Acyclovir

Acyclovir

Uses

Used to treat herpes zoster, genital herpes, and herpes simplex. It also helps to relieve pain and speed the healing of sores in those with chicken pox.

Acyclovir is the most widely prescribed antiviral drug in the world. It is used to treat shingles (herpes zoster), genital herpes, and fever blisters and cold sores associated with herpes simplex. It does not prevent or cure herpes, but it helps to relieve the pain and speed the healing of sores and prevent the outbreak of genital herpes. In some cases, Acyclovir can also be used to treat oral hairy leukoplakia and has been shown to stop the growth of the Varicella zoster virus, Epstein Barr Virus, and Cytomegalovirus.

Dosing

Acyclovir comes as a tablet, a capsule, and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It can be taken with or without food for 5 to10 days, starting as soon as possible after symptoms begin. To prevent genital herpes, Acyclovir is usually taken two to five times a day for up to a year. It should be taken around the same time each day. Aciclovir is also available as a cold-sore cream for the lips and face. It should be applied at the first sign of infection, and should be rubbed on the affected area every four hours for five days.

Side Effects

Side effects are generally mild and not common. They may include nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever, confusion, muscle aches and itchy skin. In rare cases, there can be more serious side effects, such as hives, rash or blisters, itching, difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs, hoarseness, fast heartbeat, weakness, pale skin, difficulty sleeping, fever, blood in the urine, stomach pain or cramps, bloody diarrhea, or decreased urination. If you experience one or more of the more serious side effects, notify your doctor immediately.

Notes of Precaution

The Aciclovir cream should not be used in the mouth or mucous membranes.

Acyclovir should be stored at room temperature.

If you are pregnant or plan to be pregnant, notify your doctor before taking Acyclovir. However, there has been no demonstrated link between Acyclovir use and birth defects in fetuses.

Notify your physician if you have kidney disease before using Acyclovir.

Do not have sexual intercourse during an outbreak of genital herpes (but note that genital herpes can still be transmitted even if you are not having an outbreak).",1,NULL,"acyclovir",NULL,0,2,NULL 776,"Valacyclovir","Uses

Prescribed to treat shingles (herpes zoster), genital herpes and cold sores associated with herpes virus.

Valacyclovir (Brand Name: Valtrex) is an oral drug that is prescribed to treat the family of herpes virus infections. It helps to reduce the spread of herpes and lessen the symptoms associated with herpes, such as pain, burning, tingling, tenderness, and itching. It may also help to heal sores and prevent new ones from forming. It is used to treat shingles (herpes zoster), cold sores and fever blisters associated with oral herpes and genital herpes. It is a prodrug -- it is not active itself. Rather, it is converted to acyclovir in the body, and it is the acyclovir that is active against the herpes viruses.

Dosing

Dosing regimens are variable. For shingles (herpes zoster), valacyclovir is often prescribed at a dose of 500mg every 8 hours for a week. To treat genital herpes, 500mg twice a day for 3-5 days may be prescribed. For recurrences of orofacial herpes, 2000mg every 12 hours for a single day is effective. The drug can be taken with or without food. For any of the herpes infections valacyclovir is most effective if it is started immediately after onset of symptoms . within

Side Effects

Side effects most commonly include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, mild to moderate stomach pain, and constipation. Serious but rare side effects include rash, itching, confusion, yellowness of the skin or eyes, fever, and blood in the urine. If you experience one of the serious side effects, notify your doctor immediately.

Notes of Precaution

Before taking valacyclovir, tell your doctor if you are allergic to acyclovir, valacyclovir or other drugs.

Probenecid (Benemid) or cimetidine (Tagamet) may increase the risk of side effects of valacyclovir.

Do not have sexual intercourse during an outbreak of genital herpes (but note that genital herpes can still be transmitted even if you are not having an outbreak).

Valacyclovir should be stored at room temperature.

Before taking Valacyclovir, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to be pregnant.