What is acyclovir drug? Uses and side effects of Aciclovir

Viral diseases are one of the most important challenges in medical science and global public health. Among these diseases, herpes virus infections are known as one of the most common viral infections. To fight the herpes virus, the drug acyclovir has been proposed as one of the effective tools in relieving the symptoms and treating these infections. Acyclovir is an antiviral drug that provides effective treatment for patients with herpes virus. Also, this drug is useful for all kinds of viral diseases with its mechanism of action. In the following, we will review the mechanism of action, pharmaceutical forms, indications for use, precautions and contraindications for the use of Aciclovir.

Pharmaceutical forms of acyclovir

Acyclovir drug is available in the form of tablets, powder ready for injection, topical cream, vial, powder for oral suspension, powder for injection, etc. Drugs of its group include adefovir, cidofovir, famciclovir, ganciclovir, ribavirin, valacyclovir, valganciclovir, entecavir, telbivudine, etc.

Uses of Acyclovir

Aciclovir is used to reduce pain and speed healing of sores or blisters in people who have chickenpox, herpes zoster (shingles; a rash that can develop in people who have had chickenpox in the past), and for the first time or recurrence. This drug is also sometimes used to prevent the spread of genital herpes in people who are infected with the virus. Acyclovir is in a class of antiviral drugs called synthetic nucleoside analogs that work by preventing the herpes virus from spreading in the body. This medicine does not cure genital herpes, but it will prevent the spread of genital herpes to other people.

Pharmacological effects and mechanism of action of Aciclovir drug

Acyclovir inhibits the production of viral DNA. This action takes place through the conversion of acyclovir to acyclovir triphosphate and interference with the DNA polymerase enzyme of the virus. This drug has an oral absorption of 15-30% and is widely distributed in body fluids and tissues. The metabolism of this drug is in the liver and it is mainly excreted through the kidneys. Ocular acyclovir is also absorbed at a high rate through the corneal epithelial tissue and the surface tissue of the eye. After consuming this drug in the eyes, its amount in the blood cannot be measured, but the treatment may be found in very small amounts in the urine.

Aciclovir dosage

Acyclovir is available as tablets, capsules and suspension (liquid) for oral use. It is also used as a delayed-release buccal tablet for use in the upper gingiva of the mouth. Tablets, capsules, and suspension are usually taken with or without food two to five times a day for 5 to 10 days, which should be taken as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. When acyclovir is prescribed to prevent outbreaks of genital herpes, it will usually be taken two to five times a day for up to 12 months.

Time to take acyclovir

Take acyclovir medicine every day at the time specified by the doctor in the prescription. Before use, carefully check the drug information on the drug package and follow the precautions and contraindications of the drug. Swallow the tablet of this medicine whole and avoid chewing, crushing, sucking or swallowing delayed-release buccal tablets. If your mouth is dry while using delayed-release buccal tablets, drink plenty of fluids.

Precautions

Before taking Aciclovir, if you are allergic to it (or valacyclovir) or other ingredients in it, avoid using it. This medicine may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Elderly people can be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially kidney problems (changes in the amount of urine, back or side pain), dizziness, drowsiness, and mental and psychological changes (such as confusion, hallucinations, loss of consciousness) and… to be Elderly people or adults with special medical history should consult their doctor regarding the risks of using this medicine.

1. Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to acyclovir, valacyclovir (Valtrex), or any other drugs, milk protein, or any of the ingredients in acyclovir.
2. Tell your doctor if you may be dehydrated from a recent illness or activity, or if you have had problems with your immune system. Some of these problems include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection; acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS); or kidney disease.
3. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking acyclovir, stop taking the drug and inform your doctor.
4. If you are using acyclovir to treat genital herpes, you should know that genital herpes can be transmitted through sexual contact, even if you do not have blisters or other symptoms. Talk to your doctor about ways to prevent the spread of genital herpes and whether your partner should be treated.
5. If you are using amphotericin drugs, aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin (Garamycin), kanamycin (Contrex), neomycin (Nes-RX, Neo-Fradin), paramomycin (Humatin), streptomycin and tobramycin (Tobi) , Nebcin). Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, consult your doctor regarding drug interactions.
6. medicines to treat HIV or AIDS, such as zidovudine (retrovir, AZT); pentamidine (NebuPent); Probenecid (Benemid); sulfonamides such as sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (Bactrim); tacrolimus (Prograf); and vancomycin. Many other medications may interact with acyclovir, so be sure to check with your doctor about all medications you take, even those not on this list.
7. If you forget a dose, take your dose as soon as you remember. If the missed dose is close to your next appointment, skip the dose and continue taking the medicine as prescribed. Never use the same dose twice to make up for a missed dose. This will not speed up your recovery and will only cause complications.

Acyclovir contraindications

1. Allergy to this drug or its ingredients
2. kidney disease
3. Nervous system problems
4. Pregnancy (with doctor’s advice)
5. Suffering from dehydration
6. Breastfeeding (with doctor’s advice)
7. Weak immune system (caused by illness or due to the use of certain drugs)

Aciclovir side effects

Stomach discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, irritation, pain especially in the joints, hair loss, changes in vision, etc. are some of the side effects of Aciclovir. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist right away. If you have any serious side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, symptoms of kidney problems (such as changes in the amount of urine, unusual back or side pain), mental and mood changes (such as restlessness, confusion, hallucinations), shaky movements, unusual fatigue, Fast heartbeat, easy bruising or bleeding, fever, bloody or dark urine, severe stomach and abdominal pain, yellow eyes, etc. Stop taking the medicine and inform the doctor.

1. stomach discomfort
2. Vomit
3. diarrhea
4. dizziness
5. tiredness
6. Stimulation
7. Pain, especially in the joints
8. hair loss
9. Changes in vision

Acyclovir drug interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk of serious side effects. Before taking any medicine, make a list of the chemical and herbal products you use and show it to the doctor when you visit. If you are taking bupropion, dichlorphenamide, emtricitabine, fexinidazole, foscarnet, leflunomide, nitisinone, tenofovir alafenamide, triflunomide, etc., consult your doctor about drug interactions. Pregnant women and elderly people are more exposed to side effects and drug interactions than other patients.

1. Category X interactions (avoid): cladribine, foscarnet, chicken pox vaccine, shingles vaccine (live or attenuated)
2. Reducing the effects of drugs by acyclovir: cladribine, talimogene laherparpok, chicken pox vaccine, shingles vaccine (live or attenuated)
3. Increased effects of drugs by acyclovir: clozapine, mycophenolate, tenofovir products, theophylline derivatives, tizanidine, zidovudine

Aciclovir drug use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Aciclovir is in group B in terms of risk during pregnancy. In the animal studies of this drug, no evidence of the risks of using it on the fetus or the mother has been observed. Also, specific human studies in this field are not available. Acyclovir from tablets or liquid passes into breast milk in very small amounts and is unlikely to cause any special side effects in your baby. You can also use the eye cream or ointment of this medicine during breastfeeding. It is also possible that only small amounts pass into breast milk and are not expected to cause any problems for your baby.

Aciclovir storage conditions

Acyclovir drug storage conditions vary depending on its pharmaceutical forms, however, most of its drugs should be stored at room temperature and away from light. Also, keep all medications out of reach of children, as many forms of medication (such as weekly tablets and eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and can be easily opened by young children. Unnecessary medications should be disposed of in specific ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot ingest them.

The last word about the drug Acyclovir

As mentioned in this article from the Green Positive Online Pharmacy magazine, research results show that acyclovir acts as a very effective antiviral and can help relieve symptoms, reduce the duration of infection, and improve the general health of patients. Also, since the herpes virus may cause side effects and serious consequences, timely treatment with this drug can prevent the complications of this disease. Considering the importance of this drug in dealing with herpes viral infections and its proven effectiveness, it is recommended that people with these types of infections use acyclovir along with medical advice.