and Valcicon tablets also contain the active ingredient valacyclovir. Antiherpetic drugs of this group should not be taken by children under 12 years of age and by patients with clinically significant HIV infection. Antiviral drugs for genital herpes are prescribed with caution to pregnant and lactating women.

Novirin

The drug has an antiviral and immunomodulatory effect. When taken orally, it promotes the formation of specific antiherpetic antibodies. This helps speed up recovery, reduce the intensity of clinical symptoms of herpes and reduce the frequency of relapses.

You should take Novirin for the following ailments:

Genital herpes.
Infectious diseases (with normal and reduced immunity).
Chronic infections of the respiratory tract, urinary system with frequent relapses.
Herpes type I or II, with rashes on the mucous membranes, skin, eyes.

Novirin must be taken in the first days of the development of the disease. If you start taking pills as soon as a herpetic rash appears on the lips, you can quickly get rid of unpleasant symptoms.

What is herpes

A feature of the disease is the presence of blistering rashes on the affected surfaces. Herpes is one of the common infections caused by viruses. When dangerous particles enter the bloodstream:

spread throughout the body;
are integrated into the genetic apparatus of nerve cells and remain in them for life;
multiply in the blood, lymph system, mucous membranes, skin;
show resistance to cold;
die at a temperature of 37.5 degrees.

Under unfavorable conditions, harmful elements are activated, causing diseases. There are 8 types of viruses responsible for infecting various parts of the body:

1 – herpetic rashes on the face (herpes simplex);
2 – damage to the genital organs;
3 – chicken pox, herpes zoster;
4 - Infectious mononucleosis;
5 – cytomegalovirus – causes cytomegaly;
Types 6, 7, 8 are under study.

Causes

The infection is transmitted from a carrier of the virus through close contact, sexual intercourse, airborne droplets, and from mother to fetus during pregnancy. The provoking factor is decreased immunity. The development of the disease is promoted by:

using someone else's clothing and household items;
failure to maintain personal hygiene – spread of infection throughout the body by the sick person;
frequent change of sexual partners.

The reproduction of viral strains in the body is provoked by:

oncological diseases;
exposure to the sun for a long time;
damage to the skin - wounds, scratches;
stressful situations;
early onset of sexual activity;
vitamin deficiency;
use of diets;
overwork;
bacterial infections;
exhaustion;
injuries;
menstruation;
hypothermia;
physical overload.

Treatment

Since the harmful virus lives inside a nerve cell, it cannot be completely cured with modern drugs. There are medications for herpes that reduce the risk of re-infection, relieve painful symptoms, and speed up healing. Complex therapy is required to alleviate the patient's condition. Treatment depends on factors:

localization of infection;
stage of the disease;
symptoms;
state of the immune system.

Minor rashes can be dealt with using local remedies - ointments, gels, creams. Frequent relapses, high fever, require an integrated approach to treatment. The treatment regimen includes:

antiviral agents in the form of tablets, intravenous injections;
drugs to support the immune system;
antioxidants – vitamins C, E;
agents that accelerate tissue healing;
vaccination - 2 months after the course of antiviral therapy - to activate cellular immunity.

Immunostimulants

A decline in immunity is a common cause of exacerbation of herpes. Therefore, it is impossible to eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of the disease without increasing the body's defenses. Antiviral tablets against herpes must be taken in combination with immunostimulants, which are also prophylactic agents if taken during remission.

Lycopid

This immunostimulating drug for the complex treatment of herpes helps to increase the synthesis of specific bodies and promotes the functional activity of phagocytes.

Likopid is indicated for use by adults and children with the following diseases:

Herpes types 1 and 2 of any localization, including ophthalmoherpes.
Chronic viral hepatitis B and C.
Purulent-inflammatory diseases of the skin.

Likopid is one of the fastest-acting medicines. It can be taken by children over the age of one year; the drug is contraindicated only for pregnant and lactating women.

Polyoxidonium

For acute and often recurrent forms of herpes that appears on the lips, you need to take the immunostimulating medicine Polyoxidonium. It is available in different forms: for herpes, doctors prescribe suppositories (vaginal and rectal), lyophilisate and tablets.

Indications for taking the drug are:

Exacerbation of chronic infectious foci in the nasopharynx, inner and middle ear, and upper respiratory organs.
Nasal and labial recurrent herpes infection.
Allergic diseases complicated by viral or bacterial infection.
Secondary immunodeficiency states.

Can be taken as part of complex therapy with antiviral drugs for herpes in the acute stage and remission. The official instructions for Polyoxidonium do not indicate any side effects; it is prescribed to children from the age of three and to patients with a clinically pronounced stage of HIV infection.

The best remedy for genital herpes

Tablets and drugs for genital herpes at all stages of treatment must have a pronounced antiviral effect necessary to reduce the activity of the infectious agent. Without the use of such medications, pathogenic microorganisms multiply rapidly, causing the development of unpleasant symptoms in patients.

