Acyclovir Dosage for Cold Sores

by Marie | Aug 16, 2017 | HIV | 0 comments

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug, which is highly active against herpes simplex virus type I and II and varicella zoster virus.

Acyclovir –An introduction

The antiviral drug falls into the category of drugs known as antivirals. This medicine has been formulated to treat and prevent genital herpes. It is also useful for the acute treatment of herpes zoster and varicella. Herpes virus is responsible for causing all these infections. Acyclovir helps in healing shingles and chickenpox by stopping the virus from reproducing and spreading to other parts of the body. The drug is produced in several different forms and all are approved for treating infections that are caused by the herpes virus. Your health care specialist will suggest you the best form according to your condition. After evaluating you and determine your health condition, your health care professional will prescribe the dose that will best suit you.

About Cold Sores

Cold sores are common infections in children and adults caused by the herpes virus. There are two types of herpes virus namely HSV type I and HSV type II. HSV type II is usually found in the mouth while HSV II develops in the genitals. Cold sores are blisters that occur on and around the lips. They are painful sores and are also called fever blisters. There is no cure for the problem, but the condition can be prevented by using effective antiviral medications. One of the most effective medications that work against herpes virus is Acyclovir.

Acyclovir for Herpes labialis) cold sores

For the treatment of Herpes labialis or cold sores, it is recommended to use the cream form of the medication. It is suggested to apply the cream topically five times daily for four days. It is always best to start applying Acyclovir topically at the time the first symptoms have started. During the treatment, it is important to assess lesions and on a regular basis. Start the treatment as soon as possible just after herpes simplex symptoms develop and within a day of a herpes zoster outbreak.

Note that the additional use of over the counter creams or ointments may delay healing and cause spreading of lesions. The antiviral medication is not a cure for herpes viruses. The virus will remain in the ganglia, and this medication will prevent the multiplication and spreading of the virus to other parts of the body.

Effect of other drugs on Acyclovir

The antiviral drug can harm your kidneys. This effect might increase when you use certain another drug during the Acyclovir treatment. Such drugs include probenecid, injected antibiotics, drugs to treat bowel disorders, Arthritis medications, other antiviral agents, etc. There are possibilities that other drugs can interact with your antiviral topical agent. Therefore, it is important to inform your health care provider about all the topical and oral medications that you are using at the time of Acyclovir.