The drug Acyclovir for the treatment of herpes: ointment, cream and tablets, instructions for use, as well as useful tips on choosing a product

When choosing Penciclovir or Acyclovir, it should be taken into account that these medications belong to the same drug group and have similar indications for use. In addition, these antiviral agents provide a similar therapeutic effect. These drugs are analogues, but have some differences.

Penciclovir and Acyclovir are antiviral drugs that provide similar therapeutic effects.

Features of the drug

The herpes virus lives in the body of 90% of all inhabitants of the planet. But it manifests itself only in 5%. The reason for this is a sharp decrease in immunity, hypothermia, prolonged exposure to a stressful situation, or the presence of serious illnesses. Taking antiviral drugs helps to cope with the problem.

The most effective remedy is Acyclovir. It belongs to the group of synthetic ones and is an analogue of a purified nucleoside. Does not have a toxic effect on mammalian cells.

Acyclovir prevents the appearance of rashes, reduces the likelihood of complications, and relieves pain during exacerbation of the disease. The active substance promotes the rapid formation of crusts at the site of rashes.

The bioavailability of the drug varies from 15 to 30%. It spreads quickly throughout the tissues of the body. Metabolized in liver cells. Three hours later it is excreted from the body in the urine.

The dosage and treatment regimen are selected by a specialist based on the patient’s health condition. The location of the virus and the age of the patient are taken into account. During a primary infection, the dosage of the active substance must be high, since the body does not have a sufficient amount of antibodies that fight the disease. It is also allowed to take acyclovir for the prevention of herpes.

The drug is available in two forms:

• Ointment. Packaged in tubes of 2, 5, 10 and 20 grams. Contains a 5% concentration of the active substance. Additional components: chicken fat, polyethylene oxide, water and emulsifiers. Thanks to them, the drug is better absorbed by the skin.
• Pills. The dosage of the active substance in them is 200, 400 or 800 mg. The following auxiliary components are used: lactose, starch, calcium stearate.

The choice of a specific type of drug is made taking into account the nature of the disease and the localization of the virus. On average, ointment costs from 14 to 50 rubles, and tablets from 170 to 190 rubles. There are many positive reviews on the Internet about this drug from people who drank it or used the ointment. This once again emphasizes its effectiveness.

Acyclovir and Penciclovir - difference in composition and action

Acyclovir belongs to the group of antiviral and antiherpetic drugs. According to its chemical structure, it is a synthetic analogue of acyclic purine nucleosides that are part of the DNA structure. Active against herpes simplex, Epstein-Barr, and cytomegalovirus viruses.

Once in the affected cells, it passes sequentially into acyclovir monophosphate, then di- and triphosphate. The latter form is active; it is integrated into the viral DNA sequence, leads to its rupture and blocks further division. In this case, there is no effect on the host cells.

Penciclovir is also an antiviral compound that acts against herpes virus, Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus. In affected cells, it is quickly transformed into penciclovir triphosphate (the active form). In this form, it remains inside cells for more than 12 hours and inhibits the synthesis and division of viral DNA.

The difference between acyclovir and penciclovir is that it exhibits its effectiveness for a relatively short time (average half-life of about 3 hours), while penciclovir has a pronounced prolonged effect. It accumulates in the affected cells in a therapeutic concentration and remains there for 12 to 20 hours.

The drug is in tablet form

Acyclovir tablets appear to be an effective treatment for simple and genital herpes. Shingles can also be treated with it. It is often recommended to take it for moderate severity of the disease. It copes poorly with severe forms due to low bioavailability. Only 30% of the total amount of active substance is attacked by the virus. The rest of it doesn't reach him.

The components of the product enter the bloodstream, where infected cells circulate. Viruses produce enzymes that help them maintain their vital functions. Acyclovir reacts with these enzymes and transforms them. The substance loses its ability to integrate into the DNA of the virus, which leads to its death.

The virus settles in the nerve ganglia. This area is not accessible to the immune system and to the drug. Therefore, Acyclovir effectively fights only viruses located on the surface. After completing the course of therapy, part of the infection continues to live in the human body, passing into a latent form.

A course of treatment with the drug allows you to achieve the following results:

• Rapid healing of herpetic wounds.
• No new foci of infection appear.
• Unpleasant symptoms are eliminated: redness, itching, soreness.

