Acyclovir is antiviral agent active against herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2, herpes zoster virus (Varicella zoster), Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus.

A synthetic analogue of an acyclic purine nucleoside with a highly selective effect on herpes viruses. Within the cells infected with the virus, under the action of viral thymidine kinase, a number of successive reactions of transformation of acyclovir into mono-, di- and acyclovir triphosphate take place. Acyclovir triphosphate is incorporated into the viral DNA chain and blocks its synthesis by competitive inhibition of viral DNA polymerase.

In vitro, acyclovir is effective against the herpes simplex virus - Herpes simplex types I and II, against the Varicella zoster virus. More high concentrations are required to inhibit the Epstein-Barr virus.

In vivo, acyclovir is therapeutically and prophylactically effective, primarily in viral infections caused by Herpes simplex.

With herpes, it prevents the formation of new elements of the rash, reduces the likelihood of cutaneous dissemination and visceral complications, accelerates the formation of crusts, and reduces pain in the acute phase of herpes zoster. It has an immunostimulating effect.

Indications for use

What does Acyclovir help from? According to the instructions, the drug is prescribed in the following cases:

• Herpetic infections of the skin caused by herpes simplex viruses of types 1 and 2;
• Herpes of the genital tract;
• Herpetic eruptions on the skin and mucous membranes oral cavity in patients with severe immunodeficiency;
• Chicken pox;
• Shingles in the composition complex therapy.

Instructions for use of Acyclovir, dosage of tablets

The tablets are taken orally with meals or immediately after a meal. The drug is recommended to be taken with a sufficient amount of liquid. The dosage of the drug and the duration of the course of therapy are determined by the doctor based on blood tests and the clinical picture of the disease.

For the treatment of herpes simplex of the mucous membranes and skin - 1 tablet of Acyclovir 200 mg \ 4 to 5 times a day, at regular intervals. According to the instructions for use, the duration of the course is from 5 to 10 days.

As part of complex therapy for severe immunodeficiency, including with a detailed clinical picture of HIV infection (including early clinical manifestations HIV infection and AIDS stage), after implantation bone marrow appoint 400 mg 5 times a day.

For the prevention of recurrence of infections caused by Herpes simplex viruses of type I and II, patients with normal immune status and with a relapse of the disease are prescribed 200 mg \ 4 times a day every 6 hours.

For the prevention of infections caused by Herpes simplex viruses type I and II, adults and children over 3 years old with immunodeficiency, it is recommended to prescribe Acyclovir 200 mg \ 4 times a day every 6 hours, maximum dose- up to 400 mg of acyclovir 5 times a day, depending on the severity of the infection.

In the treatment of infections caused by Varicella zoster, adults are prescribed 800 mg / 5 times a day every 4 hours during the day and with an 8-hour interval at night. The duration of the course of treatment is 7-10 days. Children over 3 years old are prescribed 20 mg / kg 4 times a day for 5 days, children weighing more than 40 kg are prescribed the drug in the same dosage as adults.

In the treatment of infections caused by Herpes zoster, the instructions for use recommend the dosage of Acyclovir - 800 mg \ 4 times a day every 6 hours for 5 days.

With chickenpox, Acyclovir is prescribed to children under 2 years of age at a dose of 200 mg, from 2 to 6 years old - 400 mg, over 6 years old - 800 mg 4 times a day for 5 days (on average, at the rate of 20 mg / kg of body weight per dose , but not more than 800 mg).

special instructions

Prolonged use of Acyclovir or repeated courses in patients with reduced immunity can lead to the emergence of viral strains that are not sensitive to the action of the drug.

When taking the drug orally in high doses, you need to monitor the intake of a sufficient amount of fluid into the body.

The use of the drug does not prevent sexual transmission of herpes, therefore, during therapy, even in the absence of clinical manifestations, one should refrain from sexual intercourse.

Side effects

The instruction warns of the possibility of developing the following side effects when prescribing Acyclovir tablets:

• From the side of the central nervous system - headache, dizziness, convulsions, tremors of the hands, depression of consciousness or, conversely, mental and emotional overexcitement, drowsiness, apathy to what is happening, malaise and general weakness;
• On the part of the cardiovascular system - increased heart rate, decreased performance blood pressure, shortness of breath;
• On the part of the urinary organs - the development of acute renal failure when using the drug in high doses;
• After oral administration: nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, fatigue, skin rash, headaches, dizziness, hallucinations, insomnia or drowsiness, fever. Hair loss and changes in blood count are rare.

