An antiviral agent that comes in the form of an ointment.
The active ingredient is microionized acyclovir.
The drug penetrates the membranes of the eye and accumulates in the intraocular fluid to affect the genome of the herpes virus cell.
The drug is used for conjunctivitis caused by the herpes virus, cytomegalovirus, varicella zoster virus, and herpes zoster. The drug is applied behind the lower eyelid according to the algorithm in the instructions. Side effects occur with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug or overdose.
Contraindications for use are established hypersensitivity, pregnancy and breastfeeding. The course of use is determined by the doctor and is 7 days with a frequency of use of 4-5 times. The cost of the ointment is on average 65-80 rubles.
More information about the drug can be found here
Pharmacological properties of Acyclovir
A useful feature of the drug is that it does not affect healthy cells.
Acyclovir is a synthetic antiviral antiherpetic drug that is an analogue of the DNA fragment of the thymidine nucleotide. In affected cells, under the influence of viral enzymes, a structural analogue of a nucleotide is formed from it, which is inserted into the DNA molecule of the virus, blocking its copying.
In healthy, uninfected cells, where there are no viral particles, Acyclovir is not metabolized and does not have a blocking effect - human DNA is formed without defects. The drug also accumulates to a greater extent in the affected cells.
The drug reduces infection of other cells and the formation of new lesions, reducing the risk of complications, and reduces pain. Acyclovir from the drug passes well through the cornea into the intraocular fluid in an amount sufficient to suppress the virus. The drug is not detected in the blood with this method of use.
Acyclovir eye ointment is prescribed to children for the treatment of herpetic keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea caused by the simple herpes virus types 1 and 2 (Herpes simplex virus).
pharmachologic effect
Manufacturer: Vertex, Ozone, Tatkhimfarmpreparaty, Russia
Release form: tablets, ointment, cream for external and local use, lyophilisate for the preparation of infusion solution
Active ingredient: Acyclovir
Synonyms: Zovirax, Gerpevir, Virolex, Vivorax
When the drug enters the body, it undergoes a series of chemical transformations and is eventually incorporated into the DNA of the virus, breaks its chain and stops the further development of the viral cell, without causing harm to the human body.
Acyclovir is active against herpes and chickenpox viruses.
In addition to being antiviral, the medicine has an immunostimulating effect.
Is acyclovir an antibiotic or not?
Acyclovir tablets do not have an antibacterial effect, are not antibiotics in any way, and therefore do not have a negative effect on the body.
Features of use in children's practice
The use of Acyclovir eye ointment in children is permitted.
The usual daily dosage of Acyclovir in the form of an eye ointment for local use in children and adults does not differ and is about half a gram of eye ointment. A strip of ointment 1 cm long is used 5 times a day until healing and another 3 days after. Reapplication can be done after 4 hours.
The step-by-step application technique is as follows:
- Hand washing, eye rinsing if necessary, preparing gauze pads.
- Older children are seated, small children are laid down and calmed down.
- Open the tube.
- Take the tube between the index and thumb in your working hand, and a napkin in the other hand.
- Place the napkin on the bottom one and pull it down, looking up.
- Squeezing out the ointment into a 1 cm strip, place it behind the lower eyelid in the direction from the outer edge inwards.
- The eyelid is released, the eye is closed, and the tube is screwed on.
- Then you need to make circular movements with your eyes with your eyelids closed to distribute the ointment evenly, and wipe off the excess with a napkin.
When applying the ointment, do not touch the cornea and conjunctiva with the metal tip of the tube due to the high risk of injury.
If other medications are prescribed locally in the form of drops, then the ointment is applied half an hour to an hour after applying liquid forms or rinsing.
Acyclovir or Zovirax - which is better and more effective against herpes
Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline, Poland
Release form: tablets, ointment and cream, lyophilisate for the preparation of infusion solution, eye ointment
Active ingredient: Acyclovir
Synonyms: Gerpevir, Virolex, Vivorax
The imported analogue of Acyclovir for the treatment of herpes, Zovirax, is the original drug, on the basis of which all its generics with the generic name Acyclovir were released. Accordingly, the indications for use are the same.