After treatment, the disease goes into a latent form for a long time. A sharp decrease in immunity can provoke an exacerbation. Therefore, special attention during and after treatment is paid to increasing the body’s protective functions.

Reviews

To date, there have been quite a lot of positive reviews about Pencivir for herpes. Those people who have used this tool highlight several advantages:

• the cream really helps, relieves pain;
• spent sparingly;
• does not melt on the lips and therefore does not flow into the mouth.

It is best to start smearing on the first day of unpleasant symptoms. In the first stages, it is easier to fight the virus, because it has not yet multiplied.

The disadvantages include the price. "Pentsivir" costs about 300 rubles. This price is set for a 2 g tube. For those who do not want to spend this amount, there are cheaper analogues - for example, Acyclovir, Zovirax.

Application of ointment

Modern pharmacies offer not only ointments and tablets, but also Acyclovir cream. Many people believe that cream and ointment are the same thing. Actually the difference is in the composition. The ointment is based on fatty substances: lanolin, petroleum jelly or others. The cream is less greasy, due to which the active substance is absorbed faster and begins to act.

Acyclovir is one of the popular antiviral drugs that are used to prevent and treat diseases caused by herpes simplex viruses of the first, second and third types. Available in tablet form, in the form of creams, ointments and solutions for injections. At the same time, Acyclovir tablets and ointment are recommended to be taken to enhance the pharmacological effect of the drug and speed up the healing process.

Characteristics of Penciclovir

This antiviral agent is available in the form of a white cream. Packaged in aluminum tubes of 5 g. The main active ingredient of the product is penciclovir. The auxiliary components of the drug include:

• dimethicone;
• white paraffin of soft consistency;
• titanium dioxide;
• macrogol;
• mineral oil;
• polysorbate 80;
• cetostearic alcohol and ester.

The product is intended for external use only. It is active against the herpes and Epstein-Bar viruses, as well as cytomegalovirus. The active components of Penciclovir penetrate into the affected cellular structures, converting into penciclovir triphosphate. This compound remains in the cells for at least 12 hours. During this period, it blocks the ability of the viral DNA to replicate. In this case, the medicine does not affect healthy cells.

Most often, this remedy is prescribed for herpetic rashes on the lips.

It can be used to treat children over 12 years of age. A contraindication for the use of Penciclovir is individual intolerance to the individual components that make up its composition. In addition, the medication is not recommended for use by women during pregnancy, as this may negatively affect the formation of the fetus.

Despite the fact that this product is intended only for topical use and the active substance cannot penetrate the skin into the bloodstream in large quantities, the possibility of adverse reactions cannot be completely excluded. They can be expressed by skin rash, numbness of the skin and burning sensation. If unwanted effects occur, stop using this drug.

When treating skin manifestations of viral diseases, it is recommended to apply Penciclovir to the affected area in a thin layer every 2 hours.

Cases of drug overdose are rare. Possible symptoms include drowsiness and headaches. Possible development of renal failure and coma.

When treating skin manifestations of viral diseases, it is recommended to apply a thin layer of cream to the affected area every 2 hours. The duration of therapy without a doctor's prescription should not exceed 4 days. This product is sold without a prescription. It should be stored in its original packaging in a cool place out of direct sunlight.

Methods of using the tablet form of the drug

Drinking Acyclovir tablets is recommended for moderate and severe forms of herpetic pathology. It is available in 200, 400 and 800 mg.

The dosage of the drug is determined individually, depending on the following factors:

• prescribed treatment regimen;
• patient's condition;
• the presence or absence of systemic diseases;
• and the degree of development of herpes itself.

It is necessary to take the tableted drug at least 4-5 times a day, one tablet. If the child is under three years of age, then half the dosage is prescribed. Often, the doctor prescribes taking Acyclovir tablets and ointment at the same time.

Acyclovir tablets and eye ointment are used to treat herpes viruses that have infected the cornea of ​​the eye. To do this, first take a tablet, and then put eye ointment behind the conjunctival sac 4-5 times a day. To treat the eyes, you can use Acyclovir and its analogues in the form of Zovirax and Fenistil-Pentsivir ointments.

How is Pentsivir used?

