Acyclovir is a nucleotide analog antiviral drug. It is a virostatic medication that belongs to a class of antivirals. This agent is used to treat infections associated with herpes simplex virus (HSV). FDA-approved Acyclovir medication to treat genital herpes and herpes simplex virus encephalitis. It is also prescribed to treat varicella zoster (chickenpox), herpes zoster (shingles), and mucocutaneous HSV.
Acyclovir Overview
Acyclovir works by preventing the spread of herpes virus inside the body. It effectively treats the symptoms of shingles, chickenpox, herpes infections of the skin, genitals, brain, and mucous membranes, and common herpes virus infections in newborns. It is also prescribed to put off recurrent genital herpes infections. Antiviral drugs such as Acyclovir may be used to treat some STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) but these may not eradicate the virus.
Let’s understand if Acyclovir drug treatment can cure STDs.
Understanding STDs and Their Causes
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States, millions of people are affected by sexually transmitted diseases or infections. Sometimes, people do not even realize that they are affected by sexually transmitted infections as many people do not experience symptoms. However, that does not mean that the infection is not affecting their health.
STDs are transmitted during sexual contact by sexual partners, particularly through direct contact with skin, anus, genitals, and mouth. These infections can be caused by certain bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Viral infections including genital herpes, HIV, and genital warts can be treated but can not be cured.
Penile symptoms of an STD include:
- Burning sensation or pain during urination
- Strong urge to urinate more frequently than usual
- Feeling pain during ejaculation
- Unusual foul-smelling, colored discharge from the penis
- Sores, bumps, or blisters on the penis or genitals
Common Types of STDs
The most widespread STDs in the US include:
Herpes (genital herpes)
Herpes infections are caused by Herpes Simplex Virus. The symptoms are pain, itching, red-colored or fluid-filled bumps, and ulcers that may leave scabs. You can transmit herpes infection to others even if you do not have a sore or any symptoms. The treatment of herpes involves antivirals such as Acyclovir. It treats herpes outbreaks however currently there is no cure for these infections.
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
It is caused by a bunch of viruses that are transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact including oral, anal, and vaginal sex. The symptoms are itching around the penis, cauliflower-shaped warts, and small areas of swelling around the penis. A person may pass the infection if they are not experiencing symptoms. The virus can be acquired through abrasion, small tears, or cuts in the skin.,
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Symptoms of an HIV infection include rash, fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. As the infection progresses symptoms become worse. HIV infection is known to contract more frequently in males who have sex with othermakes as a risk of transmission from anal sex. It is not a curable disease however it can be treated with various medications to prevent the virus replication and taking over the body cells.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is caused by bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is the most widespread bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the US. Chlamydia symptoms include penile discharge, pain while urinating, and pain in the lower abdomen. It is also known as silent infection as many people who acquire it do not realize that they have it. It can be spread through all types of sexual intercourse including vaginal sex, anal sex, and oral sex. The treatment involves antibiotics.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. It is a treatable sexually transmitted infection. The symptoms in females include vaginal itching, burning, discharge, redness, soreness in the genitals, and discomfort during sexual intercourse. In males, the symptoms include irritation or itching inside the penis, a burning sensation after peeing and ejaculating, discomfort during urination, and discharge from the penis. Trichomoniasis is spread through vaginal, oral, and anal sex and rarely it can be transmitted during delivery. Usually, it is treated with antibiotics.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is caused by bacteria and it can affect the genitals, rectum, throat, and other body parts. Gonorrhea symptoms include pain in the testicles, yellow or green discharge, and a burning sensation during urination. It is a common STD that can be effectively treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, it can cause serious health issues and may increase the risk of getting HIV.
Acyclovir: Mechanism of Action
How Acyclovir Works Against Viruses
Acyclovir belongs to the antivirals that discontinue the spread of the herpes virus in the body. It decreases the production of the DNA of the virus. The Herpes virus stays inside the body even between the outbreaks. Acyclovir reduces the severity and extent of herpes outbreaks. It allows the sores to heal faster, decreases pain or itching, and prevents the new sores from developing.
Specific Viruses Trageted by Acyclovir
Acyclovir inhibits the replication of herpes viruses, including herpes simplex viruses, herpes zoster, varicella zoster, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-bar virus. Various types of herpes viruses are vulnerable to Acyclovir to varying degrees. Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) is the most susceptible to Acyclovie, while herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2) is less so.
Acyclovir And Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
Acyclovir helps reduce pain associated with HSV infections and speed up the healing of blisters or sores. It effectively treats initial and repeat outbreaks of genital herpes. Acyclovir is a more potent inhibitor of viral DNA polymerase. Episodic antiviral therapy with Acyclovir during the outbreaks can help shorten the duration of lesions on the other hand, suppressive antiviral therapy can prevent recurrences.
Efficacy in Managing Outbreaks (initial and recurrent genital herpes) and Symptoms
Acyclovir effectively helps manage the symptoms of herpes virus infections and outbreaks in many ways:
Treat genital herpes:
Acyclovir is a cheap, effective, and safe treatment for genital herpes symptoms.
Control recurrences:
Acyclovir can lessen the frequency of recurrences of genital herpes by up to 80% and prevent them in most patients.
Decrease shedding:
It can effectively decrease the frequency of HSV shedding to a great extent.
Inhibit reactivation:
Preventative Acyclovir can prevent the reactivation of herpes labialis after facial surgery, and exposure to sun and ultraviolet radiation.
Prevention of Transmission
Acyclovir helps prevent the spread of genital herpes infection but it may not cure it completely. It can significantly reduce the chances of transmitting genital herpes to other people by up to 75% when taken properly.