Several forms of the analogue are available - cream, eye ointment, lyophilisate for infusion solution and Zovirax tablets.
Acyclovir cream and ointment are cheaper than the analogue Zovirax, but some doctors and patients prefer the expensive and original drug. There are no objective differences between analogues.
Side effects
The drug is well tolerated in most cases. Undesirable effects are rare. Possible side effects include:
- allergic reactions - up to such manifestations of immediate hypersensitivity as Quincke's edema;
- superficial keratopathy, which then goes away without discontinuation of the drug and without the use of additional agents;
- inflammation of the eyelids;
- conjunctivitis;
- local burning sensation after applying the medicine.
If you develop the first signs of adverse reactions, or if any new complaints appear, immediately inform your doctor.
Acyclovir or Valtrex
Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline, Poland
Release form: tablets
Active ingredient: Valaciclovir
Synonyms: Valvir, Valtsikon, Valogard
The imported analogue of Acyclovir tablets, Valtrex, is the original Valaciclovir, that is, it was the first to appear on the pharmaceutical market; it is also used, only less frequently and the course of treatment is shorter.
To prevent genital herpes, Valtrex is prescribed as a 500 mg tablet once a day for one year or more.
Contraindications and precautions
Often, for herpes of the eye, Acyclovir is prescribed at the same time orally, for a better antiherpetic effect.
Acyclovir ointment should not be used in patients with individual immunity to the active ingredient or derivatives of the drug (valaciclovir). It is not prescribed during breastfeeding.
The drug does not affect the reaction rate, but after its use an oily film forms on the surface of the eye, temporarily reducing the clarity of vision.
The medicine does not affect the effect of other medicines. The use of immunostimulating agents increases the effectiveness of the drug.
During treatment you should not use contact lenses.
An important feature of childhood is the development of the immune system and the imperfection of defense mechanisms. Therefore, in addition to the local use of ointment for herpes, there is often a need for systemic administration of Acyclovir to the child. It is usually taken in tablet form.
Additional systemic use of antiherpetic agents is always necessary for severe and recurrent infections.
The ointment does not contain preservatives; after opening the tube, it is best to store it in the refrigerator for no longer than a month.
Instructions for use of Acyclovir eye ointment
Acyclovir eye ointment is an ophthalmic antiviral drug for topical use. First, let's look at the scope of use of the drug.
Indications for use
A remedy is prescribed for keratitis caused by the herpes virus. The infection affects the cornea, causing an inflammatory reaction. A characteristic feature of herpetic keratitis is a tendency to relapse.
Herpetic infection affects the epithelium, causing erosions and ulcers. Patients complain of eye pain, lacrimation, foreign body sensation, redness, and increased sensitivity to light.
Acyclovir for the eyes is also prescribed for conjunctivitis. This is a disease in which inflammation affects the transparent membrane that covers the sclera and the inside of the eyelid. The disease manifests itself in the form of redness of the eyes, pain, sensation of a foreign object, intolerance to light, itching, burning and profuse lacrimation.
Eye ointment is used in the treatment of children and adults
Acyclovir also helps with stye on the eye. Barley is a purulent-inflammatory process that is localized in the area of the sebaceous gland or hair follicle of the eyelash. Patients first begin to complain of burning and itching in the eyelid area. Then swelling develops, and after a few days a purulent abscess forms. Sometimes the disease even affects the general condition, leading to an increase in temperature.
The product is available in various dosage forms, including tablets. Acyclovir for herpes prevents the formation of new rash elements and also reduces the likelihood of complications. The drug accelerates the process of crust formation and reduces the severity of pain during the acute phase of herpes zoster. In addition, the drug has an immunostimulating effect, which is aimed at strengthening the defenses.
Features of application
Applying the ointment is quite simple. The product should be placed in the conjunctival sac five times a day. The procedure is repeated until the symptoms of keratitis completely disappear. In order to consolidate the result, you can continue to apply the ointment for the next three days after the symptoms disappear.
