How to take acyclovir tablets for colds and flu

August 15, 2020
Infectious
Olga Simchenko

A child's growing body is so susceptible to infections that infection can occur even in the most unexpected situations. This happens especially often when the immune system is weakened. When a child is affected by the herpes virus, parents often think about which medications most effectively cope with this problem.

As stated in the instructions for use, Acyclovir tablets for children are prescribed for herpes, colds, stomatitis and many other diseases. Despite the effectiveness of treatment with this drug, like any drug, Acyclovir has certain indications and contraindications. That is why it is important to study the pharmacological features of the medication, the scheme of its use and consult with your doctor.

Features of the drug

“Acyclovir” is very popular in pediatric therapy, as it quickly and effectively produces the required effect, and is also characterized by low toxicity. The main substance of the drug is of synthetic origin. Its antiviral structure is aimed at inhibiting the synthesis of DNA viruses, as well as suppressing viral particles that are not resistant to the components of the drug.

The therapeutic effect is based on the penetration of the active components of the drug into the cells affected by the virus. When activated, the main components of the drug disrupt the cellular structure of the virus, stopping the process of its reproduction, and also eliminate inflammatory processes in the source of infection.

The drug is well absorbed in the intestine, regardless of the presence of food particles in it. This indicates the possibility of taking Acyclovir with food. The active components of the drug spread throughout the mucous membranes, tissues and fluids of the body, overcoming biological obstacles. The largest amount of drug components enters the cerebrospinal fluid.

Composition and release form

The drug "Acyclovir" is available in the form of tablets, ointments and creams, rectal suppositories, as well as powders for preparing a suspension. The main active ingredient is acyclovir. The additional components included in the product are:

starch;
stabilizer E460;
croscarmellose sodium;
magnesium stearate.

Tablets are available in dosages of 200 and 400 mg. For children, Acyclovir is preferable at a dosage of 200 mg. These are white tablets in blister packs.

Acyclovir tablets for colds

When it comes to using a drug such as Acyclovir for colds, there are two views on this disease. Firstly, this is often the name given to rashes in the area of the red border of the lips and wings of the nose caused by the herpes virus (HV). In this case, Acyclovir in any form is effective.

Secondly, by colds, patients mean respiratory viral infections. Acyclovir for ARVI is ineffective or ineffective. It can be prescribed by a doctor as part of complex therapy to prevent exacerbation of herpesvirus types I and II. This may be necessary for people with frequent exacerbations of genital herpes, relapses of rashes on the lips or a history of herpes zoster. Or the doctor will recommend it as a mild immunostimulant.

Indications for use

As stated in the instructions for use, Acyclovir tablets are prescribed to children for the relief of herpetic lesions of the child’s body, as well as for the treatment of other types of viral infections that are sensitive to the main components of the drug. In particular, it is used for such disorders as:

chicken pox;
herpes sore throat;
weakened immune system;
prevention of herpes;
cytomegalovirus infection;
Epstein-Barr virus.

In addition, the medicine is used to prevent complications during acute respiratory diseases, enterovirus and influenza infections.

Features of use for herpes virus, stomatitis

It is preferable to give the medicine to children during or immediately after eating. You need to take the tablets with enough water so that the tablet gets into the digestive tract faster.

Quite often, Acyclovir tablets are prescribed to children with stomatitis. The dosage is selected exclusively by the attending physician, based on the nature of the disease. Children over the age of 6 years are prescribed a daily dose of 800 mg, divided into 4 doses. For children aged 2 to 6 years, the recommended daily intake is 400 mg. This dosage is also divided into 4 doses.

According to the instructions, for children under one year of age, Acyclovir tablets should be crushed into powder and given in the form of syrup, mixed with water. The duration of the course of therapy is 5 days. In case of acute illness, at the discretion of the doctor, the dosage is increased to five times a day.

Additionally, external use of the drug is allowed. For stomatitis, Acyclovir in the form of an ointment is applied to the outer skin around the lips.

The main indications for the medicine are herpes on the lips and genitals, skin diseases, herpetic sore throat, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes and mouth caused by herpes.

