Acyclovir for cough

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Acyclovir tablets for colds

When it comes to using a drug such as Acyclovir for colds, there are two views on this disease. Firstly, this is often the name given to rashes in the area of ​​the red border of the lips and wings of the nose caused by the herpes virus (HV).

Table of contents:

In this case, Acyclovir in any form is effective.

Secondly, by colds, patients mean respiratory viral infections. Acyclovir for ARVI is ineffective or ineffective. It can be prescribed by a doctor as part of complex therapy to prevent exacerbation of herpesvirus types I and II. This may be necessary for people with frequent exacerbations of genital herpes, relapses of rashes on the lips or a history of herpes zoster. Or the doctor will recommend it as a mild immunostimulant.

When is it prescribed?

Acyclovir is prescribed extremely rarely for influenza or acute respiratory diseases. This is due to the fact that this drug has pronounced antiviral activity exclusively against HSV-1, HSV-2 and Zoster virus. Its prescription to children and adult patients can be justified:

  • Weakening of the immune system during illness.
  • Prevention of exacerbation/infection with herpesvirus in persons with normal immune status.
  • The need to prevent visceral complications and eye damage.
  • Comprehensive treatment of patients with HIV (AIDS);
  • Some immunostimulating activity of the drug.

Herpes virus infection affects not only the skin. The virus can multiply in the patient’s internal organs. Not very often, but it is still possible to develop visceral hepatitis and hepatitis B encephalitis.

The likelihood of herpes activation increases against the background of weakened immunity due to bacterial and viral infections that attack the body.

Characteristics of the drug

The active substance is acyclovir itself. A tablet of the medicine contains 200 mg of this component. When taken orally, the medication is quickly absorbed and penetrates well into all organs and tissues.

The enzymatic activity of HS activates the active substance of the drug. When acyclovir is included in the DNA of the virus, it acts as a terminator. This term refers to a sequence of nucleotides that is a signal to stop the reproduction of an RNA molecule.

The active substance is able to activate the body's own immune response. This helps it fight any viral infection.

Release form

On pharmacy shelves, the drug Acyclovir is offered in a variety of forms. The main ones are:

  • For oral administration (tablets).
  • For topical use (ointments, creams).
  • For parenteral use (lyophilisate).
  • In powder form.

Prescription of Acyclovir for influenza and ARVI is possible in tablet form. IV injections are not required to prevent hepatitis B infection or mild immune stimulation. Local remedies are effective only for the skin form of the disease.

Indications, contraindications, warnings

The main and only indication for the use of Acyclovir is the prevention and treatment of HSV-1, 2, Varicella zoster.

You should not take Acyclovir if you are intolerant to its active component, or if you are allergic to valacyclovir. This drug is not prescribed as an intravenous injection to pregnant women and nursing mothers. Medicine in tablets is not recommended for children before they reach 3 years of age.

If you have the flu, you should drink this remedy with caution:

  • Pregnant.
  • Dehydrated patients.
  • People with neurological pathologies.
  • Patients with serious disorders of the urinary system.
  • Those who experience a neurological reaction to cytotoxic agents.

The use of this drug with other drugs that have immunostimulating activity is allowed. In this case, the effect of acyclovir increases. But when taking this drug with nephrotoxic medications, serious disruption of the urinary system may occur.

Self-medication with the tablet form of Acyclovir is strictly not recommended at any age for any category of patients.

Rules of application

The doctor sets the regimen and dose of medication on an individual basis, depending on the patient’s condition. You can take Acyclovir for colds and flu:

The course of therapy ranges from 4 to 10 days. Treatment can be extended to 10 days only by a doctor. You should not take the medicine for more than the prescribed time.

The instructions for use of the tablets do not contain recommendations for the use of Acyclovir for colds. This means that its use is regulated by the doctor independently, in accordance with the patient’s condition and the purpose of prescribing the medicine.

Side effect

Acyclovir can lead to negative reactions in the body. Some of them develop quite often, for example, increased fatigue and fever. Others are rare, and are more likely to be exceptional cases than the rule. For example, toxic necrolysis of the epidermal layer of the skin.

When fighting a viral infection using the described remedy, you can expect:

  1. An allergic reaction in the form of hives, severe skin itching, and various rashes. Lyell's syndrome rarely develops. Possible anaphylaxis.
  2. Muscle pain, swelling of the limbs, general malaise and blurred vision. These symptoms rarely bother patients.
  3. Gastrointestinal disorders: nausea, diarrhea or vomiting, much less often the patient has pain in the abdominal area. These consequences occur frequently.
  4. Hepatitis and jaundice. Very rarely develop.
  5. Headaches and vestibulopathy. Many patients, when taking a tablet drug during respiratory infections, complain of such consequences.
  6. Impaired consciousness (confusion, coma), seizures and excessive drowsiness (virtually not observed). The patient hallucinates extremely rarely, although such a reaction is considered possible.
  7. Reactions from the respiratory system (shortness of breath). It also rarely bothers the patient.