Contraindications

It is contraindicated to prescribe Acyclovir in the following cases:

• lactase deficiency, lactose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption (for dosage form, which contains lactose monohydrate as an auxiliary component);
• age up to 3 years;
• lactation period.

Prescribe under medical supervision:

• neurological disorders / reactions to taking cytotoxic drugs (including a burdened history);
• impaired renal function;
• the use of large doses of acyclovir, especially against the background of dehydration;
• elderly age;
• pregnancy.

Overdose

Overdose symptoms - neurological disorders, headache, shortness of breath, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, kidney dysfunction, convulsions, coma.

Hospital treatment is required.

Analogues Acyclovir, price in pharmacies

If necessary, you can replace Acyclovir with an analogue for the active substance - these are drugs:

1. Virolex,
2. Vivorax,
3. Provirsan,
4. Herperax,
5. Medovir,
6. Acyclostad.

When choosing analogs, it is important to understand that the instructions for the use of Acyclovir tablets, the price and reviews, do not apply to drugs of a similar action. It is important to consult a doctor and not make your own replacement of the drug.

Price in Russian pharmacies: Acyclovir tablets 200 mg, 20 pcs. - from 26 rubles, the cost of tablets Acyclovir-Akrikhin 400 mg, 20 pcs. - from 260 rubles, according to 491 pharmacies.

Keep out of the reach of children at a temperature not exceeding 25 ° C. Shelf life is 2 years.

Dispensing conditions from pharmacies - by prescription.

Content

The drug Acyclovir tablets is effective in the treatment of the first two types of herpes virus. Herpes simplex is very sensitive to the purine nucleoside deoxyguanidine, the analogue of which is Acyclovir. Operating principle medicinal substance based on interaction with viral enzymes in order to interrupt their reproduction. The aciclovir drug fights the effects of weakening the immune system of the human body without affecting the causes themselves.

What is Acyclovir

Nucleosides are the building blocks for DNA, through which genetic information is transmitted at the cellular level. Synthetically created analogs of nucleosides allow the drug to penetrate the cells affected by the virus and affect the processes taking place there. One of these analogs is Acyclovir. The mechanism of its action is due to the transformation under the influence of virus and human enzymes into monophosphate, then into diphosphate and, finally, into the active form - acyclovir triphosphate, which blocks the multiplication of the viral cell.

Composition

The main active ingredient in the Acyclovir tablets, which is a white crystallized powder with a dosage of 200, 400, 800 mg. Additional substances that are used to give the drug the necessary technological qualities, to ensure the accuracy of dosage and strength:

• lactose or milk sugar - diluent;
• starch - baking powder;
• aerosil - antifriction (anti-slip) substance;
• polyvinylpyrrolidone - a binding ingredient;
• calcium stearic acid - a lubricant to facilitate swallowing.

From what tablets Acyclovir

A herpetic virus, once it enters the body, remains there forever. This does not mean that an infected person will have to walk with a rash or shingles all their lives. Such troubles will appear only during periods of weakened immune defenses, for example, with a cold or flu. Antiviral therapy is used in the treatment of patients in whom the disease has become active, which manifests itself in the form of external or internal rashes, herpes zoster, lesions of the mucous membrane with a rash.

The purpose of Acyclovir tablets is to block the spread of the virus, saving you from painful sensations, but not affect the immune system. The drug removes the pronounced manifestations of primary or recurrent herpes - pain, swelling, burning. Also, the action of the drug is aimed at reducing the chances of a relapse of the disease in the near future. Timely use can prevent the appearance of rashes with chickenpox, oral and genital herpes, and shingles.

The mechanism of action of Acyclovir

The effectiveness of the drug's influence on the spread of the virus is due to the selective mechanism of action specifically on the affected cells. Pharmacological effect due to the absence in uninfected cells of viral thymidine kinase (an enzyme involved in the formation of DNA). Getting into the body, active drug under the action of pathogenic enzymes, it is phosphorylated and transformed into acycloguanosine triphosphate, i.e. a compound that inhibits viral DNA. The concentration of the substance reaches its maximum in 1.5-2 hours.

