Acyclovir Treatment for Herpes Infections
Herpes is an infection caused by two closely related
viruses, the herpes simplex virus type 1 and the
herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2). Acyclovir,
both as a topical cream and in its ingestible form,
is used in the treatment of herpes simplex virus
infections of the genitals, mouth area and skin.
When the infection breaks out in and around the
mouth, it is called oral herpes. When it is on or
near the sexual regions, it is known as genital
herpes.
As an antiviral medicine, Acyclovir is also used
in the treatment of symptoms for shingles, chicken
pox and other conditions, as determined by your
health professional. Acyclovir does not eliminate
HSV from the body, nor will it prevent the spread
of infection to others when open lesions are present.
In fact, the HSV virus remains in some nerve cells
for life, breaking out in lesions when the immune
system is low. Acyclovir is formulated to alleviate
discomfort, pain and itching. This respite usually
allows the body’s natural defenses to control
outbreaks caused by the virus.
Acyclovir is most effective in the early stages
of herpes infections, so it is important to begin
treatment at the first signs of an outbreak, which
can often include tingling, itching or pain. You
should also avoid sexual contact while visible lesions
are present.
Acyclovir is a powerful drug, specifically developed
to combat these severe conditions, but because of
the potential side effects, it should not be used
indiscriminately in the treatment of other ailments.
Side Effects of Acyclovir
It is rare for any serious side effects, other
than an allergic reaction, to occur from treatment
with Acyclovir topical. Allergic reactions however
can include difficulty in breathing, swollen lips,
tongue or face and an “angry”, itchy
rash. If any of these symptoms are manifest after
the application of Acyclovir topical, you are advised
to seek emergency medical treatment.
Less serious side effects of itching, burning or
a mild rash are more likely and usually occur during
the first three or four applications. If you experience
any of these symptoms, you should continue with
your Acyclovir treatment and monitor the symptoms
to see if they lessen. If the symptoms fail to abate
it is advisable to speak with your Doctor.
When taking Acyclovir orally you may initially
experience some side effects that will diminish
or go away during treatment. These include nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea and/or headaches as well as the
allergic reactions noted above. Other less common
side effects have been experienced by patients,
so if you notice any effects that cause moderate
to severe discomfort speak to your health care professional.
Especially if the symptoms and levels of discomfort
become more pronounced over time.
Important Information
Even after the symptoms have abated and you start
to feel better it is important to take the full
course of Acyclovir as prescribed. Also, remember
that Acyclovir only manages and alleviates the symptoms
of the herpes virus. It does not eliminate the virus
from your body so do not have unprotected sex while
lesions remain visible.
It is important to follow the directions provided
by your Doctor when taking Acyclovir orally and
if nausea or an upset stomach is experienced, try
and ingest with milk or food.
Interactions with other drugs can prevent Acyclovir
from doing its job so advise your health care professional
of medications you are taking.
Taking Acyclovir when using Interferon for example
may have a synergistic effect, so advise your doctor
if you are on a course of Interferon or of Probenecid,
which can magnify Acyclovir levels. Your doctor
may decide to monitor toxicity levels while you
are taking Acyclovir and either of these drugs.
Also, be cautious when taking Zidovudine with Acyclovir
because that can cause drowsiness.
Contraindications and Cautions
Acyclovir is contraindicated in:
• Patients hypersensitive to the drug
• Patients with neurologic problems or renal
disease and those receiving other nephro-toxic drugs
• Pregnant women unless the potential benefits
far exceed the potential risks to the fetus.
Immune System
Apart from your course of Acyclovir, a stronger
immune system will help to eliminate the oral and
genital lesions associated with the Herpes virus.
The immune system is a barometer of overall health
and there are many things that influence this first
line of the body’s defense to disease.
Diet and Nutrition is the foundation of a healthy
immune system. One that is filled with fresh fruits
and vegetables and low on red meat is an excellent
start. Sugar and highly processed foods, especially
those with hydrogenated oils, should be avoided.
Environment can compromise the immune system. Exposure
to foreign chemicals can also diminish resistance
to infection.
Exercise and Lifestyle can play a large role in
creating a healthy immune system. People who live
a sedentary life for example are often pre-disposed
to respiratory infections. A recent study found
that even walking for forty to forty five minutes
a day reduces this propensity to infection dramatically.
Psychological factors can also have an impact on
how well the body fights disease. On how well the
immune system functions.
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