The cream is suitable for adults and children over 12 years of age. It is used externally in the area of ​​the lips and nasolabial triangle. For application, you can use a disposable applicator or a cotton swab. You can also simply squeeze the product onto your fingertip and gently apply it to the affected area, but in this case, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands before and after using the product.

In reviews of Pentsivir for herpes, people say that they use the product every 2 hours (about 8 times a day). This is right. This is exactly the recommendation given by the manufacturer. Duration of treatment – ​​4 days. During use there is a possibility of side effects. They manifest themselves in the form of tingling, burning, and numbness in the area where the drug is applied.

The drug has several contraindications:

• age up to 12 years;
• hypersensitivity to famciclovir, penciclovir, and auxiliary components of Pentsivir.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers should be careful when using the medicine. You cannot self-prescribe Pencivir during pregnancy and breastfeeding. A doctor's consultation is required.

Application of ointments

Antiherpetic ointments Acyclovir help prevent the formation of blistering rashes even at the itching stage.

External use of Acyclovir ointment or cream is recommended only for herpetic lesions of the red border of the lips or skin. They are not applied to the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, since they are not fixed on a moistened surface, and the level of penetration of the active components of the drug into the internal structures of the mucous membranes is too low.

It is recommended to apply the ointment at least 5 times a day. In severe forms of herpetic infection, it is recommended to be simultaneously treated with Acyclovir tablets and ointment, but only under the supervision of the attending physician . Since improper use of the drug can lead to the development of resistance of herpes viruses to Acyclovir, and a decrease in the effectiveness of the drug.

What is the herpes virus and why is it dangerous?

Hidden in the cells of neurons, the virus may not manifest itself for a long time.
According to the latest WHO data, 70% of the world population are carriers of the herpes virus type 1 (HSV1). This is only one of eight known to science, but the most common of them. Carriage does not mean disease; however, a person is often contagious, although he does not know it.

Hidden in the cells of neurons, the virus may not manifest itself for a long time - a healthy immune system copes with the “invader”. But as soon as it decreases due to stress, hypothermia or illness, the herpes virus begins to attack the body.

Having escaped immune control, the multiplied pathogens penetrate the axons into the epithelial cells, which infect them. HSV1 most often appears on the face: lips and surrounding mucous membranes (in the mouth or nasopharynx) in the form of blisters or sores, which we often call a cold. May affect eyes.

The second type of herpes virus has chosen the human genitals as its target. Manifestations of genital herpes cause the patient a lot of suffering. They can cause infertility, developmental pathologies and fetal death.

In people with severely weakened immune systems, herpes viruses types 1 and 2 can also infect other organs. First of all, the eyes and brain are at risk. Herpes virus type 4, cytomegalovirus, causes infectious mononucleosis. The authoritative medical journal The Lancet published a report linking cytomegalovirus with type 1 diabetes.

Many people do not want to spend money on medicines for “colds” and treat something that disappears spontaneously after a while. But this is a dangerous misconception.

Tablets work from the inside

Recent research by scientists has helped to find a connection between herpes infection and cancer, Alzheimer's disease and many other serious illnesses. It is impossible to completely destroy herpes viruses in the body, but it is possible and necessary to keep them under control with the help of medications.

These can be herpes pills that act from the inside, or a gel or ointment that helps cope with local manifestations of the disease. In our rating, we have collected the best medicines for herpes - tablets, gels, creams and ointments.

Price

Prices for tablets, ointments and creams vary depending on the region of residence and its level of pricing policy. On average, Acyclovir 200 and 400 mg tablets cost between 50 and 150 rubles.

The cost of the drug in the form of an ointment or cream varies from 20 to 70 rubles.

Numerous reviews from real people who use the presented drug to treat herpes viruses note that this medication is most effective in treatment during primary infection and in the first stages of development of recurrent pathology. If herpetic viruses develop resistance to the active components of the drug, it is recommended to consult a doctor to select more effective antiviral tablets or cream.

Sources:

Vidal : https://www.vidal.ru/drugs/aciclovir__4107 GRLS : https://grls.rosminzdrav.ru/Grls_View_v2.aspx?routingGu >

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Acyclovir for herpes is a reliable and inexpensive help for those who have been exposed to herpes infection. Effective for all types of herpes - skin, mucous, genital, shingles. It can be prescribed in the complex treatment of infections caused by the herpes virus in patients with HIV-positive status. Requires careful use and mandatory consultation with a specialist.