For the consequences of infection with herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, small patients are prescribed tablets in a dosage of 200 mg. During daytime wakefulness you need to take 5 tablets - one every 4 hours. At night there is a break.

Infectious lesions of the mucous membranes and skin are treated for 5 days. In the absence of clinical manifestations, the drug "Acyclovir" is prescribed to prevent relapses. The dosage of the medicine remains the same, and the frequency of taking the medicine is reduced to 4 times. The break between doses of the drug extends to 6 hours.

Answering the question at what age can children take Acyclovir tablets, it must be said that this medicine is prescribed from 3 years of age. However, during a complicated form of chickenpox, the drug is prescribed even to infants.

Acyclovir for colds and flu for children and adults: description and instructions for use

Acyclovir is a popular antiviral drug that is used for various colds.
The active substances of the drug stop the spread of herpesvirus infection, which can cause serious harm to the ENT organs in a short period. Typically, Acyclovir for colds and flu is prescribed as part of complex therapy. The annotation does not provide precise information about the action of this remedy against colds, but still, before using it, you should carefully study the characteristics and features of the use of the drug.

Features of the action of Acyclovir

Under no circumstances should you use Acyclovir on your own for influenza and ARVI, much less give the drug to children. It can only be prescribed by a doctor after an examination. But it’s still worth first studying its important features of its effect on the body.

After the active elements enter the body, the subsequent proliferation of bacteria and viruses is blocked. Thanks to this, colds are eliminated. At the same time, the drug does not damage healthy cells and improves the immune system.

The active substance of the drug, acyclovir, stops the growth of viral DNA. It blocks the enzyme required to copy DNA, DNA polymerase.

Important! The drug causes suppression of the viral enzyme tens of times stronger than the human one. As a result of this, the reproduction of viral organisms stops, and the manifestations of herpes completely disappear.

Dosage forms

Before using Acyclovir for influenza and ARVI, as well as in the treatment of herpesvirus infections, it is worth considering the main forms of release of this drug. In pharmacies it is found in the form of tablets, ointments, creams, and lyophilisates. The choice depends on the characteristics of the disease:

5% ointment or cream . This form of Acyclovir is used for colds that are localized on the surface of the skin, genitals, and lips. But it is highly effective only for mild forms of herpes. If the infection worsens, Acyclovir may be additionally prescribed in the form of tablets or injections. The external remedy can be used about 5 times a day, it is applied in a thin layer to the affected area. Ointment or cream eliminates the feeling of itching, irritation, and soothes pain. Also prevents the appearance of bubbles;
Pills . This form of Aceclovir is used for moderate or severe herpesvirus infection, as well as for colds and flu. Capsules or tablets with dosages of 200, 400 and 800 mg are available on sale. The choice of dosage depends on the severity of the disease, as well as on the chosen treatment regimen. Additionally, external agents - ointments and creams - are used together with tablets;
Lyophilisate . Often, in case of complications and exacerbations, Acyclovir is prescribed to be used against influenza, herpes and other colds as part of injections. The solution is intended for intravenous infusion. The dosage is calculated depending on age, indications, and severity of the disease.

Indications

Acyclovir is considered an effective remedy that not only helps eliminate the symptoms of herpes, but it also alleviates the flu and colds. Despite the fact that the instructions contain little information about the effect the drug has on these ailments, many doctors still prescribe it as part of treatment and prevention.

Indications for Acyclovir include:

In the treatment of infectious skin diseases that manifest themselves during primary herpes infection.
The main task of the drug Acyclovir Akos is to suppress recurrent manifestations of infectious processes in people with a weakened immune system.
Doctors often prescribe Acyclovir tablets for colds and flu, but this form is also intended for the treatment of chickenpox and lichen.
The ointment should be used for keratitis, which occurs as a result of infection entering the body.
Acyclovir is used for influenza and colds as part of preventive therapy. The drug is effective in treating mild forms of the disease.

It is worth noting! During flu and colds, the body's immune and defense forces decrease. It is the use of Acyclovir that strengthens the immune system and successfully eliminates the infectious process.