To obtain maximum effectiveness from therapy and speed up the recovery of patients, an integrated approach is currently used, which involves combining tablet forms of drugs with vaginal and rectal suppositories, creams, and ointments.

During exacerbation of genital herpes, patients are prescribed injections of drugs.

The most effective antiviral drug that helps destroy any type of herpes is acyclovir. The medicine has a low cost and differs from other medicines in its pronounced therapeutic effect. When the components of the drug enter the human body, the activity of the viral DNA polymerase enzyme decreases. You need to take the tablets for 1-2 weeks up to 7 times a day. The specific and selective property of the oral form and ointments with acyclovir is manifested in the accumulation of medicinal substances in cells infected with herpes, which ensures rapid relief of the symptoms of the disease.

Interferon synthesis stimulators and finished preparations

Not only the latest generation herpes pills, but also stimulators of interferon synthesis effectively help relieve exacerbation of the disease. They must be taken in combination with other drugs. When choosing the form of a medicine, the area of application, the characteristics of the course of the disease, as well as the age of the patient are taken into account.

Viferon

Viferon has immunomodulatory, immunostimulating and antiviral effects. Like other drugs for herpes, it can be presented in the form of suppositories and ointments. Viferon contains tocopherol acetate, a component that increases the specific antiviral activity of human interferon.

This cheap remedy should be used for the following diseases:

Neonatal herpes.
Complicated bacterial infections, colds, flu, pneumonia.
Herpetic infection of the skin and mucous membranes.
Exacerbation of urogenital herpetic infection.

To treat herpes types 1 and 2 that affect the skin or mucous membranes, Viferon ointment is also used. It can be used even by pregnant and lactating women, since the active components during local therapy are absorbed into the body in minimal quantities.

Kagocel

After taking Kagocel, high concentrations of interferon circulate in the blood for a long time. This drug for herpes in tablets is used both to treat the disease and as a prophylactic agent.

You can take Kagocel:

For adult patients for the prevention of influenza and ARVI.
For children for the treatment and prevention of colds.
For patients over 16 years of age - for the treatment of herpetic rashes on the skin and mucous membranes.

The advantage of these tablets is that they can be used for herpes on the lips at any stage of the disease. Even if the rash has already crusted over, Kagocel will provide a therapeutic effect and speed up recovery.

Cycloferon

This medicine can be used for herpes in children over four years of age. There are two forms of the drug - tablets for oral administration and solution for intramuscular or intravenous administration. The medicine has a wide spectrum of action and can be prescribed for various diseases:

Neuroinfections and HIV infections.
Secondary immunodeficiencies complicated by viral or bacterial infection.
Herpes of any type in adults and children.
Diseases of the joints characterized by degenerative-dystrophic changes.

The dosage of the drug depends on the patient’s age and weight. Cycloferon tablets should be taken after meals. Intramuscular administration of the solution is performed according to a scheme determined by an infectious disease doctor.

Prevention

Most medications with antiviral and immunomodulatory effects can be used not only for treatment, but also for the prevention of relapses of genital herpes. To prevent exacerbations of the disease, systemic drugs are used once every 6-12 months. As prescribed by a specialist, 3-4 preventive courses per year are possible.

Some medications can be used for emergency prevention of genital herpes infection immediately after unprotected sex. The best means to prevent infection with the virus are: Panavir intimate spray, Betadine solution and suppositories. To reduce the risk of infection, the drugs must be used within 2 hours after sexual intercourse.

To protect against the recurrence of symptoms of infection, medication should be combined with measures aimed at strengthening the immune system. These include regular exercise, replenishing the body’s vitamin reserves, hardening, giving up bad habits and proper nutrition.

Local treatment

To achieve a quick recovery, in addition to oral tablets, patients need to use an effective herpes remedy for topical use. This may be a cream, ointment, or gel applied directly to the rash and the skin around it.

Panavir

This is the best medicine for herpes on the lips, skin and genitals. Its advantage is its variety of forms. Gel, intimate spray, inlight spray (for the oral cavity), and toothpaste are intended for application to herpetic rashes.

Devirs

Gel Devirs has a wide spectrum of direct antiviral activity. This drug is most often prescribed to treat genital herpes. It is also used in the treatment of labial herpetic rash and herpes zoster.

Fenistil pencivir

There are two types of Fenistil pencivir cream available: regular and with a tinting effect (for use on the face). The main component of the drug is penciclovir. It provides a pronounced therapeutic effect, even if the use of the cream is started at the stage of the appearance of bubbles. The drug can be used during lactation, but you should first consult your doctor.

Erazaban

The main active ingredient of Erazaban cream is docosanol. This is a fairly strong antiviral remedy for herpes of the skin and mucous membranes.

Its action:

Prevents the emergence of herpes virus strains.
Forms cell resistance to virus penetration.
Moderately absorbed in affected areas.
Accelerates recovery and tissue healing.