Sometimes you can observe a change in the blood formula; biochemistry changes extremely rarely and insignificantly (the activity of liver enzymes increases). Patchy baldness (alopecia) may occur while taking this drug. But since this phenomenon is observed in various diseases and treatment with various medications, a reliable connection between taking the described medication and baldness has not been established.

In addition to allergies and problems with the gastrointestinal tract, in practice, doctors and patients encounter other side effects in exceptional cases.

Most complications occur in people suffering from severe kidney failure.

There have been no cases of overdose when taking the drug orally, but it is still not recommended to exceed the dose. It is believed that with a serious overdose, lethargy, coma and seizures are possible. There is no specific antidote for this drug.

Source: http://elaxsir.ru/lekarstva/drugie-lekarstva/aciklovir-instrukciya-po-primeneniyu-tabletki-ot-prostudy.html

Can Acyclovir help with the flu?

For influenza and acute respiratory viral infections, doctors prescribe a variety of drugs, which depends on the current condition of the patient and the existing symptoms.

Typically these are antiviral and immunomodulatory agents, as well as tablets, ointments or sprays to eliminate individual symptoms. One of the drugs prescribed for ARVI or influenza is the antiviral drug Acyclovir, which is quite surprising, since the instructions for its use do not contain any information about help with these diseases. To understand why Acyclovir is prescribed, for example for acute respiratory viral infections, will be helped not so much by the instructions for use, but by the doctor’s recommendations and clarifications. Only after consulting a doctor can you purchase strong medications from a pharmacy and take them, especially when treating children. Otherwise, you can not only start the disease, but also get a lot of side effects.

Effect of the drug

The active substance of "Acyclovir" has the same name - acyclovir. This substance selectively acts on herpes viruses. Tablets are prescribed for the treatment and prevention of exacerbations of herpetic lesions of the skin and mucous membranes, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus, and for the treatment of chickenpox, shingles and cytomegalovirus infection, which are caused by other types of herpes virus.

The drug is also used as part of complex therapy in the presence of severe immunodeficiency (HIV or consequences of bone marrow transplantation).

Tablets are used together with other forms of Acyclovir (topically and externally) to increase the effectiveness of treatment. For example, if you have a cold on the lip or chickenpox, you can additionally use ointment or cream to treat the rash.

When Acyclovir is used in tablet form, it penetrates the blood and spreads throughout the body. When it enters tissue under the action of enzymes produced by the virus itself, the active substance becomes active. Already in this active form, it penetrates the affected cells, integrates into the DNA of the virus and prevents its reproduction.

Acyclovir is rarely used to treat influenza or ARVI due to its low therapeutic effect. However, in a number of cases, both for ARVI and influenza, doctors prescribe this antiviral drug, including for children. Most often, this is done to prevent herpes if it has already occurred. With weakened immunity, herpes easily reappears. If you have a cold or other illnesses, you need to take precautions, since illness always indicates a decrease in immunity.

Release forms

There are many forms of release of the drug "Acyclovir":

  • tablets (200, 400 or 800 mg),
  • 5% ointment for external use,
  • 5% cream for external use,
  • 3% eye ointment,
  • powder for injection.

Injections of this drug are used only in hospital settings for the treatment of serious viral diseases. Cream and ointment differ only in the characteristics of the base of the product, and their therapeutic effect is absolutely the same. The ointment is absorbed longer, remains on the skin and is distributed gradually over some time, while the cream is absorbed quickly and does not leave any traces. The ointment is appropriate to use on exposed parts of the body - on the face or palms, and the cream - on areas of the body in contact with clothing. Eye ointment is used for keratitis caused by the herpes virus.

Use of the drug

The instructions for use of Acyclovir contain all the information about the correct use of the drug, but the doctor, if necessary, can change the dosage and course of treatment. When treating children, it is imperative to follow the recommended dosage of tablets and not exceed the doses contained in the instructions, since an overdose of Acyclovir can lead to serious negative consequences.

The dosage of the drug depends on the specific form of the disease and its severity:

  • To treat infections of the skin or mucous membranes caused by herpes simplex, children and adults need to take 200 mg of the drug 5 times a day every 4 hours, interrupted by 8 hours of sleep. This therapy lasts 5 days. To prevent such infections during influenza, ARVI and other diseases, take 200 mg of Acyclovir every 6 hours, i.e. four times a day.
  • With complex therapy in case of severe immunodeficiency, it is assumed to take the drug 5 times a day, 400 mg.
  • For the treatment of chickenpox in adults and children weighing more than 40 kg, Acyclovir is prescribed at 800 mg 5 times a day. Treatment of children over 2 years of age and weighing less than 40 kg involves calculating the dosage using the formula 20 mg/kg. Children take tablets four times a day for 5 days.
  • For the treatment of herpes zoster, children over 6 years of age and adults are prescribed Acyclovir 800 mg every 6 hours for 5 days. Children from 2 to 6 years old need to take 400 mg of the drug 4 times a day, and children under 2 years old - 200 mg 4 times a day.

