Aciclovir

Aciclovir is an antiviral medication used for the symptomatic relief of pain and swelling. It increases the healing rate of blisters, scabs or sores in patients suffering from a viral infection such as varicella or chickenpox, herpes zoster or shingles, and first-time or repeat outbreaks of genital herpes. It is used to prevent a second outbreak of genital herpes in patients who have been initially infected by the virus.

Aciclovir belongs to a class of antiviral medication known as synthetic nucleoside analogues. This medication blocks the replication of viruses within the body, thereby decreasing the viral load leading to a decrease in the severity of symptoms and modulation of the immune system that can help counter the effects of the viral infection.

Aciclovir is an antiviral medication belonging to a class of drugs collectively called synthetic nucleoside analogues. These drugs chemically interact with the viral replication process by competing with and inhibiting the enzymes that are responsible for viral replication. As a result, the virus is unable to replicate, leading to a decrease in the viral load inside the body. It does not interact with the healthy cells of the body and only targets specific viral enzymes. In this way, symptoms of the viral infection can be managed, and long-term treatment for infections in immunocompromised individuals becomes possible.

It must be noted that this medication stops the recurrence of infection by the Herpes Simplex Virus in the body but does not prevent its spread to other people via sexual contact.

Aciclovir provides symptomatic relief from viral infections and decreases the viral load in the body by blocking the replication of the virus. In this way, it can

• Decrease Pain, Swelling and Inflammation During Infection
• Decrease the Viral Load And Reduce Symptoms of Infection
• Increase Healing of Sore, Blisters and Scabs
• Prevent Second Outbreak of Viral Infection
• Treat Viral Infections in Immunocompromised Patients
• Prevent Viral Infection in Immunocompromised Patients.

Aciclovir is available in the form of tablets and oral suspension. It may be taken with or without food at doses from twice to five times daily for a period of five to ten days or longer in case of continued therapy. It is recommended to maintain the prescribed dosage, and self-medication is not advised. In case you experience any of the adverse side effects mentioned below, it is advised to contact your healthcare practitioner for advice on the continuation of the therapy. The medication should be taken only for the prescribed period as overdosage may lead to adverse effects and relations. For elderly and pregnant, breastfeeding women, it is advised to measure the risks against the benefits and only take the medication if it is necessary and cannot be avoided.

Possible Side effects of Aciclovir include:

• upset stomach
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• dizziness
• tiredness
• agitation
• pain, especially in the joints
• hair loss
• changes in vision

Severe side effects include:

• rash or blisters
• hives
• 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, sore throat, chills, cough, and other signs of infection
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• blood in the urine
• stomach pain or cramps
• increased urination
• bloody diarrhoea
• headache
• hallucinations
• confusion
• aggressive behaviour
• difficulty speaking
• numbness, burning or tingling in the arms or legs
• temporary inability to move parts of your body
• shaking of a part of your body that you cannot control
• seizures
• loss of consciousness

If you experience other side effects which you believe are associated with your use of Aciclovir, immediately contact your doctor.

Aciclovir is indicated for the treatment of virus infections such as the following:

• Genital Herpes Simplex
• Neonatal Herpes Simplex
• Herpes Simplex Labialis
• Shingles
• Acute Chickenpox in Immunocompromised Patients
• Herpes Simplex Encephalitis
• Acute Mucocutaneous HSV Infections in Immunocompromised Patients
• Herpes of The Eye and Herpes Simplex Blepharitis
• Prevention of Herpes Viruses in Immunocompromised Patients