Topical treatment of skin infections (cold sores of the lips and genitals) caused by herpes simplex virusHerpes simplex types 1 and 2.
Composition:
1 g of cream contains 50 mg of acyclovir.
Action:
An antiviral drug, a synthetic purine nucleoside analogue with action on the herpes virusHerpes simplex (HSV) type 1 and 2 and virusVaricella zoster(VZV). The Acyclovir metabolite (triphosphate) is a substrate for the viral DNA polymerase, it is incorporated in the viral DNA, inhibits its replication and consequently breaks down the synthesis of the DNA chain and inhibits viral replication.
Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity to Acyclovir, valaciclovir, propylene glycol or any of the excipients of the drug.
Precautions:
The drug should not be used on mucous membranes (eg oral cavity, eyes, vagina) due to the possibility of irritation. Avoid contact of the cream with eyes. In patients with severe immune disorders (eg AIDS patients or bone marrow transplantation), aciclovir should be considered for oral administration; patients should seek medical advice on this matter. Paraffin and vaseline contained in the cream can reduce the safety of condom use. Using the drug on the genitals and around the anus can reduce the endurance of latex condoms to tear. The cream contains propylene glycol, which can irritate the skin and cetyl alcohol, which can cause local skin reactions.
Pregnancy and lactation:
The drug can be used during pregnancy only if in the doctor's opinion the benefit for the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. Aciclovir administered in a systemic form of aciclovir is excreted in human milk, however, the dose obtained by a newborn / infant with maternal food is negligible.
Side effects:
Uncommon: transient burning or stinging sensation immediately after applying the cream, slight drying or peeling of the skin, pruritus. Rare: erythema, contact dermatitis (sensitivity tests have shown that more often induced by the ingredients of the cream base than aciclovir). Very rare: immediate hypersensitivity reactions including angioneurotic edema and urticaria.
Dosage:
Locally. Apply a thin layer of cream to the infected skin surface 5 times a day every 4 h (with a night break). The cream is usually used for 5 days. If the skin changes did not heal, treatment may be continued until healing or scab formation. The treatment time should not, however, be longer than 10 days. The drug is most effective if it is used immediately after the first symptoms of herpes infection (burning, itching, tension and redness). Treatment is not effective at the stage when the skin eruptions form scabs. The cream should be applied with a cosmetic stick, taking the amount of cream sufficient to apply to the infected skin surface. The cream should be used not only for visible lesions caused by cold sores (blisters, papules, redness), but also on the adjacent surface of the skin.
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