Contraindications and side effects

The following are considered contraindications for Acyclovir tablets:

  • hypersensitivity to acyclovir and other components of the drug,
  • during lactation (acyclovir easily passes into breast milk).

If the use of the product is necessary during lactation, it is worth switching to artificial feeding for a while. During pregnancy, the drug is used under the supervision of a physician in situations where the risk to the woman’s health is higher than the possible harm from the drug to the fetus.

Prescribe Acyclovir tablets with caution for renal failure, dehydration, and neurological disorders.

Side effects rarely include nausea, vomiting, skin rash, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness, headache, drowsiness, dizziness and some other manifestations. In most cases, when taking Acyclovir correctly, no negative symptoms occur.

Efficiency

Reviews of the drug "Acyclovir" vary greatly. For a cold on the lip or nose, it helps if treatment is started in a timely manner, at the first symptoms that appear - itching and redness. If you start using ointment or tablets too late, when no other means have helped, no effect is observed: herpes will go away in the same period as without medications.

Positive reviews often contain advisory information that you should not take Acyclovir tablets for too long, even for prophylactic purposes, since the virus can get used to the drug. This property does not apply to ointment or cream, since they only have a local effect.

Many negative reviews about Acyclovir were written by people who have not used it. Often, doctors do not explain to people why they or their children are prescribed this or that drug, and patients, after reading the instructions on their own, begin to doubt the mental abilities of doctors. Such problems and disagreements can be easily avoided if you ask all your questions to your attending physicians, and not to your friends, colleagues and relatives.

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All materials published on the site are for informational purposes only. Before starting treatment, consult a specialist.

Source: http://stoprinit.ru/lechenie/aciklovir-pri-grippe-i-prostude.html

Acyclovir for ARVI

Acyclovir is a potent antiviral drug that is aimed at suppressing the activity of various types of viruses. This article will talk about whether it is possible to take Acyclovir for the flu and what the results are from it.

Features of the drug's action

It’s worth noting right away that Acyclovir tablets can be used for colds and flu, but only after a doctor’s prescription. Taking Acyclovir on your own for ARVI, and even more so giving it to children, is strictly prohibited, since if there are contraindications or the wrong dosage, the medicine can only worsen the person’s condition.

After penetration into the body, this drug blocks further reproduction of viruses, so further development of a cold does not occur. At the same time, the drug does not damage healthy human cells, but rather activates the immune system.

It was also found that Acyclovir is a complete analogue of a special component of DNA (deoxyguanidine), which in turn responds to the transfer of genetic information. Thanks to this, the drug is able to influence the process of interrupting the reproduction of the virus.

After absorption, the drug is excreted along with the kidneys in about 1 day.

Indications

Acyclovir tablets for ARVI are also indicated for use in children and adults in the following cases:

  1. With the progression of herpes in patients with a weakened immune system.
  2. With reduced immunity.
  3. To prevent the development of herpes infection in patients after organ transplantation.
  4. As a preventive measure against damage to the body by the cold virus.

It is also important to note that sometimes this drug is used in complex therapy together with immunomodulatory and antiviral agents. Such treatment should always be prescribed exclusively by the attending physician.

Contraindications

Acyclovir is contraindicated in the following cases:

  • The period of bearing a child. In this condition, there is no data on the safety of the effect of the active substance of the drug on the growth and development of the fetus, therefore the use of Acyclovir during pregnancy (in any trimester) is contraindicated.
  • If it is necessary to take an antiviral drug, the attending physician must select for the patient a safer analogue of the drug on a natural basis.
  • If a woman wants to take this particular drug, then it can be used only when the potential effect of therapy exceeds the significant risks to the fetus.
  • It is also important to note that according to studies conducted in women, it was found that when taking this drug in the first trimester, the risk of heart disease in the fetus increases significantly. That is why it is better not to take risks and replace Acyclovir with an analogue when carrying a child.
  • Lactation period. Due to the fact that the active substance of the drug (according to research) can penetrate into breast milk, which the baby then drinks, it is prohibited to use this antiviral drug in this condition. If it is necessary to prescribe it, the woman should stop breastfeeding.
  • Children under three years of age. In this condition, the drug can have an extremely negative effect on the functioning of the baby’s internal organs, so you should not take risks and prescribe the drug to small children.

Method of use

The drug in tablet form should be taken 1 tablet four times a day (adults).

Children should take 1 tablet twice a day.

This medicine also has other forms of release (ointment, cream), but using them to prevent influenza or treat ARVI is not as effective as tablets.

Side effects

As medical practice shows, Acyclovir against influenza, reviews of which will be given below, is usually quite well tolerated by patients and rarely provokes adverse reactions in them.

Despite this, sometimes taking Acyclovir for influenza and ARVI can cause a deterioration in the patient’s condition. This is usually due to incorrect dosage of the drug, treatment with it in the presence of contraindications or chronic diseases in a person.

Thus, most often Acyclovir with influenza provokes disturbances in the digestive system, which can be expressed in nausea, vomiting, deterioration of intestinal function and abdominal pain. Less commonly, loss of appetite, bloating, and hepatitis may occur.

