Acyclovir (200 mg, 400 mg, 800 mg)
Acyclovir is actually a synthetic nucleoside analogue which tends to interfereor rather hinder the replication of the herpes viruses. Acyclovir as a drug is used in the treatment of shingles, chickenpox &genital herpes. Acyclovir being an antiviral drug tends to slow down the growth & the spread of herpes virus in the human body. Basically this drug does not cure herpes, rather it tends to lessen the infection symptoms. Acyclovir is available in the tablet form and available in doses of 200, 400 & 800 mg strengths. When it comes to the liquid suspension, it is available in strength of 200 mg per 5 ml.
Composition of Acyclovir Medicine
The chemical name for acyclovir is 9-[(2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl] guanine. This drug is also known by another name that is acycloguanosine. When it comes to the molecular formula, it is given as C8H11N503 with the molecular mass being 225.2. Acyclovir appears in the form of a white coloured crystalline powder having a maximum solubility of 1.3 milligram per millilitre of water at 25°C.
Uses of Acyclovir Medicine
Acyclovir is used in the treatment of infections which might be caused as a result of certain types of virus. Acyclovir tends to treat cold sores in and around the mouth which might be the case in case of herpes simplex or shingles which might have been a result of herpes zoster& chickenpox. This medication can also be used in the treatment of genital herpes outbreak where it is used for the purpose of pain alleviation, as well as reducing the number of future outbreaks. Being an antiviral drug, Acyclovir does not cure any infection as such and the viruses tend to continue living in the body while the herpes outbreaks happen. Acyclovir actually decreases the severity & length of the outbreaks which cause the suffering while also aiding the faster healing, avoiding the formation of newer sores, and while decreasing the pain and itching. In case of people with a very weak immune system, this drug tends to reduce the risk of the disease spreading to the other body parts so as to avoid the infections.
Acyclovir Medicine Side Effects
Acyclovir medicine when consumed, tends to give the following severe side effects:
- Hives
- Difficulty in breathing
- Some degree of swelling on the face, lips, throat or tongue
- Easy bruising or kind of bleeding, or formation of purple or red kind of pinpoint spots under the skin
- Signs of kidney problems with little or sometimes no urination
- Painful or difficulty in urination
- Swelling in the feet or in the ankles
- Feeling of tiredness or shortness of breath.
Acyclovir medicine when consumed, tends to give the following common side effects:
- Nausea or vomiting
- diarrhea
- general feeling of illlness
- headaches
- mouth pain
Contraindications of Acyclovirmedicine
Acyclovir should not be used by one, if he/she is allergic to valacycloviror acyclovir or to the milk proteins.
Pregnancy and Acyclovir Medicine
Acyclovir is an FDA pregnancy cat B drug and does not cause any harm to an unborn baby. However, doctor should be kept in the loop about the pregnancy. Acyclovir can pass into into breast milk & may harm the infant being nursed.