Indications and contraindications

The drug is suitable for combating several types of viral infections. Self-prescription of the drug is prohibited. Improper use can cause side effects or drive the disease deeper.

Indications

Acyclovir is recommended for the following diseases:

• infectious lesions of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the herpes virus - oral and genital herpes;
• HIV infection in the early stages;
• primary and secondary infection in viral diseases - herpes zoster, chickenpox. (Read about chickenpox in children here; about chickenpox in adults - in this article).

The drug is used for the prevention of:

• primary infection and relapses in patients with immunodeficiency;
• exacerbations of chronic infections in patients with good immunity.

Important! During treatment with Acyclovir, be sure to drink enough fluid so that the drug can be excreted by the kidneys. It is recommended to monitor the amount of creatinine in the blood plasma and clarify the blood urea concentration.

Contraindications

An antiviral agent is not recommended for:

• breastfeeding;
• children under three years old;
• severe renal failure.

Important! When taking acyclovir during pregnancy, the doctor evaluates how much the benefits of using the drug outweigh the possible risks to the fetus. The medication is recommended only as a last resort.

In what cases are Acyclovir tablets prescribed for herpes?

Patients with a weak immune system, after hypothermia, with regular stress, as well as with severe third-party diseases are mainly affected by the virus.

It is advisable to prescribe acyclovir against herpes:

• in case of infection of the skin and/or mucous membranes (both primary and recurrent forms, during the period of exacerbation);
• with primary and recurrent genital forms of infection;
• with herpes zoster;
• for chickenpox (therapy is effective in the first day after the appearance of the rash).

Treatment with Acyclovir is permitted for infections caused by the herpes virus, in HIV-infected patients, as well as in patients after organ transplantation. At the discretion of the physician, it is permissible to prescribe the drug to patients taking immunosuppressive drugs and undergoing chemotherapy.

Diagnosis of the disease

As a rule, making a diagnosis does not cause difficulties. There are no specific laboratory markers for its detection, and therefore doctors pay attention to the most characteristic clinical signs.

Among them are the mandatory criteria for the presence of the disease:

1. Severe itching of the skin.
2. Typical places for rashes are on the face and skin folds.
3. Presence of eczema-like rashes.
4. Chronic course.
5. Predisposition to atopy.

Additional diagnostic criteria for atopic dermatitis:

1. Increased dry skin
2. Ichthyosis.
3. The appearance of an immediate allergic reaction to allergen testing.
4. Increased susceptibility to skin diseases.
5. Protrusion of the cornea of ​​the eye.
6. The presence of immunoglobulin E in the blood serum in large quantities.

It is necessary to differentiate this disease from the following diseases:

• seborrheic and contact dermatitis;
• diseases associated with immunodeficiency;
• eczema;
• pityriasis rosea;
• scabies;
• disorders of tryptophan metabolism;

How does Acyclovir work on herpes?

The active substance acyclovir has antiviral and antiherpetic effects. Its structure is a synthetic analogue of thymidine nucleoside, which is classified as a natural component of DNA.

Viral DNA replication occurs in several ways:

1. After the tablet enters the patient’s body, a competitive substitution of triphosphate for acyclovir occurs in DNA synthesis.
2. The active substance of the drug is integrated into the synthesized viral DNA chain, thereby stopping its elongation.
3. The substance acyclovir introduced into the DNA chain inhibits viral enzymes.

As a result, the reproduction of the virus in the human body stops, and existing viral cells are destroyed.

It is important to note that the high selectivity of the action of acyclovir is due to the ability of the substance to accumulate in cells affected by the virus.

Acyclovir against herpes

The advantage of the drug over similar drugs is its following action:

• helps prevent the formation of new viral cells;
• significantly reduces the likelihood of developing skin dissemination;
• prevents visceral complications;
• accelerates the processes of crust formation and healing;
• reduces the manifestation of painful sensations.

In addition, the components of the drug can have an immunostimulating effect.

Acyclovir: 200 and 400 mg

How to take Acyclovir for herpes

Acyclovir for herpes is used in a dosage determined depending on the form of the disease and the degree of its neglect.