A person may also experience minor disruptions in the functioning of their central nervous system. Most often, the drug causes dizziness and severe headaches in the patient. Drowsiness, sleep disturbance, irritability and hand tremors are less common. In case of an overdose of the drug, hallucinations, disorientation, coma and convulsions may occur.

Statistics show that the above symptoms are many times more likely to be observed in patients suffering from chronic renal or liver failure.

When children take Acyclovir for colds and flu, they may experience all sorts of allergic reactions, which will be expressed in itchy skin, rash, hives or various irritations of the epidermis.

Very rarely, Acyclovir tablets for influenza lead to increased fatigue, swelling of the limbs and blurred vision.

It is important to note that when the first deterioration in the condition appears after taking this medicine, a person should consult a doctor as soon as possible. This is especially true for the treatment of children and people suffering from severe chronic diseases, the course of which can be disrupted by the side effects of Acyclovir.

Additional features of taking the drug

Acyclovir for colds and flu can only be used as directed. The duration of therapy and dosage of the drug are also always determined by the doctor on an individual basis (based on the patient’s age, characteristics of the disease, the presence of concomitant pathologies, etc.).

It is important to know that taking Acyclovir against influenza in patients with a weakened immune system can cause the appearance of viruses that will be immune to the effects of the drug.

The drug should be prescribed with special caution to patients with kidney disease, as well as elderly people. Moreover, in order to slightly reduce the toxic effect of Acyclovir on the body during ARVI, it is important to drink more fluids.

In addition, the following additional features of the use of this antiviral medicine are highlighted:

  1. During treatment with Acyclovir, the patient needs to regularly monitor kidney function. If their functions worsen, the dosage should be reduced or the attending physician should replace the drug with an analogue.
  2. Due to the fact that scientists have not yet discovered the effect of the drug on the reaction rate, during treatment with it, patients should be extremely careful when driving vehicles.
  3. For elderly patients and children, it is advisable to carry out therapy with this medicine in a hospital setting under close medical supervision.
  4. To more quickly strengthen the immune system, the patient is recommended to take additional vitamin complexes.
  5. When starting therapy, it must be completed to the end. Otherwise, the drug will not have the desired therapeutic effect.
  6. There is no point in taking the drug in an advanced form of a cold, especially if the disease has already caused infectious complications. In such a condition, it would be wiser for a person to be prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics.
  7. The drug should be prescribed with particular caution to patients suffering from various neurological disorders. The entire course of therapy must be monitored by a doctor. The same applies to Acyclovir therapy for people with HIV infection (deaths have occurred due to overdose and improper administration).
  8. If, along with a cold, the child also suffers from chickenpox, then you should wait to prescribe this drug until the baby has completely recovered.

Analogs

Today, Acyclovir Akriquin for colds and flu in children and adults has dozens of analogues. The best of these are considered to be the drugs Vivorax, Cevirin, Ciclovir and Acyclovir.

It is important to consult your doctor before using these drug substitutes.

Adviсe

In order for Acyclovir forte to really help a person avoid illness for colds and flu, it is important to adhere to the following additional preventive measures:

  • Exercise. This could be running, swimming, gymnastics and many other physical activities. With their help you can significantly strengthen your immune system. It is also very important that these workouts take place regularly and force the person to move.
  • Eat properly. At the same time, it is useful to enrich your diet with herbs, dairy products, vegetables and fruits. It is also very good to eat nuts, honey, seaweed dishes, fish and meat. All this will help saturate the body with useful microelements and vitamins, which will have a beneficial effect on the state of the immune system.

At the same time, a person is advised to avoid eating fatty and sour foods, fried foods and semi-finished products, which, apart from harming the digestive system, will not bring anything useful.

  • Avoid stress and nervous tension, which reduce the body's defenses. If you cannot solve this problem on your own, then you should contact an experienced neurologist who will prescribe effective sedatives and antidepressants.
  • Stop smoking and drinking alcohol. These bad habits have a very detrimental effect on human health, therefore, by giving them up, the body will be more resistant to various types of viruses, including the flu.
  • Avoid crowded places during periods of outbreaks of cold epidemics. It is also important to wear protective masks.
  • Practice good hand hygiene. Thus, after visiting crowded places, transport and a regular store, a person must wash his hands with antibacterial soap.
  • Carry out regular wet cleaning of the premises and ventilate the rooms.
  • Practice hardening the body. To do this, you can rub down with a cold towel, douse, and practice taking a contrast shower.
  • Have proper rest and eight hours of sleep.
  • Take additional antiviral and immunomodulatory medications. It is better to discuss which medications to take with your doctor, as sometimes self-medication worsens a person’s health even further.
  • Use protective antiviral ointments for the nose. Oxolinic ointment works best for this purpose.

Reviews

Acyclovir for influenza and ARVI, reviews of which can also be found on our website below and on numerous forums about the drug, usually brings a good therapeutic effect.