Acyclovir tablets - instructions for use

The attending physician prescribes a single dose and frequency of admission, based on the clinical picture of the patient's illness. The main factors affecting the presence of significant differences in dosage are the severity and etymology of the development of the disease, the presence of prerequisites for relapse, the state of the body's immune system. Self-administration of the drug is not recommended due to the possibility of complications or a decrease in the effectiveness of treatment.

For kids

Taking Acyclovir tablets for children is calculated based on the weight and surface area of ​​the child's body. It is possible to apply drug treatment from the age of three. Babies are contraindicated in taking medication in tablets, only intravenously or externally. The dose of the active substance and the frequency of administration for children differs depending on the variety viral disease... For the safe prescription of the drug, an examination is required child's body, his immune system in general.

For adults

The method of using Acyclovir in the treatment of viral diseases in adults is based on the patient's immune status, age and kidney functionality. Elderly patients with any type of renal failure or immunodeficiency require a special approach when prescribing medicinal product... Ignoring individual characteristics can lead to unintended consequences. Therefore, it is necessary to get the advice of a specialist before proceeding with self-medication.

During pregnancy

The herpes and varicella-zoster virus is a threat to the health of the pregnant woman and the fetus. Therefore, if there is a threat to the life of the future woman in labor, it is possible to prescribe Acyclovir for a period of more than 5 months. The active substance of the drug penetrates the barrier of the placenta, but this is not the cause of pregnancy failure. Prescribing a tablet form of the drug is an extreme measure and is possible only under the supervision of a physician.

How to take Acyclovir tablets

The scheme for taking Acyclovir is designed mainly for 5-10 days. Treatment can be extended at the discretion of the physician if there are justified reasons. When starting self-medication, you must carefully read how to take Acyclovir tablets. The first rule is to take the drug with meals or immediately after a meal. The second point - should be washed down with a sufficient amount of water without sweeteners or dyes. The volume of liquid should be such that the tablet easily passes into the intestines.

With chickenpox

Disease chicken pox(varicella zoster) can be mild or severe. The severity depends on the body's immune ability to resist viruses. For adults, the medication is prescribed at the most early stage illness, and children under 12 years old - only with intolerance to a painful condition or severe course disease. Adults take the drug according to the following scheme: 2 tablets of 400 mg each. with a four-hour break. The children's dose is half that of an adult, and the time interval between doses is increased by 1 hour, but no more than 4 times a day.

How to drink Acyclovir for herpes

Symptoms of the Herpes virus disappear after a five-day course of taking Acyclovir, 1 tablet every 4 hours (5 times a day). If the immunity is too weak and does not have time to cope with the viral attack, the duration of taking the drug is increased to 10 days without changing the dosage. When the virus reawakens in a short time period, the treatment is repeated according to the same scheme at the very initial stage of relapse.

When depriving

Treatment for shingles, which is the same form of viral disease as chickenpox, is to take 1 tablet by mouth 5 times a day. Complex therapy includes support with vitamins and pain relievers. Additionally, on the recommendation of a doctor, antibiotic therapy can be prescribed if there is an indication for its use.

For immunity

The defeat of body cells by viruses occurs during periods of weakening of the human immune system. To maintain the natural defense mechanism in good shape, it is necessary to strengthen the immune system by all possible ways... The principle of action of Acyclovir is to eliminate the consequences of suppressed immunity. The active substance of the drug does not affect healthy cells, therefore, it will not work to strengthen the immune system by this method. Elimination of disease-causing formations, contributes to the restoration of the body's functionality and the resumption of the production of new immune cells.

Is it possible to drink Acyclovir for prevention

A set of measures to prevent the possibility of the appearance or recurrence of symptoms of a viral disease is prevention. One of these measures is the prophylactic administration of Acyclovir. This method is especially effective after an organ transplant operation or if you know your risk factor, which with a high degree of probability can provoke the disease. The dosage and prophylactic regimen should be checked with the treating doctor who is observing the history of the disease.

Side effects and contraindications

The use of Acyclovir only in rare cases can provoke side effects... This is possible with an overdose of the medication taken. Studies indicate that it is well tolerated by patients of different age groups. You should be aware of possible reactions the body to avoid panic reactions in the event of their occurrence. Side effects in order of probability:

• nausea;
• vomit;
• diarrhea;
• dizziness;
• headache;
• minor skin rashes;
• fatigue;
• allergy;
• impaired peripheral vision;
• dyspnea;
• tremor;
• anemia;
• myalgia.