The drug is available in tablet form. Below are the recommended treatment regimens using the drug Acyclovir 200 mg:

1. In case of damage to the skin and mucous membranes. The dosage of Acyclovir is determined to be 1000 mg, divided into 5 doses per day. The optimal duration of treatment is 5 days. For more severe forms of the disease, a gradual increase in dose is permissible.
2. For herpes in HIV-infected people and for patients after organ transplantation. The recommended dose for adults is 400 mg, the number of daily doses is 5. The dosage for pediatric patients is halved.
3. For herpes zoster. Acyclovir for herpes in adults is prescribed in a dose of up to 800 mg every 6 hours. A similar dose is for children over six years of age, the frequency of administration is 4 times a day. For children under 6 years of age, a lower dose is prescribed, 400 mg no more than 4 times a day. On average, the therapeutic course is prescribed for 5 days.
4. For illness of any form in patients belonging to a special category (pregnant, lactating women, with impaired liver and kidney function, elderly patients). The minimum dose should be prescribed, no more than 200 mg every 12 hours.

Penciclovir in the treatment of labial herpes simplex

Viruses are thermolabile (at 37° they are inactivated within 2 hours, heating to 56° destroys them within 30 minutes), sensitive to ether, detergents, acids, and alcohol. The mechanism of infection with the herpes virus is quite simple. The virus enters human skin through airborne droplets or contact: upon contact with the affected skin or mucous membrane of a sick person, through the upper respiratory tract or genital skin. Next, it multiplies in the deep layers of the skin. In this case, the herpes virus causes the death of infected cells, the formation of blisters and a local inflammatory reaction. Recurrences of herpetic infections of the oral cavity manifest themselves predominantly in the form of herpes labialis (Fig. 2). According to experts, 18% of those infected suffer from this type of herpes. Herpes usually occurs during a cold. However, it is a mistake to consider a cold to be the cause of the resulting illnesses. Herpes is a completely independent disease and does not affect the course of acute respiratory infections or acute respiratory viral infections in any way. The fact is that the immune system weakened by a cold is not able to resist harmful bacteria and allows the virus to reach the surface without resistance, especially if the skin in the area of ​​the nose and lips is irritated. So any microtrauma in these areas can trigger a herpes rash. Various drugs have been proposed for the local treatment of labial herpes. Acyclovir, created in the 70s of the last century in the USA, became unique in its safety, effectiveness and selectivity of action. The drug was the “gold” standard of antiherpetic therapy, safe for use in all age groups, including newborns. The creation of acyclovir opened a new stage in the treatment of herpes. Acyclovir penetrates predominantly into a cell infected with a virus, where, under the influence of a virus-specific thymidine kinase, it transforms into an active form as a result of phosphorylation with the formation of mono-, di- and triphosphate. However, it has been found that 57% of patients suffering from recurrent herpes develop resistance to acyclovir during treatment or initially it does not have a therapeutic effect. The mechanism of resistance is associated with a decrease in the activity or absence of viral thymidine kinase, damage to the substrate specificity of this enzyme and the appearance of mutations in the DNA polymerase gene. Relatively recently, a new local antiherpetic agent appeared on the domestic market - 1% cream Fenistil® Pentsivir. 1 g of cream contains 10 mg of the active substance - penciclovir. This over-the-counter drug is recommended for adults and children over 12 years of age. Comparative characteristics of penciclovir and acyclovir are given in Table 1. Fenistil® Pencivir is a synthetic analogue of acyclic guanine nucleoside, chemically similar to acyclovir, however, the affinity of the drug for viral DNA polymerase is two orders of magnitude higher than that of acyclovir; penciclovir has high specificity for herpes infected cells, namely high affinity for thymidine kinase, which makes the drug more effective in some cases (for example, against some acyclovir-resistant strains of viruses). Even with a relatively late start of treatment, penciclovir (unlike acyclovir) successfully copes with generalized HSV infection. The spectrum of antiviral activity of penciclovir is the same as that of acyclovir, toxicity is less pronounced. Fenistil® Pencivir has a longer intracellular T1/2 (7–20 hours), which provides a more durable antiviral effect. Fenistil® Pencivir cream contains propylene glycol and cetomacrogol, which facilitate penetration of pencivir through the skin. Therefore, when the drug is applied topically, it quickly diffuses through its upper layers. Penciclovir quickly converts to penciclovir triphosphate, which effectively blocks viral replication. PCV-TP (active penciclovir) blocks the reproduction of viral DNA, which is necessary for the reproduction of new viral particles; penciclovir triphosphate persists in the infected cell for more than 12 hours (Fig. 3). In intact cells, penciclovir remains in an inactive state. To compare the effectiveness of acyclovir and penciclovir, we conducted a study in 28 patients with the labial form of herpes simplex and a disease duration of 24 to 72 hours. The diagnosis was based on patient complaints and the characteristic clinical picture. The age of the patients (11 men and 17 women) ranged from 15 to 45 years. The number of relapses per year ranged from 2 to 12. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups of 14 people. Both groups used external monotherapy. Patients of the first group received therapy with 1% Fenistil® Pencivir cream, and the second - 5% cream with acyclovir. According to the instructions, Fenistil® Pencivir cream was prescribed every 2 hours during the waking period, cream with acyclovir was used 5 times a day. Based on the data obtained during the study, it was revealed that in patients of group 2 who used acyclovir cream, the regression of clinical symptoms was insignificant, regardless of the timing of prescription. Clinical recovery occurred on average on the 8th–10th day. In patients treated with 1% Fenistil® Pencivir cream, clinical recovery occurred on days 3–7. With a more thorough study, this scatter turned out to be directly related to the frequency of relapse, i.e. in patients with rare relapses, the recovery period was from 3 to 5 days, and with frequent ones from 5 to 7 days, which is on average 5 days faster than in the group comparisons. Fenistil Pencivir 1% cream gave a more pronounced therapeutic effect in relieving mild acute manifestations - 1-2 relapses per year and moderate severity - 3-4 exacerbations per year. It was also noted that in both cases, the effect of treatment was greater if the cream was started on the 1st–2nd day of relapse. The same applies to the dynamics of individual indicators, such as the disappearance of subjective symptoms, vesicles, crust formation and complete epithelization. Similar results were obtained earlier during a double randomized study by Prof. A.A. Haldin. The tolerability of topical application of 1% Fenistil® Pencivir cream was assessed positively by all patients. In no case did any adverse skin reactions or other side effects develop. Thus, when comparing the two drugs, the greatest effectiveness was found in penciclovir 1% cream in comparison with acyclovir 5% cream. Fenistil Pencivir, as monotherapy, is the drug of choice for the treatment of labial herpes at the peak of exacerbation, when the use of systemic agents is inappropriate. In conclusion, I would like to draw attention to the fact that areas of the skin and mucous membranes affected by herpes should not be touched with hands, and if this is necessary (for example, when applying a medicinal cream or ointment), then hands should be washed with warm water and soap before and after the procedure . However, with the modern rhythm of life, this is not always possible. Experts have taken this nuance into account: now Fenistil® Pencivir is produced not only in packaging already familiar to customers, but also in a new one, which has no analogues on the pharmaceutical market: a plastic case with a mirror contains a tube of the drug (2.0 g) complete with 20 disposable applicators. With their help, the cream can be applied in any environment (at work, on the road, at home, and on a business trip), maintaining the accuracy of application and without fear of infecting the product packaging or hands. In short, the new Fenistil® Pentsivir today is rightfully among the most effective and safe antiherpetic drugs.