To better understand the effect of such a remedy, we present the following reviews from those people who have already tried it on themselves:

  1. Natalya “I always use Acyclovir for ARVI for my children. With its help, colds are easier and faster. I also like the fact that Acyclovir can be used to prevent ARVI. Despite this, what I don’t like about this drug is that it can cause problems with digestion and kidney function, as happened once to my child after taking this medicine.”
  2. Vitaly “During periods of outbreaks of influenza epidemics, I take antiviral drugs. So far the best I have used has been Acyclovir. He helped me avoid contracting ARVI. I’m also pleased with the low cost of this drug.”
  3. Anna “I took this medicine as prescribed by the doctor to protect the body from the virus. Unfortunately, it did not protect me, and I still got sick. For this reason, I can say that Acyclovir may be an antiviral drug, but it is only effective in combination with other preventive measures.”

Source: http://gripptips.ru/preparatyi/atsiklovir-pri-orvi.html

Acyclovir for acute respiratory viral infections and influenza: why is it prescribed and how to use it

Scheme of action of the drug

The trade name and active ingredient are identical. The essence of the exposure scheme is a selective effect on the herpes virus. The medication is also prescribed for the treatment of chickenpox, herpes zoster, and human cytomegalovirus infection. All of these diseases are caused by other types of herpesvirus. In some cases, the drug may be prescribed as an adjunct to the main treatment for HIV or after a bone marrow transplant.

For a better therapeutic effect, it is recommended to use not only tablets that have a systemic effect, but also creams and ointments to additionally act locally on the affected area. For flu and colds, acyclovir is indeed prescribed, but not for the purpose of treating the underlying disease, but as a supplement that helps fight the incipient development of herpes, or to prevent its occurrence.

Such prescriptions are indicated for persons prone to frequent relapses of herpesvirus infection, which occurs at the height of the underlying disease, or after. You can also drink it for safety reasons.

Forms of release of the drug

Since the medication is a frequently used product, there is a large list of release forms:

  • Tablet form, in dosages of 200 mg, 400 mg or 800 mg
  • 5% cream or ointment for application to wounds - places of localization of the disease
  • Eye ointment at a concentration of 3%
  • Powder for dilution to inject medication.

The injectable form of the drug cannot be bought in a pharmacy chain by an ordinary citizen; it can only be obtained in a hospital, where it is prescribed and administered in really severe cases. Ointment and cream have the same strength, but it is preferable to apply the cream to the surface of the skin covered by clothing, as it is quickly absorbed and does not leave marks. It is preferable to apply the ointment to open surfaces - nose, face, lips, as it is gradually absorbed.

Typically, to treat rashes caused by the herpes virus, you need to take 5 tablets of the drug, 200 mg each, for five days, with a 4-hour break between doses. As a preventative measure, you can take 200 mg of the drug (1 tablet) every 6 hours, 4 times a day. If the patient has an immunodeficiency state, it is recommended to drink 400 mg (1-2 tablets, depending on the form of release) 5 times a day.

Contraindications and side effects

Acyclovir should not be taken in the following cases:

  • Hypersensitivity reaction or individual intolerance to any of the components of the tablets
  • Periods of breastfeeding and gestation, since the drug easily penetrates into milk and through the placenta.

Pregnant women are prescribed with caution in extreme cases, and during breastfeeding they should temporarily switch to mixtures.

In rare cases, side effects are possible in the form of nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, diarrhea, chills, pain in the epigastric region, migraines, temporary loss of strength, dizziness and drowsiness. No other side effects should occur.

Source: http://lekhar.ru/lekarstva/protivovirusnye/aciklovir-pri-prostude-i-grippe/

Use of Acyclovir for the treatment of ARVI

Action of the drug

The main active ingredient of the drug is acyclovir. This substance shows high effectiveness in the fight against herpes viruses. The drug Acyclovir is used for herpetic lesions of the mucous membranes and skin, which is caused by the herpes simplex virus. The drug prevents the occurrence of new rashes and reduces pain. This remedy is also used to treat diseases caused by other types of herpes - cytomegalovirus infection, herpes zoster, chickenpox.

Acyclovir can be used as part of complex treatment for severe immunodeficiency (for example, HIV infection).

For acute respiratory viral infection, this drug is used quite rarely, due to its low therapeutic effect. But in certain situations, a specialist may prescribe Acyclovir for ARVI in children and adults. Most often, this drug is used to prevent herpes if there is a history of this disease. When the body's defenses are weakened, herpes can easily recur. With influenza, acute respiratory viral infections and other colds, the function of the immune system decreases, and the use of this medication helps prevent a recurrence of herpes.

Release forms

Pharmaceutical companies produce this medication in various forms - tablets, cream, ointment, powder for injection. In order to increase the therapeutic effect, tablets are used in combination with other types of medicine.

When using the medicine in tablet form, the active substance quickly penetrates the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body. With the participation of enzymes produced by the pathogenic virus, the drug enters the tissue and becomes active. The active element in its active state penetrates the affected cells, integrates into the DNA of the virus and stops its further reproduction.

