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Acyclovir
Information For Genital Herpes Treatment
Herpes viruses
get their name from the Greek word herpein, which means "to
creep"--a reflection of the way common herpes skin lesions or
ulcers spread. When individuals refer to herpes simplex they
are primarily concerned with two prevalent types, HSV-1and
HSV-2. There is a common belief that HSV-1attacks above the
waist and is responsible for cold sores, while HSV-2 attacks
below the waist and is responsible for the genital lesions.
However, both herpes viruses HSV-1and II can cause herpetic
lesions on the oral mucosa and the genital region. Herpes
HSV-1 is primarily the cause of recurrent cold sores while
HSV-2 are generally responsible for the genital lesions.
Not all herpes
viruses cause lesions or ulcers, however, once an individual
is infected he/she can expect the following:
- Once
infected with a herpes virus, an individual carries the
virus for life.
- The
primary infection is usually more severe than a recurrent
infection.
- The
initial (primary) infection is followed by latent periods
and subsequent recurrent infections.
Fortunately,
there are now very effective medications that can reduce the
number of recurrent outbreaks, as well as, the severity of the
ulcers associated with the herpes virus. Numerous clinical
studies have shown that Acyclovir can significantly reduce the
number of outbreaks secondary to the herpes virus.
Additional Acyclovir Information
The
following Acyclovir information has been compiled from
a variety of resources in order to give you an overview
of the use of Acyclovir for the treatment
of genital herpes:
Why
is Acyclovir prescribed?
What
is the mechanism of action of Acyclovir?
Is
there any contraindications to individuals using Acyclovir?
How
should you use Acyclovir?
What
if I miss a dose of Acyclovir?
What
if there is an overdose of Acyclovir?
Are there any side effects associated
with the use of Acyclovir?
Are
there any special warnings concerning Acyclovir?
Can
Acyclovir be taking if you are pregnant or breast feeding?
Does
Acyclovir prevent the spread of the herpes virus?
How
is Acyclovir stored?
Why is Acyclovir prescribed?
Acyclovir is prescribed for the treatment of the painful sores
caused by genital herpes. Acyclovir is also prescribed for
the treatment of Herpes zoster, also known as shingles or
zoster, which is a
viral infection caused by the same virus that causes chicken
pox that presents as a rash.
Acyclovir is used to treat herpes infections of the skin,
lip, and genitals; herpes zoster (also known as shingles or
zoster, which is a viral infection caused by the same virus
that causes chicken pox that presents as a rash) and chickenpox.
Acyclovir does not cure herpes infections but decreases pain
and itching and promotes healing.
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What is the mechanism of action of Acyclovir?
Acyclovir is rapidly has demonstrated antiviral activity against
herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2) and varicella-zoster
virus (VZV).
Mechanism
of Action of Acyclovir
Acyclovir
is highly selective due to its affinity for the enzyme thymidine
kinase (TK) encoded by HSV and VZV. This viral enzyme converts
acyclovir into acyclovir monophosphate, a nucleotide analogue.
The monophosphate is further converted into diphosphate by
cellular guanylate kinase and into triphosphate by a number
of cellular enzymes. This process results in blocking the
replication of the herpes viral DNA.
In
non technical terms when the herpes virus tries to reproduce
and spread to other cells in the body, Acyclovir disrupts
the process. This helps to keep the virus inactive, while
there is no cure for genital herpes, some people on suppressive
therapy with Acyclovir can go 6 months or longer without any
outbreaks.
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Is there any contraindications to individuals using Acyclovir?
Acyclovir should not be used by anyone with a weak immune
system, such as those with HIV infection or those who have
undergone a bone marrow or kidney transplant. Acyclovir can
cause serious side effects, including death, in such people.
Individuals should also further discuss the use of Acyclovir
with their physician if they meet any of the following criteria:
- Individuals
with a history of kidney or liver disease
- Individuals
who are allergic to acyclovir, valacyclovir (Valtrex), or
any other medications.
- Individuals
who are taking any of the following medications Benemid
(probenecid) (Benemid), AZT (zidovudine), Retrovir (zidovudine)
- Women
who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
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How
should you use Acyclovir?
If
you are taking Acyclovir for shingles, you should start using
it as soon as possible after your physician has made a diagnosis.
Clinical studies have shown that the medication is most effective
against shingles if treatment is initiated within the first
72 hours of initial symptoms.
If
you are using Acyclovir for genital herpes, begin taking the
medication at the first sign of an attack. The medication
may not be effective if you wait longer than 72 hours after
the first attack or 24 hours after a later attack. You may
take Acyclovir with or without food.
The
appropriate dose is as follows:
- Genital
herpes - (initial episode) 200mg every 4 hours
5 times per day for 10 days
- Genital
herpes
- (recurrent or suppressive therapy): 400mg 2 times per
day for up to 12 months, then re-evaluate.
- Herpes
zoster - 800mg 5 times per day for 7-10 days
If
your kidneys are not functioning well, your physician may
decide to reduce the dosage.
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What
if I miss a dose of Acyclovir?
Take
it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular
schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
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What
if there is an overdose of Acyclovir?
When
taken by people with kidney disorders excessive doses of Acyclovir
have been known to cause psychological problems and kidney
failure. If you suspect an overdose, call 911 or visit your
local emergency room or clinic.
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Are there any side effects associated
with the use of Acyclovir?
Similar
to most prescription medications, Acyclovir may cause some
mild side effects including the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased
appetite
- Abdominal
pain
- Light-headedness
- Headache
- Joint
Pain
Individuals
should stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical
attention in the rare situation that they should have any
of the following reactions to Acyclovir:
- Difficulty
breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips,
tongue, or face; or hives
- Little
or no urine production
- Unusual
bleeding or bruising
- Confusion
- Yellowness
of the skin or eyes
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Are
there any special warnings concerning Acyclovir?
High
doses of Acyclovir have proved dangerous in people whose immune
system is compromised because of HIV infection, bone marrow
transplant, or kidney transplant. If your kidneys are not
functioning properly, or you are taking drugs that may damage
the kidneys such as Neomycin or Streptomycin, Acyclovir can
make your condition worse or affect your central nervous system
(brain and spinal cord).
Acyclovir
relieves the symptoms of genital herpes, but it is not a cure.
Please note: There is also no evidence that Acyclovir will
prevent transmission of genital herpes. To avoid spreading
the infection, do not have sexual intercourse during a flare-up.
Acyclovir is not intended for use in children.
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Possible
food and drug interactions when taking Acyclovir?
If
you are taking Acyclovir with certain other drugs, the effect
of either drug could be increased, decreased, or altered.
Check with your doctor before combining Acyclovir with cimetidine
(Tagamet) and/or probenecid (Benemid).
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Can
Acyclovir be taking if you are pregnant or breast feeding?
The
effects of Acyclovir during pregnancy and breast feeding have
not been adequately reviewed in clinical studies. If you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your physician
prior to taking the medication. If you are nursing and need
to use Acyclovir, your physician may advise you to discontinue
breastfeeding while using the medication.
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Does
Acyclovir prevent the spread of the herpes virus?
No,
an individual should use a condom during sexual intercourse
and should refrain form sexual activity when herpetic lesions
are present. Remember, herpes can be transmitted form one
individual to another even when there are no herpetic lesion
visible.
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How
is Acyclovir stored?
Store
Acyclovir at room temperature between 59 and 77 degrees F
(15 to 25 degrees C) away from heat and light. Keep this and
all medications out of the reach of children. |
Genital Herpes Information