Features of application

Before using the drug Acyclovir tablets for colds, you should consider the instructions for use. It states that this drug is ineffective for treating influenza; it is intended to suppress the activity of the herpes virus. But why is it prescribed for colds?

With influenza, ARVI, and colds, the immune system decreases, which means that favorable conditions are created in the body for the development of various infections, especially herpes. It is during colds that this virus occurs most often. For this reason, doctors prescribe the use of Acyclovir for influenza as a prophylaxis that can prevent the development of herpetic disease.

When using Acyclovir, you must strictly follow the instructions and adhere to the indicated dosages. It is better to first consult with a doctor who, depending on the type of infection and severity, will select the most optimal treatment regimen.

The dosage and regimen of Acyclovir depends on the disease and the severity of its course:

When treating infectious processes of the skin and mucous membranes that appear as a result of herpes activity, adults and children are recommended to take 200 mg of the drug at a time. It is used 5 times a day. An interval of 4 hours should be maintained between doses. The course of treatment is 5 days;
Acyclovir forte is used for colds and flu for preventive purposes. You need to take 200 mg at a time. It is allowed to use up to four times per day. The time period should be 6 hours. Course – 5 days;
As part of complex therapy for a weakened immune system, Acyclovir should be taken 400 mg up to 5 times a day;
During the treatment of chickenpox, adults and children with a body weight of 40 kg or more are prescribed 800 mg 5 times a day. If the weight is less than 40 kg, then the dose of the medicine is calculated depending on body weight. For 1 kg you need to take 20 mg;
Acyclovir is often prescribed to eliminate herpes zoster. Children are allowed to take the medicine from 4 years of age. For this disease, the drug should be used in a dosage of 800 mg up to 5 times a day. Children aged 2 to 6 years need to take 400 mg 4 times a day.

Use of Acyclovir for children

The instructions for use recommend using Acyclovir in tablet form for children with colds in the same way as for adults. The annotation for the drug indicates the exact doses of the medicine for colds, herpes, chickenpox and other viral ailments. But it is better to consult your doctor first.

Note! Under no circumstances should Acyclovir be used for newborns. It is contraindicated for them to use the drug in any form of release. Active substances can have a negative effect on a young body, and they often cause side effects.

Doctors rarely prescribe Acyclovir tablets to children for colds; this medicine is usually recommended for use for chickenpox. It is better not to take it until one year of age; during this period, the child receives all the necessary substances to protect the immune system along with breast milk. Also, antibodies are supplied through milk, which protect the baby from chickenpox.

Contraindications

Before you start using Acyclovir for colds, you should study the contraindications:

You should not use the medicine if you have kidney problems.
For problems in the nervous system. This is due to the fact that when taken, the risk of developing encephalopathy, even coma, increases.
During the period of bearing a child.
Lactation.

In order to prevent problems with the kidneys, it is recommended to drink plenty of water when using the drug. Sometimes during use, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, diarrhea, chills, loss of strength, dizziness, and drowsiness occur.

The use of Acyclovir must be correct in accordance with the instructions. The drug is usually not prescribed for the treatment of colds and flu; it is often included as part of complex therapy. It helps increase the body's resistance and immunity, which is what can protect against the manifestation of dangerous viruses, especially herpes. But you should still consult a specialist first.

Interesting video

Source: https://prostuda.org/lekarstva/aciklovir-pri-prostude-i-grippe-dlya-detey-i-vzroslykh

Use for chickenpox

The drug is recommended for use for chickenpox in newborns up to 12 months. This is due to the fact that until this age the disease occurs in a fairly severe form. In addition, Acyclovir is used to treat congenital chickenpox.

Many doctors prescribe Acyclovir tablets for children with chickenpox. The dosage for a child from 2 to 6 years old is 400 mg, divided into 4 doses per day. Children over 6 years of age are prescribed 800 mg per day, divided into 4 times. The course of taking the medicine for chickenpox should be 5 days.