Side effects and contraindications

When using Acyclovir, undesirable reactions of the body may develop, namely:

  • nausea, vomiting, intestinal upset;
  • abdominal pain;
  • dizziness, headache;
  • skin rashes, itching;
  • increased weakness, drowsiness or, conversely, agitation;
  • convulsions;
  • anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia;
  • febrile conditions.

Provided you follow all your doctor's instructions regarding taking this medication, the above side effects occur very rarely.

Contraindications to the use of the medicine are:

  • individual intolerance to the main active ingredient and other components of the medication;
  • period of breastfeeding (the medicinal substance can penetrate into breast milk);
  • children up to 3 years old.

Special Recommendations

To prevent complications, Acyclovir is used strictly as prescribed by a specialist.

The medication is used with caution to treat patients with renal failure and neurological disorders.

During treatment with this drug, it is important to drink enough fluid and monitor kidney function (creatinine and urea content in the blood).

To enhance the therapeutic effect of Acyclovir, simultaneous use of immunostimulants is recommended. Using this drug in combination with nephrotoxic medications may cause kidney problems.

Acyclovir for ARVI is used exclusively as prescribed by a specialist. The required dosage and duration of the treatment course are determined by the attending physician individually. Following your doctor's recommendations regarding the use of this drug, especially when treating children, will help avoid the development of serious complications.

Author: Yulia Barabash

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    Source: http://prostudnik.ru/bolezni/orvi/aciklovir.html

    How and why to take acyclovir for a cold

    When diagnosing colds, specialists are increasingly including various medications in the treatment regimen. At the same time, they take into account the patient’s condition and the cause of the pathology. Most often, antiviral, immunostimulating and symptomatic medications are used in the treatment of colds. Acyclovir remains one of the popular medications. And although not so often, it is used in the treatment of ARVI and influenza.

    Benefit and action

    The main component is acyclovir. This ingredient has shown high effectiveness in eliminating herpes viruses. The drug in question is actively used in the treatment of herpetic lesions of the mucous membranes and skin. The impact of this lesion is influenced by the herpes simplex virus.

    With the help of Acyclovir, it is possible to create reliable protection against the penetration of a new rash, as well as to reduce pain. The drug is actively included in the treatment regimen for diseases that occur when the body is affected by various types of herpes. These include cytomegalovirus infection, herpes zoster and chickenpox.

    In the photo - acyclovir for colds

    Acyclovir can be used in complex therapy for severe forms of immunodeficiency, for example, HIV infection.

    If an acute respiratory infection has been diagnosed, then this medication is used extremely rarely. This is due to the fact that the active components of the drug have an insignificant therapeutic effect. But there are a number of situations when the doctor makes a decision and prescribes Acyclovir for ARVI for both adult and young patients.

    The medication can also be used to prevent herpes when there is a history of the disease. When the body's defenses are reduced, herpes may reappear. In case of flu and colds, immunity decreases; when using the drug, it is possible to protect the body from repeated infection.

    On the shelves of pharmacies today you can find Acyclovir in a wide range, taking into account the release form. These can be ointment tablets, cream, powder for injections. To achieve the maximum therapeutic effect, the medicine is used in tandem with other types of medications.

    The video shows everything about acyclovir:

    Using the drug in tablet format, the main component is quickly introduced into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body. When enzymes produced by a pathogenic virus are involved in the process, the medicinal component penetrates the tissue and is activated. Under such conditions, the main component of the drug is able to penetrate damaged cells and is integrated into the DNA of the virus, as a result of which its reproduction stops.

    Indications

    Acyclovir is an effective remedy that copes with the unpleasant symptoms and causes of flu and colds. It should be used in the presence of a disease of viral etiology that affects the skin.

    The instructions for use of the medication suggest that it is advisable to use the medication in the following cases:

    1. Treatment of diseases of the dermis of an infectious nature that arose as a result of primary damage by herpes.
    2. If we consider Acyclovir Akos, then its task is to suppress recurrences of the infectious process in people with reduced defenses.
    3. The tablet form of the drug is intended for the treatment of chickenpox and lichen.
    4. Ointment with Acyclovir is used in the treatment of keratitis, the occurrence of which is associated with the penetration of infection into the body.
    5. For the prevention of colds and flu. And although the drug in question is not particularly effective in eliminating viruses that cause colds, in some cases the doctor may prescribe it as a preventive measure. In addition, the use of Acyclovir is justified in the treatment of mild colds.

    For those who want to understand whether pregnant women can take Aspirin for a cold, and how much this remedy can help with this problem, this information will help to understand.

    How flu and colds are prevented during pregnancy, and what home remedies are the most popular and effective, are described in the contents of this article.

    It will also be interesting to understand how to take Ibuprofen for a cold: http://prolor.ru/g/lechenie/ibuprofen-pri-prostude.html

    You may also be interested in knowing whether you can take Amoxicillin if you have a cold.

