Acyclovir belongs to the class of drugs called antivirals which are used to treat viral infections. Usually, these drugs work only against similar kinds of virus infections. Acyclovir is sold under various brand names. Sitavig (brand name) is only used for the treatment of cold sores on the lips not in the genital area.
In this blog, we will talk about Acyclovir, its uses, and other important information concerning this drug.
What is Acyclovir?
Acyclovir is an FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved drug. Acyclovir antiviral drug works by retarding the growth and spread of herpes simplex virus in the body. It does not cure herpes infections but it can definitely improve symptoms.
Acyclovir is a prescription medication so it is only available with a doctor’s prescription. Acyclovir comes in various dosage forms including Acyclovir tablets, capsules, suspension, solution, and powder for solutions.
Acyclovir Uses
It is used to treat infections caused by certain viruses. Acyclovir medication is prescribed to improve symptoms and encourage healing in patients suffering from genital herpes, oral herpes, shingles, and chickenpox. Sometimes this medication is also used to avert genital herpes outbreaks in patients who are exposed to the virus.
Acyclovir is also prescribed to decrease the number of future episodes in patients with frequent outbreaks. It decreases the severity of infection and the length of the outbreaks. It allows faster sore healing, decreases pain or itching, and prevents new sore formation. Acyclovir also helps reduce the pain after the sores heal.
Acyclovir medication can be prescribed for these conditions
- Herpes zoster
- Herpes zoster prophylaxis
- Varicella zoster
- Varicella zoster prophylaxis
- Herpes simplex mucocutaneous/immunocompetent host
- Herpes simplex mucocutaneous immunocompromised host
- Herpes simplex encephalitis
- Herpes simplex labialis
- Herpes simplex congenital
- Herpes simplex suppression
- Herpes zoster iridocyclitis
- Herpes zoster peripheral neuropathy
- Herpes zoster meningitis
- Herpes zoster otitis externa
- Herpes zoster myelitis
- Varicella pneumonitis
Acyclovir medication can be used to treat and prevent many herpes virus infections. Depending on the particular condition, a larger or smaller dosage of this drug can be prescribed. Multiple various doses of Acyclovir are prescribed to treat various infections and conditions.
Moreover, In people with a weak immune system, Acyclovir medication can help diminish the possibility of spreading the infection to other body parts and resulting in severe infections.
Genital Herpes (herpes simplex virus)
Genital herpes is a common infection known as sexually transmitted infection. It passes through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Just like any other sexually transmitted infection, herpes infection is highly spreadable and can be passed by any direct contact with the infected areas of the body.
Genital Herpes infection seems like small blisters or red color sores on the genitals, anus, bottom, or thighs. Acyclovir is used to treat herpes outbreaks or prevent the infection.
Shingles (varicella-zoster virus)
Shingles is a painful condition that is caused by varicella zoster virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone can get exposed to this virus however older people are more prone to this infection. Acyclovir is prescribed to treat shingles and curtail the severity and length of the infection.
Cold sores
Acyclovir is a common medication for the treatment of cold sores. Your doctor may prescribe Acyclovir 200 mg or 400 mg depending on the condition. Acyclovir topical cream can be purchased over the counter and you can directly apply it on the cold sores.
Acyclovir 5% cream is the first-line treatment for recurrent outbreaks of cold sores. Sometimes Acyclovir tablets are more effective than topical cream. However, the tablets are usually prescribed to treat more severe cold sore outbreaks.
Varicella Zoster Viruses
Acyclovir is considerably effective against varicella zoster or chickenpox in normal adults as well as immunocompromised patients. Chickenpox treatment with oral Acyclovir medication effectively decreases the number of pox lesions and shortens the duration of new lesion development.
Most significantly, children treated with oral Acyclovir started to feel better soon and had fewer symptoms of chickenpox such as fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. Acyclovir medication stops the replication of the varicella-zoster virus and is capable enough to eliminate the virus and improve symptoms more rapidly.
Is Acyclovir Used For Fungal Infections?
Acyclovir (Zovirax) is a common antiviral treatment prescribed to treat viral infections. Acyclovir is not a suitable treatment option for fungal infections such as thrush which means it will not help ease the symptoms of cure thrush.
Thrush is a fungal infection that can usually be treated with antifungal drugs. Amoxicillin Nystatin (Mycostatin) antifungal agent is topically applied to treat fungal infections like oral candidiasis. Usually, Fluconazole (Diflucan) and Ketoconazole are taken orally to treat fungal infections. Talk to your healthcare provider to know about the right treatment for fungal infections.
Does Acyclovir Work Effectively Against Viral Infections?
Definitely yes. Acyclovir is tremendously effective for treating and preventing viral infections caused by herpes viruses. It is essential to take Acyclovir exactly as recommended by your healthcare professional.