Other Viral Infections That Can Be Treated with Acyclovir
Acyclovir Treats Shingles And Chickenpox
Shingles and Chickenpox can be treated with Acyclovir however these are not STDs. Shingles infection is caused by varicella zoster virus which also causes chickenpox. But it is not the same virus that causes cold sores and genital herpes infections.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is an extremely transmittable disease that trans, its through direct contact with an infected person or through air from their sneeze or cough. The infection can also be transmitted by touching the infected person’s stuff such as clothes.
If the child or sufferer is at high risk of possible complications, your healthcare provider may prescribe an antiviral medication (such as Acyclovir) to combat the virus. It helps lessen the associated symptoms. Antivirals (Acyclovir) work best for chickenpox when taken within 24 hours of the rash appearing. Acyclovir reduces the frequency of fever due to chickenpox in otherwise healthy children with rare or no adverse effects.
Shingles
Shingles infection involves a red rash, blisters, fatigue, muscle aches, fever, nausea, vomiting, shivers, and more symptoms. Usually, the rash appears in a spiral around the abdominal area however it may also develop on the face or other areas of the body.
Shingles are not spread from the infected person to other healthy people. On the other hand, you can acquire chickenpox from someone infected with chickenpox or shingles through direct contact with their rash or rash fluid.
Currently, there is no cure available for shingles but it can be treated with antivirals. Antiviral medications such as Acyclovir help reduce the severity of symptoms and the risk of associated complications. Antivirals work most effectively when taken as soon as the rash appears (within 3 days).
Limitation of Acyclovir
Acyclovir effectively treats herpes infections however it does not treat other common STDs such as Chlamydia, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, etc. Bacteria STDs can be treated with antibiotic medications. Viral STDs may not be cured completely but medication can help manage symptoms. Do not treat an STD or STI yourself without consulting a doctor. These infections are serious and contagious, so you see the doctor for effective treatment.
If your healthcare professional has prescribed antibiotics to treat a sexually transmitted disease make sure you take the medication till the suggested period even if symptoms improve early. Also, never take some other person’s medication to treat such infections as it can make it more difficult to treat the infection.
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia
These are the common STDs that are treated with antibiotic medications, not antivirals. If you are diagnosed with gonorrhea or chlamydia or you have been exposed to these infections you should take the prescribed medication even if you do not have active symptoms. Your intimate partners also require treatment regardless of whether they have developed symptoms.
After taking the proper medication, get tested again after 3 months to ensure the infection has cleared up. Failed or untreated STDs can cause permanent damage to your reproductive organs and fertility.
Importance of Accurate Diagnosis And Appropriate Treatment
If you have been tested for an STI, it’s vital to see a healthcare professional for the proper treatment. There is nothing to hide or be shy. You may feel a bit uncomfortable talking about STDs but that ok. Always remember, that healthcare professionals are there to help you, it’s common for them to see and hear it all.
How Often Do You Need to Get Tested for STDs?
As these infections are common, it’s better to get tested regularly if you are sexually active because these infections do not always come with symptoms. How frequently you should get screened varies from person to person.
You should get screened regularly if you:
- Have multiple sex partners
- Are pregnant
- Are a male having sex with males
- Have unprotected sex
- Have a sexual partner with STI or STD
Can Acyclovir Treat STDs? Alternative Treatments for STDs
Sexually transmitted diseases are usually treated with antivirals, antibiotics, and antiparasitics. Below are some examples of the medications that are commonly prescribed to treat widespread STDs.
- Chlamydia (Azithromycin, Amoxicillin, Erythromycin, Doxycycline)
- Gonorrhea (Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin, Ceftriaxone, Doxycycline)
- Syphilis (Erythromycin, Ceftriaxone, Penicillin, Doxycycline)
- Hepatitis B (certain antivirals can significantly help combat the virus and prevent liver damage)
- HIV (antiretroviral therapy is the finest treatment to improve health)
Doxy-PEP (Doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis) is an antibiotic drug that is prescribed to take after having unprotected sex to prevent bacterial STIs. It effectively reduces the incidence of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. However, this drug may not be effective for cisgender women or people assigned to female at birth.
Most STIs can be effectively cured without any risk of long-term complications however some like HIV may necessitate lifelong treatment. Using latex condoms or taking other STI preventative measures can lessen your risk of developing STIs.
Importance of Consulting Healthcare Providers for STIs
Even though having safer sex is great for reducing STD transmission but its not the perfect one. Regular screening is the utmost way to take charge of your reproductive health. It’s extremely important to consult your doctor for STD testing.
If you are suspicious you have an STD, look for a testing center near you. Get in touch with them as soon as possible to avoid long-term effects. If you think your partner may have an STD, you should visit a testing center in case you have unprotected sex.
To know what type of STD tests you should have, discuss your sexual risk honestly with your healthcare provider. Inform your doctor if you are just visiting for preventive screening or if you might have been exposed to an STD.
Tell your healthcare professional whether you practice receptive anal sex as it can increase your risk of developing many sexually transmitted diseases that need special testing. For example, to test for the signs of HPV-associated anal cancer, an anal Pap smear can be used. Additionally, discuss if you reliably practice safer sex for vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It will allow your healthcare provider to assess your risk better.
Conclusion
Acyclovir antiviral therapy is used to treat herpes simplex virus infections. It is FDA-approved to treat genital herpes and HSV encephalitis. Moreover, it can treat varicella zoster, herpes zoster, and mucocutaneous HSV. This antiviral drug is used to reduce pain and speed up healing.
STDs are more common than you might assume and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, millions of people get affected by these infections. If you notice any sign of an STD or feel that you have a risk of transmission, get tested promptly. Talk to your doctor to avoid any complications. Make sure you are honest with your healthcare provider while explaining your symptoms and sexual history.