    Admission rules

    The dosage of the drug and the duration of therapy are determined taking into account the degree of the cold and how old the patient is. You need to read the instructions carefully. Otherwise, this may cause the development of severe complications and the disease becoming chronic. Thus, treatment will be much more difficult.

    Taking these recommendations into account, Acyclovir is used according to the following scheme:

    1. If treatment of infections of the skin or mucous membranes that occur due to herpes is required, then children and adults can take the medication 200 mg 5 times a day. Between doses there must be a time interval of 4 seconds. The medicine must be used for 5 days. For preventive purposes against influenza, ARVI, the medication is taken 200 ml 4 times a day, observing a time interval of 6 hours.
    2. If complex treatment is required for a severe form of immunodeficiency, then Acyclovir should be taken 400 ml 5 times a day.
    3. When treating chickenpox in adult patients and children with a body weight of 40 kg and above, the dosage of the drug will be 800 mg 5 times a day. If the child's weight is less than 40 kg, then the dosage is prescribed taking into account body weight. There are 20 g of the drug per 1 kg. For children, take 4 times a day for 5 days.
    4. To cure herpes zoster, children can use Acyclovir from 4 years of age. The dosage will be 800 mg 5 times a day, a time period of 6 hours. If the child is from 2 to 6 years old, then the dosage will be 400 ml 4 times a day. For the treatment of herpes zoster in children under 2 years of age, use the drug 200 ml 4 times a day.
    Video showing the use of acyclovir ointment:

    Does it help treat colds and flu?

    This question interests many patients who are planning to resort to drug treatment for colds. It is fashionable to use the drug only when after 5-6 days the cold does not leave the body or severe complications have arisen. Until then, the body will try to cope with the infection on its own.

    For those who want to learn more about whether it is possible to take Remantadine for a cold, and how effective this remedy is for another disease, this article is described in great detail.

    But this information will help you understand how colds are treated during lactation, and what medications can be used.

    This article describes which medications to relieve cold symptoms should be used first, and what names these medications may have.

    But how to take Biseptol for a cold, and in what cases you can still use such remedies, you can learn from this article.

    What anti-inflammatory herbs should be used first for colds, and how to choose the right remedy can be read from this article.

    For colds, Acyclovir does not have a strong therapeutic effect, so it is used more often as a prophylaxis.

    Acyclovir is an antiviral drug whose purpose is to stop various viruses that lead to the development of herpes. In rare cases, the medication is prescribed for the treatment or prevention of colds and flu. But as medical practice shows, using medicine for severe cases of colds is not effective. But all these points must be discussed with the attending physician.

    Source: http://prolor.ru/g/lechenie/aciklovir-pri-prostude.html

    Acyclovir for flu and colds

    Many colds affect people in winter. The most common of these are influenza, colds and acute respiratory viral infections. In most cases, we are talking about a viral infection that provoked the disease. Therefore, the use of Acyclovir against colds or flu is normal. The main thing is to remember the contraindications.

    This may surprise many, since the instructions may not indicate such diseases. Acyclovir is prescribed by doctors, so the reason for their use should be checked with them.

    Doctors take into account the condition of the patient who is being diagnosed. This is why Acyclovir is used. Depending on the severity and cause of the disease, a specific set of drugs is prescribed. In this case, contraindications are taken into account, which will be discussed separately on the website ogrippe.com.

    The antiviral drug affects the body in this way: it penetrates the DNA of the virus, changing its structure, which is why it is destroyed. In this case, human cells remain intact.

    Use of Acyclovir

    Doctors say that Acyclovir is ineffective against flu and colds. This can be understood by the viruses it affects when used:

    It is obvious that Acyclovir is effective in the fight against herpes, which mainly manifests itself in skin rashes. The drug is available in tablets, solutions, ointments, creams, which allows it to be used externally for skin diseases. If relapses are observed, then Acyclovir is also taken in tablet form. If herpes zoster is detected, an injection form of the drug and drip administration are used.

    Acyclovir is actively used for the following diseases:

    1. Shingles.
    2. Herpetic infection.
    3. An immunodeficiency condition, such as HIV or a consequence of a bone marrow transplant.
    4. Chicken pox.

    The active substance acyclovir affects the structure of the virus and can be used both as a treatment and as a prevention of herpetic skin diseases and damage to the mucous membranes.

    The question arises: for what purpose do doctors prescribe Acyclovir for acute respiratory viral infections, colds or flu, if this drug affects the herpes virus? It is with these diseases that herpes can appear again, especially if a person has previously had it. In this case, Acyclovir is used as a prophylactic agent, which should predict the development of herpetic disease. It is also prescribed when there is a significant decrease in immunity, since it is in this case that the herpes virus easily infects the body.

    When using Acyclovir, you should follow the dosage indicated in the instructions. However, if a doctor prescribes the drug, then you should adhere to its dosage. The course of treatment and dosage may be changed by the doctor and may differ from the instructions. Children should strictly adhere to the dosage, since negative consequences are possible after using Acyclovir.