References 1. Samgin M.A., Khaldin A.A. Herpes simplex: dermatological aspects. M.: MEDpress-inform, 2002, 160 p. 2. Khaldin A.A., Samgin M.A., Baskakova D.V. Local therapy of herpes simplex: PRO and CONTRA // Herpes. 2007, no. 2, p. 4–10. 3. Khaldin A.A. A comparative double randomized study of the effectiveness of 1% Fenistil Pencivir cream and acyclovir cream. MMA im. Sechenova I.M. 2006. 4. Platonov A.V., Kozlova A.V., Resnyanskaya G.V. Experience of using 1% fenistil pencivir cream in relieving exacerbations of herpes simplex., III-I interdisciplinary scientific and practical conference: “Modern methods of diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases and sexually transmitted infections”, Abstracts, p. 29, Kazan, 2010 5 Khaldin A. A., Ignatiev D. V., Shestakova L. A. Therapeutic possibilities of 1% penciclovir cream in relieving exacerbations of herpes simplex of various localizations, Attending physician No. 3, 2011 6. Kazantseva I.A. Comparison of the effectiveness of acyclovir and penciclovir in the local treatment of recurrent herpes of the lips in adolescents. Current issues in experimental, clinical and preventive dentistry: a collection of scientific papers of the Volgograd State Medical University. – Volgograd: LLC “Blank”, 2008. – 346 p.: ill. – (Issue No. 1, Volume No. 65) 7. Hasler-Nguyen N., Shelton D., Ponard G., Bader M., Schaffrik M., Mallefet P. Evaluation of the in vitro skin permeation of antiviral drugs from penciclovir 1 % cream and acyclovir 5% cream used to treat herpes simplex virus infection // Dermatology, BMC, 2009, v. 9:3.

