Acyclovir Zovirax medication use, benefits and side effects by Ray Sahelian, M.D. Acyclovir herpes dosage

Acyclovir is used to treat herpes virus infections such as oral herpes, shingles, herpes simplex, genital herpes, and chicken pox. Acyclovir interferes with the activity of enzymes needed for the replication of viral DNA in cells. By preventing the multiplication, the herpes virus cannot multiply as easily. The FDA approved the use of acyclovir in 1984. Another option is valacyclovir.

Does Acyclovir cure Herpes?
Unfortunately, acyclovir does not cure the disease and infections can return at a later time. Acyclovir is prescribed as a cream or ointment (topical use), oral tablets, or intravenous liquid to relieve pain, speed recovery, and prevent viral shedding. More recently, acyclovir has been used in combination with AZT, to treat AIDS patients.

Availability
Acyclovir is found at a pharmacy in capsules, tablets, liquid, ointment, and doctor or hospitals have acyclovir in injection form.

Effectiveness of Acyclovir for herpes

Multiple studies of the use of acyclovir for the treatment of herpes labialis have suggested that the nominal efficacy of the topical formulation is the result of inadequate penetration of the drug into the target site of infection, the basal epidermis.
     Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a complication of shingles (herpes zoster), a painful rash due to varicella-zoster virus reactivation. Studies of patients with PHN and zoster sine herpete (radicular pain without rash) support the notion that low-grade viral ganglionitis contributes to pain. If chronic pain reflects active infection, then antiviral therapy may help patients with PHN. Intravenous acyclovir at a dosage of 10 mg/kg every 8 hours for 14 days followed by oral valacyclovir at a dosage of 1000 mg 3 times per day for 1 month may provide some clinical improvement.

Acyclovir and Iontophoresis

A device that uses "iontophoresis" to enhance tissue penetration of topically applied acyclovir speeds the healing of cold sores. Iontophoresis refers to the use of a small electric current to move ionized substances through the skin into tissues. The Iontophoretic Acyclovir Cold Sore Study Group tested Transport Pharmaceutical's new handheld iontophoretic device in a clinical study to determine whether improved transdermal delivery of acyclovir translates into better efficacy in treating cold sores caused by herpes. The pen-sized device generates a low-voltage weak electric current. It holds an acyclovir reservoir on its head electrode, which is then applied to the cold sore as the patient holds hydrogel electrodes on the device to complete the circuit.

Acyclovir for Pityriasis Rosea

Acyclovir may be effective in the treatment of pityriasis rosea, especially in patients treated in the first week from onset, when replicative viral activity of HHV is probably very high.

Acyclovir and Chickpox

Acyclovir appears to be effective in reducing the number of days with fever and the maximum number of lesions among otherwise healthy children with chickenpox. However, the results of studies have not been overly convincing with respect to the number of days to no new lesions and relief of itchiness. The clinical importance of acyclovir treatment in otherwise healthy children remains uncertain.

Acyclovir Dosage
Oral Acyclovir dosage --  For genital herpes acyclovir dosage : Up to 1,200 mg a day in evenly distributed doses, every four or eight hours taken with food. For shingles acyclovir dosage : Up to 4,000 mg a day in evenly distributed doses every four hours. For chicken pox acyclovir dosage : Up to 800 mg, four times a day, not to exceed 3,200 mg a day. Topical form-- To relieve herpes symptoms acyclovir dosage : Apply a small amount to lesions every three hours (six times a day) for seven days. Use a glove when applying acyclovir ointment.

Acyclovir Side Effects
Acyclovir side effects may be more common in older persons. Common acyclovir side effects include upset stomach,  vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, tiredness, pain, especially in the joints, and changes in vision.

Acyclovir and HIV rate
Long-term treatment of genital herpes with the drug acyclovir does not reduce the rate of new HIV infections

Acyclovir and Pregnancy
Acyclovir has been used by pregnant women and no birth defects or other related problems have been reported; however, studies of acyclovir in pregnancy in humans have been limited and inconclusive.

Breast Feeding
Acyclovir may pass into breast milk. Breast feeding should be avoided while taking any oral form of the drug. No problems are expected with the topical form.

Infants and Children
Acyclovir should not be used for children under two years of age. Its use for children under 12 should be carefully supervised by a physician.

Food Interactions with Acyclovir
No significant food interactions have been reported.

Disease Interactions
Use of acyclovir may cause complications in patients with liver or kidney disease, since these organs work together to remove the medication from the body.

Q. Does the herb hoodia have an influence on or interact with acyclovir treatment?
   A. We have not seen any such studies so it is difficult to say. Probably not.