    What dosage does the doctor prescribe? It all depends on the form of the disease and the severity of its course:

    • Treatment of herpetic infection of the skin and mucous membranes involves prescribing 200 mg of medication to children and adults 5 times a day with an interval of 4 hours, which is interrupted by sleep (8 hours). Duration of therapy – 5 days. If Acyclovir is used as a prophylaxis for influenza or ARVI, then it is used 4 times a day, 200 mg every 6 hours.
    • As a complex therapy for severe immunodeficiency, the drug is taken at a dose of 400 mg 5 times a day.
    • Treatment of chickenpox in children and adults whose body weight exceeds 40 kg involves taking the drug 800 mg 5 times a day. Children over 2 years of age with a body weight below 40 kg take the drug at the rate of 20 mg per kilogram of weight. They take the drug 4 times a day for 5 days.
    • Treatment of herpes zoster involves taking Acyclovir for children over 6 years of age and adults, 800 mg every 6 hours for 5 days. Children from 2 to 6 years old take the medicine 400 mg 4 times a day, and children under 2 years old receive it 4 times a day 200 mg.

    Thus, Acyclovir is used in the following cases:

    1. Skin diseases of an infectious nature with primary herpes infection.
    2. Suppression of relapses of infectious diseases with reduced immunity.
    3. Therapy of keratitis that develops against the background of infection.
    4. Treatment of lichen and chickenpox.
    5. For the prevention of flu and colds. Although this drug is ineffective in the fight against viruses that cause respiratory diseases, it is prescribed for prevention. It is quite useful for mild colds.

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    Contraindications

    The instructions indicate many side effects that occur if the drug is used incorrectly. This forces us to provide a list of contraindications for which the medicine should not be used:

    • Persons with kidney pathologies, since Acyclovir leads to renal failure, especially with rapid intravenous infusion.
    • Persons with pathologies in the nervous system, since the medicine can contribute to the development of encephalitis and even coma.
    • Pregnant and breastfeeding women, unless the harm to the baby is less than the benefit to the mother. During lactation, the drug passes into breast milk, therefore, while taking the drug, the child is transferred to artificial feeding.
    • Elderly people to avoid the development of renal failure.
    • With dehydration.

    You should also take into account such contraindications - high sensitivity to Acyclovir and other substances of the drug.

    If Acyclovir is used correctly, there will be no side effects. Otherwise, you can read the instructions for a list of side effects, which include:

    Since the drug negatively affects the functioning of the kidneys, it should be taken along with drinking plenty of fluids.

    As for the use of medicine for influenza or ARVI, it is prescribed in rare cases. In most cases, it is unnecessary because it does not affect the viruses that cause influenza or ARVI. In the worst case, it provokes the development of various side effects.

    However, Acyclovir can be used as a prophylactic agent that prevents the development of herpetic diseases. Immunity during influenza or ARVI drops, so herpes will try to infect an already sick person.

    The drug should be used only when needed. Otherwise, addiction to the drug will occur, which will be accompanied by resistance of the strains. However, timely and short-term use of the medicine allows you to effectively combat herpes viruses, of which there are a lot today and they are quite common.

    Should Acyclovir be used for colds or flu?

    Since some doctors may prescribe, and some patients will want to use the drug, the question arises: should Acyclovir be used for colds or flu?

    You should be attentive to your body. If after 5-6 days the symptoms do not leave the patient and even various complications arise, then taking Acyclovir becomes useful. It should not be used until then as it does not fight respiratory viruses. The body is still trying to cope with the infection.

    For colds, Acyclovir should be used as a prophylaxis. However, it is strictly necessary to follow the instructions. Only severe cases of colds require the use of Acyclovir. Until this time, it is not prescribed as therapy.

    If a child has a cold, then you should use gentler methods that help in healing:

    1. Protect him from other people, especially children. This will help you avoid becoming a carrier of infection and give peace to your sick child.
    2. Leave the child at home for at least 4-5 days. The child’s body is not yet able to tolerate even mild illnesses on its feet.
    3. Protect from hypothermia. It is necessary to ventilate the air in a sick child’s room, but this should be done in the absence of the baby.
    4. Accelerate treatment with plenty of fluids and rest.
    5. Give vitamin complexes, fresh fruits and vegetables. The child’s immune system is not only weak, but also fights infection. She should be helped daily.
    6. Contact your pediatrician. If home treatments don't help, then it's time to see a doctor.
    7. Reduce the heat. It is considered normal up to 38 degrees.
    8. Spare your child lessons. We remember the peace that is disrupted if a child is forced to study while ill.

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    Forecast

    Reviews of Acyclovir vary, since people rarely use the drug as directed. It is used primarily externally when redness, itching or rashes appear on the skin or lip. In this case, the prognosis is favorable, since the drug is used against the herpes virus.

    However, flu and colds are caused by other viruses. To destroy them, other antiviral drugs are used, which are more effective. It is better to consult a doctor so that he can prescribe a set of medications. And when prescribing Acyclovir, be sure to ask why it is being prescribed to you.

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    Source: http://ogrippe.com/aciklovir-pri-grippe-protiv-prostudy