Contraindications of the drug

It is strictly unacceptable for patients under three years of age to take Acyclovir and if the body is individually immune to the components of the composition.

Use with caution and only at the discretion of the doctor in therapy during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is important to consider that the active ingredient of the drug can penetrate into breast milk in high concentrations and accumulate in it. If alternative therapy does not have the desired effect, you should refrain from breastfeeding while taking pills during treatment.

The drug should be used under constant medical supervision in patients:

• with dehydration;
• with renal failure;
• with severe liver pathologies.

In a special group are elderly patients. It is recommended to prescribe the minimum dosage of the drug in treatment.

About the masking effect

A cream with a tinting effect camouflages due to its color. The color of the product is beige, sometimes brownish.

In reviews of Pentsivir for herpes, you can find people’s opinions that ordinary cosmetics are also suitable for masking imperfections. In reality this is not the case. You should not use simple cosmetics, as there is a risk of infection in the bursting blisters. When herpes is complicated, it is more difficult to cure. It is “Pentsivir” with a tinting effect that is recommended to be used if you want to hide all the imperfections that have arisen on the lips due to herpes.

Side effects

Taking Acyclovir may be accompanied by adverse reactions:

• abdominal pain;
• nausea;
• vomiting;
• bowel dysfunction (in most patients - in the form of diarrhea);
• a sharp increase in liver enzymes;
• hyperbilirubinemia;
• leukopenia;
• erythropenia;
• headache;
• dizziness;
• general malaise, weakness;
• rapid fatigue;
• drowsiness during the day;
• tremor;
• hallucinations.

It is extremely rare that the active substance of the drug causes allergic reactions.

Causes

The leading role in the development of the disease is genetic predisposition, excessive sensitivity to various substances (both proteins and substances of a different chemical nature).

The following are the causes of atopic dermatitis:

1. Genetic predisposition. If anyone in the family suffers from bronchial asthma, dermatitis, or allergic reactions, then there is a very high risk of developing dermatological pathologies. After all, people can inherit a tendency to disease. Note that genetic sensitivity is transmitted only through the mother.
2. Environmental factors - such as water and air pollution.
3. Poor nutrition.
4. Consumption of a significant amount of fast food , products with chemical additives.
5. Consumption of antibiotics and the associated increase in drug resistance of pathogens of infectious diseases.
6. Stress and emotional overload.
7. Sedentary lifestyle.
8. The presence of allergens - house dust, animal hair, mites, contact with synthetic substances.
9. Climate change.

Analogs

Acyclovir for herpes is considered very effective, but among the wide pharmacy range you can find several other high-quality medicines. The best analogues of Acyclovir include Zovirax and Valacyclovir.

Zovirax

Zovirax is an equally effective way to treat herpes - taking Zovirax tablets. The composition is based on a similar substance, acyclovir. A powerful antiviral drug, the action of the main component is highly selective. It is able to integrate into the viral DNA chain, preventing further spread of the virus and the death of existing cells.

In patients with positive HIV status, long-term use of the medication is not recommended. According to clinical data, long-term therapy may result from the development of resistant strains. In this case, the therapeutic course will be ineffective.

It is used in the treatment of diseases caused by herpes viruses of various forms:

• infectious lesions of the skin and mucous membranes;
• genital;
• girdling;
• chicken pox.

It can be used not only for treatment, but also for the prevention of diseases caused by the herpes virus.

The treatment regimen is identical to Acyclovir. Can be prescribed for the treatment of children from one year of age.

Compared to the original, the analogue differs significantly in cost. 25 Zovirax tablets can be purchased for approximately 560 rubles