Aciclovir
Aciclovir is an antiviral drug used in the treatment of herpes simplex infections, including herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), which is the primary pathogen responsible for genital herpes.
Aciclovir, chemically known as acycloguanosine, is one of the most commonly used antiviral medications in the world. It is mainly used to control the herpes simplex viruses, HSV-1 and HSV-2, but it is also prescribed to control the Varicella zoster virus and the Epstein-Barr virus.
Although a herpes infection cannot be totally cured, aciclovir may reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks. This antiviral medication may also hasten the healing process and reduce the pain from an outbreak that has already occurred.
How Does Aciclovir Work?
Aciclovir is absorbed into or directly injected into the bloodstream. When it comes into contact with the herpes virus, it inhibits the viral DNA polymerase, which is an enzyme required for the virus to duplicate its DNA. Since the virus cannot replicate, the infection is more easily controlled by the body’s immune system.
Aciclovir Dosage
Aciclovir is available in several forms, but it is most commonly prescribed as a tablet or capsule in one of the following doses: 200 mg, 400 mg, 800 mg or 1000 mg. It is also available as a topical cream at 5 percent strength and as an ophthalmic ointment at 3 percent strength. For serious infections or for those who do not absorb the medication well, aciclovir is also available as an intravenous injection at a concentration of 25 mg/ml.
How Long Does a Course of Aciclovir Last?
Aciclovir is only effective as long as it is still in the bloodstream, which is only a matter of hours. Therefore, a course of aciclovir depends on whether it is being used to treat symptoms of an outbreak or the frequency of outbreaks. If it is being used to control the severity of an outbreak, it is taken up to five times per day for five to ten days. Patients experiencing frequent outbreaks may take aciclovir two to five times daily for up to one year.
How Effective is Aciclovir?
Aciclovir is considered very effective in controlling genital herpes. When it is used to control the severity of an outbreak, it reduces pain and decreases the length of an average outbreak by several days. When it is used as a long-term treatment, aciclovir is effective in reducing outbreaks by 70 to 80 percent.
Aciclovir Side Effects
Aciclovir has been found to produce a number of side effects in some people. Common side effects include the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue
What Other Medications Affect Aciclovir?
Before taking aciclovir, a doctor should be notified of all other medications being taken because several are contraindicated for use with this antiviral drug. Drugs of concern are as follows:
- Probenecid
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories
- HIV medications
- Antifungal medications
Who Should Not Take Aciclovir?
Patients who are dehydrated from excessive activity or illness should avoid taking aciclovir. In addition, patients with immune system deficiencies should discuss the use of aciclovir with a doctor prior to treatment. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should also discuss taking aciclovir with a doctor.