Acyclovir works best when the level of the drug inside the body is maintained at a constant level. Take this medicine at evenly spaced intervals and stick to your prescription recommendations.
Make sure you take Acyclovir until the prescribed amount of time. Do not skip doses, modify your dosing schedule or amount of dose, and do not stop taking this drug without asking your doctor. If you fail to take this medicine as advised by your healthcare provider, it may not work as effectively as it should.
How Long Does It Take For Acyclovir To Work?
If you begin with Acyclovir treatment soon after the symptoms appear, usually the outbreak disappears within one or two days. If you are taking Acyclovir for the first time, probably you need to take it for around 10 days. The results of treatment are not always prompt, so make sure you complete the course of treatment as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
In case of a recurring outbreak, it is recommended to begin with Acyclovir treatment immediately as you notice the symptoms. Signs of a looming recurrent outbreak include itching or tingling sensation. If you begin with Acyclovir soon after you notice these signs the associated blisters may not develop.
What is The Correct Way To Use Acyclovir?
Acyclovir is easy to use, however it is important to take this drug correctly. It can be taken with or without food as your doctor suggests. Taking this medicine with meals helps reduce the possibility of side effects such as upset stomach, vomiting, and nausea.
Swallow the tablet with a large glass of water. It is recommended to drink plenty of water and fluids throughout the treatment as it is essential to stay well hydrated while taking this medicine.
It is suggested to begin with Acyclovir if you notice herpes symptoms such as a burning sensation, visible blisters, and pain during intercourse or urination. Continue the treatment until the prescribed amount of the drug is finished. Do not change or skip doses and do not stop taking the drug early without consulting your doctor.
If your doctor has prescribed you buccal tablets for cold sore treatment, never chew, suck, swallow, or crush the buccal tablet. Carefully fix the flat side of the buccal tablet against the upper gum. Now let the buccal tablet dissolve inside your mouth. while the tablet is placed inside your mouth, you can normally eat and drink.
If you mistakenly skipped a dose take it immediately as you get to know about it. If you remember about the missed dose when it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and continue with the next one. Never take the two doses of this medicine together. It helps maintain the required levels of drugs in the body that help you combat the viral infection more efficiently.
In case you have consumed too many Acyclovir tablets, talk to your healthcare professional immediately. It can lead to drug overdose and symptoms include effects on the intestines, stomach, and nervous system (confusion). If your condition does not get better or get worse speak to your doctor for further guidance.
If you forgot the instructions given by your doctor or you are not sure about how to take Acyclovir medicine correctly, read the prescription label and stick to the directions given on it.
What is The Most Significant Information You Should Have About Acyclovir?
Before you start the Acyclovir treatment, tell your healthcare professional if you have any kind of health issues. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, or any other ingredient of this drug. It is not recommended to take Acyclovir buccal tablets if you are allergic to milk proteins.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your doctor may prescribe Acyclovir during pregnancy if it is clearly needed. If you have a genital lesion during the delivery, the herpes virus can be transferred to your baby during childbirth. Thus it is highly important to prevent herpes lesions during pregnancy. Make sure you take the prescribed medicines to best manage your infection.
Acyclovir is not recommended for children younger than 2 years of age. Inform your doctor if you have or ever had kidney disease or a weak immune system due to some disease or using certain medicines.
Possible Side Effects of Acyclovir
Most of the time, the risk of side effects increases if you do not use the medication properly. Seek immediate medical attention if serious side effects occur such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling around your face, tongue, lips, or throat.
Call your healthcare professional if you notice changes in behavior, hallucinations, confusion, easy bruising or bleeding, red or purple pinpoint spots under the skin, itching, rash, nausea, vomiting, headache, mild skin pain, or mouth pain while using a buccal tablet.
Inform your doctor if you have signs of a kidney problem such as painful or difficult urination, little or no urination, swelling in your ankles or feet, and feeling tired or breath shortness.
Can You Use Acyclovir to Treat a Fungal Infection?
No, as mentioned above, Acyclovir is not the right treatment for fungal infections as it is an antiviral drug. Treatment of a fungal infection consists of antifungal medication, and self and supportive care for symptomatic management of infection.
Mostly Aciclovir is considered a safe and fruitful treatment to treat and prevent viral infections caused by herpes viruses such as genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chickenpox.
The dosage and form of Acyclovir depend on the condition, that needs to be treated, the severity of the infection, and the patient’s response to the treatment. Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribed to ensure the safety and efficiency of the treatment and avoid complications.
There are many treatment options available for the treatment of fungal infections. You can buy antifungal creams which are usually available over the counter and you can apply directly to the affected area. Amphotericin B is a common antifungal drug that is FDA-approved to treat infections caused by various fungi such as histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis.
Your doctor may prescribe you stronger prescription medications that work faster to treat the infection and manage the symptoms. Oral medicines can be prescribed if the fungal infection is severe.
