Acyclovir Cream for Cold Sores

by Marie | Nov 9, 2017 | HIV | 0 comments

According to the National Institute of Health, cold sores are a common condition affecting almost 90% of adults by age 50. Cold sores are blisters around the lips, cheeks, and nostrils caused by Herpes simplex type 1 and type 2. They are contagious infections that can travel from one person to another through direct contact. In most cases, the virus remains dormant and gets activated by triggers like fever or infection.

Cold sores are recurrent and have a horrible tingling sensation. Is there any solution to these extremely painful and damaging sores? By far, the most effective treatment option available is a topical form of Acyclovir for cold sores. The medicine is indicated for the suppression and prevention of recurrent cold sores in immunocompromised patients in adolescents 12 years of age and older.

Acyclovir is treating cold sores.

A synthetic nucleoside alternative is active against the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores infection. It is antiviral and acts against the causative virus, reducing the severity and length of their outbreaks.

Acyclovir Cream can strongly bond with the enzyme thymidine kinase encoded by the HSV virus. When taken, the medicine gets converted into acyclovir triphosphate, which competitively blocks the enzyme viral DNA polymerase and enters viral DNA. It blocks the process of viral DNA synthesis, thus reducing the outbreak of the virus. It is highly selective and has low cytotoxicity.

Acyclovir Dosage for Cold Sores

It is available in the topical dosage form and contains 50 mg of Acyclovir as an active ingredient. It is available with Acivir Cream 5%. The therapy is initiated when lesions start appearing. Applying medicine as early as you discover any lesion will always give the best results. The dose is usually recommended 5 times per day for consecutive 4 days. The dose is the same for adolescents 12 years of age and older as adults. The doctor always recommends the best and most effective dose, depending on the severity of the condition.

Few tips:

Wash your hands before you apply the cream
Clean and dry the skin with a towel
Apply the cream to cover the cold sore and rub it gently until it gets absorbed
Repeat the procedure 5 times or as per the doctor’s recommendation
Please wash your hands after applying cream so that cream should not be left on it
Ensure the cap on the tube is tightly closed
Store the cream at room temperature and keep them out of the reach of children

Acyclovir is intended for topical use only. Avoid applying it near the eyes, inside the mouth, or nose. It should be applied to the affected and external areas of the lips and face. In case of any hypersensitive reaction, consult your doctor. To date, acyclovir cream is one of the most promising medicines for reducing skin lesion outbreaks.