| Acyclovir |
| Written by Jonathan Green | |
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Acyclovir brought in a new revolution in antiviral therapy, with its extremely low and selective cytotoxicity. Gertrude B. Elion, the pharmacologist was given the 1988 Nobel Prize in Medicine, for partly developing of Acyclovir. Acyclovir is different from the previous analogues of nucleoside as it contains only a partial structure of nucleoside where instead of the sugar ring it has an open chain structure. It can be converted into monophosphate which approximately 3000 times more effective in phosphorylation than the thymidine kinase cellular. Acyclovir is considered as a prodrug, it is mostly administered in inactive form and it metabolizes after the administration into more active species. Acyclovir is active against most of the herpes virus family. Acyclovir is not water soluble and also has poor bioavailability orally, thus when high concentration, quantity is required it is administered intravenous. When it is taken orally the effect occurs after 1-2 hours. Acyclovir has very high distribution rate . Commonly Acyclovir is now marketed as tablets, cream, injections and ophthalmic ointment. The preparations of cream are used in labial herpes simplex. The intravenous injections are used when there is a need for very high concentration while the ophthalmic ointment preparation is generally used only for herpes simplex keratitis. It is also known that there are some common adverse reactions that occur when there is systematic use of Acyclovir which include headache, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting etc. even hallucinations have been reported when high doses are used. The symptoms when IV is given are irritation and local tissue pain. There is also report of renal impairment when Acyclovir is being given in large and fast doses. This is due to crystallization in the kidney. Since acyclovir can also get incorporated into the DNA it is advisable not to use it during pregnancy. It is also known that the toxicity is more in acyclovir when given orally due to its low oral bioavailability. Acyclovir is basically prescribed to decrease pain and fasten the healing of blisters or soars in people with varicella (chickenpox) also is used to apply on rashes that occur in people who have had chickenpox in the past. Acyclovir is also used sometime to counter the outbreaks of genital herpes in people who have the viral infection. Acyclovir usually comes as tablets, suspension and capsule which can be taken orally. The medication is done two to five times a day for five to ten days, which starts as soon as the symptoms are visible. It is required that the medication dose is taken fully and not stopped in mid way or over doses taken. The treatment with acyclovir improves the symptoms and if the dosages are taken carefully as per prescription from the doctor the infections can be treated. Even if you feel better the medication has to be continued till the prescribed time otherwise there are chances that the infection may not be completely treated. Acyclovir is also used sometimes in treating eczema herpeticum, an infection of skin disease caused by the herpes virus. Acyclovir+ is to be stored in the same container that it came in, tightly closed and kept out of reach of kids. It can be stored in room temperature but away from excess heat and moisture. Do not keep it in the bathroom. In case of overdose the symptoms may include agitation, decreased urination, seizures, swelling of lower legs, hands, ankles or feet, extreme tiredness etc.Acyclovir medication should not be self administered. It should be taken only by prescription. Do not allow others to take your medication. This medication is used to fight many of the infections caused by herpes virus and its anti viral properties are very active. The medication has to be administered very carefully so that there are no other complications that would occur. The properties of acyclovir are very active and therefore can cause other side effects if the medication is not taken as per dose or is taken in over dose. Taking acyclovir for longer period of time is not advisable as it has properties of getting into human DNA and modifying it thus causing more trouble than wanted. Healthy habits along with proper treatment can cure any of the symptoms that are there. All the infections can be fought with clean and good habits. Clean habits can always keep away the infections of skin and thus can make the individual more healthy and immune against infectious germs and viruses. Acyclovir is a very effective drug that is used extensively in treating many of the disorders of the body and skin infection. This provides relief to rashes and also prevents the growth of infection causing virus. The proper usage and knowledge of its reactions will help the individual in using acyclovir to get the desired results and cure. |
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