Zovirax - a drug with antiviral effect which is usually very well tolerated. This good tolerability results from the mechanism of action of Zovirax, in connection with which it has very few contraindications and side effects.

Features Zovirax action on the human body

Zovirax - acyclovir is a trade name - one of the oldest and therefore the well-proven in clinical practice of antiviral drugs. Features of action Zovirax is that it acts only on cells infected with the herpes virus skin or mucous membranes. Healthy cells it does not concern and it is the main cause of its non-toxicity and good tolerability.

Once in the tissue by any means (via the skin, mucous membranes, gastrointestinal tract or directly into the blood when administered intravenously) Zovirax activated enzymes that produce herpes virus-infected cells. Healthy cells do not secrete this enzyme, so they Zovirax action is not. Transformed into the active substance, Zovirax obstacle in the form of a membrane and gets inside the infected cell. There it interferes with the genetic processes in the virus, and thus blocking their reproduction. The virus becomes little, they gradually lose their position and go back where you came - in the ganglia (clusters of nerve cells). The ganglia of herpes viruses may be a long time in an inactive state until their propagation will not appear favorable conditions - does not decrease the body's defenses.

Individual intolerance Zovirax

The main contraindication for use Zovirax is his idiosyncrasy, which manifests itself in the form of allergic reactions. If you suspect an allergic reaction to the use of Zovirax should be stopped immediately, as the symptoms of allergies can be each time harder.

The most common allergic reaction to Zovirax Zovirax - time-proven antiviral drug   manifested as skin rashes, hives usually happens - or papular krupnopyatnistaya (rising above the skin) rash, which tends to sprawl and mergers. If this rash will spread quickly, then it can join the swelling Prevention and treatment of edema - it is important to understand the root cause   subcutaneous tissue (angioedema, angioedema), the main hazard of which is the transition to the throat and respiratory failure.

Impaired renal function

Impaired renal function has a value in the case where Zovirax intravenously or taken orally in pill form. In this case, it is eliminated via the kidneys and if they do not work in full force, possible drug overdose. Therefore, renal impairment, the use of Zovirax if necessary for health reasons, the dose of the drug and the length of its course determined by the physician individually. In addition, when kidney function is recommended to follow the treatment Zovirax copious drinking. When dehydration even in healthy kidney dysfunction may occur.

The same settings in the appointment of Zovirax elderly patients, excretory organs which are also not always cope with its function.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

During pregnancy there is a physiological depression of immunity, so the herpes virus, which is the time not made itself felt, "out" on the surface and gives a relapse. A particularly dangerous for pregnant women, genital herpes, which can cause uterine infection in the child. Infection with herpes child can occur during birth.

To prevent this from happening to women in certain periods of pregnancy prescribe a course of antiviral treatment. The safest drug for pregnant women is considered to acyclovir Acyclovir - as it is safe?   (Zovirax). But to use this drug alone woman in any case should not be.

During breast-feeding, you can apply the cream Zovirax. But if there is a need to use tablets or solutions for intravenous administration, it is better to interrupt the treatment of breastfeeding, express breast milk that did not stop breastfeeding and feed the baby with formula milk Dairy mixture - selection of useful power   (Zovirax excreted in breast milk).

Side effect

Side effects of Zovirax can manifest itself in the form of irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and kidney (they are to remove the drug), changes in the blood (which may aggravate disorders of immunity, cause anemia and bleeding), disorders of the central nervous system (from headaches to seizures and coma), allergic reactions, hair loss.

All side effects are rare and mostly while taking Zovirax inside and intravenous administration, therefore these formulations of Zovirax should appoint a doctor.

Galina Romanenko

Zovirax - is an antiviral medication that is prescribed for the treatment of infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the herpes simplex virus Herpes simplex - in fact, not so simple   - Herpetic lesions of the lips, eyes, reproductive organs, internal organs and central nervous system. It is relatively safe antiviral drug, which, if necessary, you can even assign pregnant women.

What is herpes

Herpes viruses come in different types. The most common herpes simplex virus type I and II, as well as the herpes virus that causes chickenpox and shingles.

A feature of all herpes viruses is that it usually takes up residence in the body for life, taking root in childhood. Infected with herpes simplex virus type I can, for example, with a kiss, and the virus gets through intact skin and nerve endings gets into clusters of nerve cells (nerve ganglion), where it lies dormant for the time being. Conditions for activation occur at lower immunity (e.g., colds, HIV infection, post-radiotherapy of cancer, and so forth). The virus enters the epithelial cells of the skin or mucous membranes and causes the characteristic blisters. After a while, the bubbles burst and the skin golden crust is formed, which eventually disappears without leaving a trace. In severe herpes can defeat the internal organs and the central nervous system.

Herpes simplex virus type II causes genital (genital) herpes, which are infected through sexual contact. Recover from genital herpes is also impossible, but it is possible to prevent its recurrence.

Chickenpox - an acute infectious disease of childhood, which is also caused by the herpes virus (herpes zoster). Once the child been ill with chickenpox, the virus causing the disease is hiding in the nerve ganglia and in certain circumstances can "come out" in the form of herpes zoster Shingles and chickenpox - from the same pathogen   - Herpetic lesions of the skin along the nerves.

Combat any manifestations of herpes infection is necessary, first of all, improving the immune system and preventing colds. If the recurrence of herpes began, then treat him with antivirals should be as soon as possible.

How does the virus herpes Zovirax

Zovirax (acyclovir is a trade name) acts only on cells that are infected with a virus gepresa. These cells secrete an enzyme that activates Zovirax and allows it to penetrate through the membrane into the cell. The infected cell Zovirax penetrates herpes virus DNA and blocks its reproduction. Once the virus becomes scarce, they are hiding in the nerve ganglia to decrease during the next immunity Immunity - types and characteristics in children in adults   again come to the surface and manifest as recurrent herpes infection. In healthy cells are not affected by the virus, Zovirax does not penetrate, so it has few contraindications and side effects.

In some cases, a

Zovirax in tablet form used in common herpes infections of the lips and skin, as well as for recurrent genital herpes. In severe of these infections may develop complications in the internal organs and the central nervous system. Very often such complications occur in newborns. In this case, Zovirax administered intravenously.

When herpes infections of the eye prescribed Zovirax ointment 3%, while the small skin lesions (lips, face) - Zovirax Cream 5%. Zovirax Cream designate also genitelnom herpes. But the cream can not be applied to the surface of the eyes and the mucous membrane of the oral cavity - it can cause burning and irritation.

It is important to begin treatment Zovirax as soon as possible, even before there were characteristic blisters. In this case, they usually do not appear at all. And if there were, it is faster than without treatment.

Contraindications and side effects

The main contraindication for use Zovirax in any dosage form is an idiosyncrasy of this drug. In addition, caution should be used inside and Zovirax intravenously at the kidney function. During pregnancy, Zovirax is used, but strictly on the evidence and on prescription. When feeding your baby Breastfeeding - a personal choice   feeding, if there is a question of the appointment of Zovirax, the best time to stop breast-feeding, as Zovirax is excreted in human milk.

Adverse effects from Zovirax bit, however, they may be in a variety of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, changes in the blood, allergic reactions, alopecia, headache, and even severe complications of the central nervous system.

Yet Zovirax is considered sufficiently safe and effective antiviral drugs.

Galina Romanenko