The drug is used externally; the cream should be applied to the affected areas up to five times a day.

Allomedine

The drug accelerates skin regeneration, especially if its use is started in the first days of the disease. Allomedin-gel can be used for herpes on the lips, skin, and mucous membranes. It protects tissues from viruses that provoke inflammatory processes.

Important! For herpes of the lips, Advantan and other antiallergic drugs that help reduce itching cannot be used.

What medications are used?

It is worth immediately noting that antiviral drugs alone will not be enough to treat pathology. To get rid of an unpleasant disease, a comprehensive therapeutic approach is necessary. That is why the patient is prescribed the following groups of medications against genital herpes:

Antiviral.
Such tablets for genital herpes are aimed at neutralizing the causative agent of the disease (namely, human herpes virus type 2). They stop its division and, accordingly, do not allow it to infect healthy tissues of the body. It is best to treat genital herpes with medications such as Famvir, Valtrex, Zovirax. These are new generation drugs used to get rid of herpetic infections on any part of the body.
Antihistamines. They are prescribed not so much for the treatment of herpes, but to prevent the development of allergic reactions. They can be provoked by antiviral pills. The best antiallergic drugs are Loratadine, Eridez, Edem, Cetrin, Claritin, Suprastin, Alerdez, etc.
Antipyretic tablets. Despite the fact that herpes in the intimate area rarely causes a significant increase in body temperature, it is still possible. In this case, the doctor may prescribe antipyretic drugs such as Nurofen, Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, Panadol.

In a severe situation, the patient may be given an injection of analgin with diphenhydramine. However, such measures are resorted to extremely rarely. To reduce body temperature in babies and children under 6 years of age, antipyretic suspensions and syrups are used: Ibufen, Nurofen, Bofen, Paracetamol, Ibunorm.
Immunomodulators. Such drugs help strengthen the immune system. Since most often herpes in the intimate area, as well as in other parts of the body, appears due to immune suppression, a person needs to create a strong barrier that will prevent recurrence of not only herpes infection, but also other diseases in the future.
Effective immunostimulants are drugs from the interferon group (Cycloferon, Anaferon), as well as herbal medicines - Sinupret, Imupret. Another effective remedy aimed at strengthening general immunity is Aflubin. Sold in pharmacies in the form of drops. The drug is approved for use by young children.
Antibiotics. Many patients, having noticed the first signs of the development of a herpetic infection, try to treat it with antibiotics, not knowing that such treatment can only cause harm. The fact is that antimicrobial agents in this case will be completely ineffective, especially if they are tablet preparations.
The only antibiotic-based products that really help with genital or any other herpes are ointments: Tetracycline and Levomekol. The chosen genital remedy should be rubbed into the infected areas until completely cured. However, it is worth remembering that such treatment is effective only in the first days of the disease.
Painkillers. Many of the above antipyretics can also be classified as painkillers. But if herpes affects the genitals, and there is no fever, then tablets such as Spasmalgon, Ketanov, Tilda, Combispasm will give a good result in the fight against pain syndrome.

Most drugs for genital herpes, as well as those intended for symptomatic treatment, are strictly unacceptable for children!

To avoid harm to the child’s health, entrust the choice to a qualified medical specialist.

Homeopathy

If none of all the traditional antiherpetic drugs suits the patient, you can try to treat the disease with homeopathic medicines.

Simplex-Nosod-Inyel

The drug is available in ampoules, the contents of which are administered subcutaneously, intradermally or intramuscularly. The solution can also be drunk by diluting it with water. It is assumed that such treatment also has a positive effect. The instructions for the drug contain no contraindications and no recorded side effects.

Cost of drugs against genital herpes

The average cost of medications intended for the treatment of genital herpes is presented in the table.

Name of medicine	Price, $
Zovirax	3,2
geneferon	3,9
polyoxidonium	11,6
pyrogenal	9,8
acyclovir	0,4
famvir	24,6
valacyclovir	5,6

Preventive measures during remission

Remission can occur 7–14 days after the onset of the disease, which is why it is so important to react in time and prevent a relapse. After completing the first course of antiviral drugs, the body must rest and gain strength in order to fully recover. This will allow you to be well prepared for the next stage. It is very important to treat herpes in the intimate area during remission, but such treatment does not always involve taking antiviral drugs.

Therapy at this stage should be based on proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle so that the body gains strength.
It is necessary to eat food rich in vitamins, walk a lot in the fresh air, get enough sleep, try to avoid stress, anxiety and negative emotions.
At this time, psychological problems and their solutions come to the fore. The support of family and friends will be important for the patient.
It is necessary to take natural immune stimulants to activate the body's protective functions. It is also necessary to take medications that will restore the disturbed intestinal microflora.
If necessary, therapy for other inflammatory diseases caused by herpes is prescribed.