There are few contraindications to the use of tablet form in the treatment of viral infections of Acyclovir. Refrain from taking pills should be during lactation, in early pregnancy, children under 3 years of age. If the treatment process reveals the presence of an individual intolerance to the substance, you must immediately stop taking it. People with kidney failure and breastfeeding mothers should use this treatment after consulting a doctor.

How much does Acyclovir tablets cost

You can buy the medication without a prescription in the city's pharmacies. The price of the drug in different regions of Moscow and St. Petersburg may differ, but it varies from 28 to 190 rubles. The sale of the medicine is also possible in the online pharmacy. You can order the required amount without leaving your home, while delivery is carried out both by mail and by courier to your home. The cost of Acyclovir tablets does not change significantly, additional costs include only delivery services. The price of Acyclovir in tablets in Moscow, depending on the manufacturer and the dose of the active ingredient:

Drug analogs

Medicines in which active ingredient is acyclovir, can be as effective in treatment as the original. Before choosing a generic ( inexpensive analogue of the original medicine with a modified composition of auxiliary impurities), it is necessary to consult a doctor or pharmacist. Even the identity of the main component contained in similar products does not guarantee the absence of allergens in the impurity. Pharmacological analogues of Acyclovir, the purchase of which does not imply a prescription:

• acivir
• acigerpine
• herpevir
• Zovirax
• virolex
• biocyclovir
• valavir
• vacyclovir
• virorib
• heviran
• meadovir
• famvir

Catad_pgroup Antiviral for herpes

Acyclovir-Akrihin tablets - instructions for use

Registration number:

Trade name of the drug:

International non-proprietary name:

Dosage form:

Composition

active substance: acyclovir in terms of 100% substance - 200 mg and 400 mg;
Excipients: microcrystalline cellulose 21.46 mg or 42.92 mg, povidone 1.17 mg or 2.34 mg, magnesium stearate 2 mg or 4 mg, indigo carmine 0.1 mg or 0.2 mg, sodium carboxymethyl starch 12.5 mg or 25 mg, purified water 12.77 mg or 25.54 mg, respectively.

Description

Blue tablets with dark and light blue blotches and possible white spots, flat-cylindrical, with beveled and scored.

Pharmacotherapeutic group:

ATX code: J05AB01

Pharmacological properties

Indications for use

• treatment of infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, both primary and secondary, including genital herpes;
• prevention of exacerbations of recurrent infections caused by the Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 in patients with normal immune status;
• prevention of primary and recurrent infections caused by the Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 in immunocompromised patients;
• as part of complex therapy in patients with severe immunodeficiency: with HIV infection (AIDS stage, early clinical manifestations and a detailed clinical picture) and in patients who have undergone bone marrow transplantation;
• treatment of primary and recurrent infections caused by the Varicella zoster virus (chickenpox, shingles).

Contraindications

Release form

Storage conditions

Shelf life

Terms of dispensing from pharmacies

Manufacturer / Organization accepting customer claims

Open Joint Stock Company "Chemical and Pharmaceutical Plant" AKRIKHIN "
(JSC "AKRIKHIN"), Russia
142450, Moscow region, Noginsky district, Old Kupavna, st. Kirov, 29.

in a contour acheikova packing 10 pcs .; in a pack of cardboard 2 packages.

Description of the dosage form

The tablets are white.

Characteristic

Antiviral agent from the group of synthetic analogs of acyclic purine nucleoside - deoxyguanidine, which is a DNA component.

pharmachologic effect

Pharmacodynamics

Acyclovir is highly specific for the virus Herpes simplex(HSV), including HSV type 1 and HSV type 2, virus Varicella zoster(VZV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). In cell cultures, acyclovir is most active against HSV-1, then in decreasing order: HSV-2, VZV, EBV and CMV. Acyclovir penetrates directly into cells infected with the virus. Virus-infected cells produce viral thymidine kinase, which phosphorylates acyclovir to acyclovir monophosphate. In addition, the activity of viral thymidine kinase in relation to acyclovir is much higher than the effect of cellular enzymes on it (in infected cells, the concentration of acyclovir monophosphate is 40-100 times higher). Further phosphorylation by cellular enzymes leads to the formation of acyclovir triphosphate, which is extremely active and selective inhibitor DNA polymerase of viruses. Probably, the mechanism of inhibition of DNA synthesis by acyclovir triphosphate is that it is a substrate for this enzyme, which makes it possible to carry out the 3 "-5" bond, which is necessary for the extension of the DNA chain. Thus, the premature termination of the DNA strand is carried out.