Before applying the ointment, the eyes are washed with a disinfectant solution. This can be a solution of furatsilin or chamomile decoction. It is best to perform the manipulation before bedtime. First of all, hands should be washed thoroughly under running water using antibacterial soap.
Next, squeeze out a small amount of the medicine onto a thick disposable cotton swab. The package includes a spatula with the gel, which should be boiled before each use. You can also squeeze the ointment directly from the tube, but it should not touch the surface of the mucous membrane.
Then pull back the eyelid and place the product between it and the eyeball. Next, close your eyes for a few minutes, and massage your eyelid for better distribution of the medicine. Remove the remaining ointment using a cotton-gauze napkin.
The interval between use of the product is about four hours. The treatment course lasts from three to five days. It is best to avoid wearing contact lenses during treatment.
The product has a number of unconditional advantages: a divisible dose of the drug, reasonable cost, and high bioavailability. Acyclovir is also available as a cream that is used for cold sores and shingles on the lip or genitals. Apply the cream carefully in a thin layer.
When applying the ointment, the tube should not touch the surface of the mucous membrane
Contraindications and side effects
If you are hypersensitive to the active ingredients of the drug, use of the ointment is strictly prohibited. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the product is used with great caution under the supervision of a specialist.
Treatment with Acyclovir is associated with the risks of the following side effects:
- burning eyes;
- inflammation of the conjunctiva;
- blepharitis;
- keratopathy;
- angioedema;
- allergic reaction.
If the ointment is accidentally swallowed, the following undesirable symptoms may occur:
- dyspnea;
- headache;
- nausea;
- vomit;
- convulsions;
- coma.
Immediately after use, a slight burning sensation may occur, which will soon go away on its own. The use of ointment does not affect concentration or reaction.
The decision to replace Acyclovir with analogues is made by the doctor
Acyclovir drops
Eye drops should be instilled one or two into each conjunctivitis sac. In general, to avoid severe eye damage, you need to instill drops as soon as itching or redness of the eye appears. This way it will be possible to protect yourself from frightening consequences, including the loss of an eye, that is, vision.
Five times a day they are instilled into the conjunctivitis sac, with an interval of 4 hours or five hours between procedures. Naturally, treatment procedures can be reduced to three times per knock, if the disease is not so advanced.
Acyclovir cream
Acyclovir acri Click on the picture to open
You need to spray the cream onto the affected areas with a tape 1.25 cm long. It is better to carry out the procedure using fingertips. The skin on your hands may dry out and peel after contact with the composition. Not always, but it apparently depends on the individual’s tolerance or intolerance to the drug.
The drug should be administered strictly at certain hours; the interval between treatments should be at least 5 hours. Treatment is also carried out for 5 days. But, if the disease has taken an advanced form, that is, painful blisters have appeared, then the treatment procedure is continued for 10 days.
Contraindications
The main contraindication for the use of this drug is hypersensitivity to its main components . Eye ointment is used during pregnancy only if the apparent benefit to the mother significantly outweighs the risk to the fetus.
When entering the systemic circulation, the components of the drug penetrate into breast milk, but their quantity is extremely low.
Another article on a similar topic is Zovirax ointment: instructions, dosage and precautions. Recommended reading.
How to quickly get rid of dark circles under your eyes, read this publication.
Side effects
Acyclovir eye ointment has the following side effects: a slight burning sensation (occurs most often), superficial keratopathy, conjunctivitis are sometimes noted, and in some cases blepharitis is noted, as well as allergic-type reactions, manifestations of hypersensitivity, up to the development of angioedema.
Indications for use
The instructions for use state that Acyclovir ointment is prescribed for herpetic keratitis. Before prescribing such a drug, the doctor must conduct a full examination of the patient and make a diagnosis.
You can start using Acyclovir only as directed by your doctor. It is worth considering that if the disease is bacterial in nature, it is not advisable to use this ointment.