Pharmacokinetics

When taken orally, acyclovir is only partially absorbed in the intestine. After prescribing a dose of 200 mg 5 times a day, C max of acyclovir in blood plasma is 3.2 μmol (0.7 μg / ml), C min) - 1.8 μmol (0.4 μg / ml).

The concentration of acyclovir in the cerebrospinal fluid is 50% of the concentration in blood plasma. Plasma protein binding is relatively low (9-33%). Acyclovir is mainly excreted from the body unchanged through the kidneys. The renal clearance of acyclovir is significantly higher than the clearance of creatinine, which indicates that it is excreted not only by glomerular filtration, but also by tubular secretion.

The only metabolite found in urine is 9-carboxymethoxymethylguanine (10-15% of the prescribed dose).

Indications for the drug Acyclovir

treatment of primary and recurrent infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the virus Herpes simplex;

suppression of recurrence of infections caused by the virus Herpes simplex in patients with normal and weakened immune system;

primary and recurrent infections caused by the virus Varicella zoster.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to acyclovir or any other component of the drug.

Application during pregnancy and lactation

During pregnancy, the appointment is possible only in exceptional cases with a strict assessment of the ratio of the need to use the drug and possible risk... Should not be administered to nursing mothers.

Side effects

Dermatological reactions: in rare cases, skin rashes are observed, which disappear after discontinuation of the drug.

In some cases, it is possible gastrointestinal disorders: nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain; in some cases, rapidly passing neurological disorders are possible: dizziness, decreased concentration, hallucinations and drowsiness, mainly in patients with reduced renal function; very rarely there are temporary changes in the blood picture and the activity of liver enzymes. There were isolated cases of headaches, fatigue, exhaustion, drowsiness, insomnia, and difficulty breathing.

Interaction

Probenecid slows down the elimination of acyclovir.

Method of administration and dosage

Inside. Adult patients for the treatment of primary infections and relapses Herpes simplex skin and mucous membranes - 1 table. (With 200 mg) Acyclovir 5 times a day. The duration of treatment is usually 5 days. In severe cases, longer treatment may be required. In patients with a significantly weakened immune system (for example, after bone marrow transplantation) or in patients with insufficient intestinal absorption, an increase in a single dose to 400 mg or intravenous administration of the drug is necessary. To suppress the recurrence of infection caused by Herpes simplex in patients with a normal immune system - 1 table. Acyclovir (200 mg) 4 times a day or 2 tablets. 2 times a day. To prevent infection Herpes simplex in patients with a weak immune system - 1 table. (With 200 mg) 4 times a day. In patients with severely compromised immune defenses (such as in a bone marrow transplant) or in patients with insufficient intestinal absorption single dose can be increased to 2 tables. appointment.

Children: for the treatment of infection caused by Herpes simplex and the prevention of this infection against the background of a weakened immune defense, children over 2 years old receive the same dose as adults; under 2 years of age, half the adult dose.

Elderly patients: in elderly patients, the rate of total elimination of acyclovir is reduced. During therapy with high oral doses of the drug, an adequate intake of fluid into the patient's body should be ensured. In cases of impaired renal function, special attention should be paid to dose reduction. The decision to use the drug in patients with limited renal function is made by the doctor.

special instructions

The earlier treatment will be more effective. In patients with immunodeficiency, with multiple repeated courses of treatment, viral resistance to acyclovir is sometimes formed.

Storage conditions of the drug Acyclovir

Keep out of the reach of children.

Shelf life of the drug Acyclovir

Do not use after the expiration date printed on the package.

Instructions for medical use

LP-000199 from 2018-02-26
Acyclovir - instructions for medical use- RU No. ЛС-002612 dated 2012-03-22
Acyclovir - instructions for medical use - RU No. LP-000199 dated 2012-09-11
Acyclovir - instructions for medical use - RU No. LS-002612 dated 2006-12-29
Acyclovir - instructions for medical use - RU No. P N000115 / 04 dated 2009-03-05
Acyclovir - instructions for medical use - RU No. LS-001566 from 2015-12-10

Synonyms for nosological groups