Taking Acyclovir should be started in the first 24 hours when signs of illness appear, that is, skin rashes. If necessary, one tablet can be divided into several parts.

Instructions

Pills

In rare cases, acyclovir tablets are prescribed to children under one year of age, reducing the dosage depending on the child’s weight. For herpes sore throat, your baby can be given a quarter of a tablet containing 200 mg of acyclovir, 3 times daily, for 5 days. For type 1 virus infection in a newborn, the doctor may prescribe a 10-day course of acyclovir, taken three times daily, at a dose of 10 mg per 1 kg of baby’s weight. The tablets need to be dissolved in boiled water, because the baby does not yet know how to swallow them.

Ointment

Acyclovir ointment, instructions for use in children under one year of age:

Dosage – no more than 80 mg per kg of baby’s weight per day (normal for children under 12 years of age);
Apply up to 5 times daily directly to rashes or sores;
The ointment should not be applied to healthy skin - the consistency is thick and limits the access of oxygen. In the last stages it is more convenient to apply the cream - it is quickly absorbed. It is better to use the ointment at the beginning of the disease, because it lasts better;
For the drug to be effective, do not bathe the child after application;
The course is 5 days, if the rash does not go away, continue use for another 5 days.

Eye ointment

Eye ointment is applied to the inner mucous membrane of the lower eyelid, pulling it down slightly. The drug is applied 5 times a day for a week. After the symptoms of conjunctivitis disappear, continue treatment for another 3 days.

A doctor may recommend it for treating ulcers with herpes stomatitis. You cannot use 5% ointment, which is not intended for mucous membranes; it can cause burns, aggravate the situation and lead to complications.

The drug is not used at night; you need to take a break during sleep, even if the child wakes up often.

Contraindications, side effects

The drug is not used if you are allergic to substances included in the drug.

Use with caution in children with developmental disorders of the nervous system, kidney and liver disorders. Do not use the drug during prolonged dehydration, this will increase its negative effect on the urinary system

Taking acyclovir may cause side effects:

Disturbance in the functioning of the nervous system, expressed in fatigue, decreased activity, drowsiness, lethargy, tremors of the arms and legs;
From the digestive system - diarrhea, vomiting, liver dysfunction;
There may be a decrease in the level of red blood cells and leukocytes in the blood;
When used externally – itching, rash, dryness and flaking;
In severe cases, the drug can cause convulsions, fever, coma, psychosis, and hair loss on the skin of the body and scalp.

Acyclovir rarely causes side effects, but you need to be aware of them; if a child experiences them, stop taking them and consult your doctor. Internal administration of the drug often leads to an allergic reaction. With prolonged use or interruption of the course before the end of treatment, addiction and adaptation of the virus to the active substance is possible. It is necessary to take acyclovir for no more than 12 days.

The active substance may crystallize in the renal canals at high concentrations in the urine; it should be taken with caution in patients with renal failure. You should choose a different drug if you are simultaneously taking drugs that have an aggressive effect on the functioning of the kidneys and can lead to intoxication, i.e.

acyclovir can enhance the effect.

It is not recommended to prescribe acyclovir to your child on your own; one disease is not always caused by a virus, the cause is bacteria. The origin of the disease can be identified with the help of additional research. If you treat a child with an antiviral drug for a bacterial infection, the treatment will be ineffective, and the time during which the disease progresses and can develop into a complex form will be lost. Be sure to use the drug for children under 3 years of age after consultation with a pediatrician.

Source: ogrudnichke.ru

Use for ARVI

Sometimes doctors prescribe Acyclovir to children for colds to prevent complications, since when the immune system is weakened, there is a significant risk of contracting the herpes virus. The dosage of the drug is selected exclusively by the pediatrician, taking into account the severity of the disease.

For children with kidney disease, Acyclovir is prescribed with extreme caution for colds. In patients with frequent relapses of herpes infections, there is a risk of DNA virus resistance to the components of this medicine. In this case, doctors select analogues of the drug for treatment.

Acyclovir tablets for ARVI are prescribed to children to prevent complications. The drug is generally prescribed in a dosage of 200 mg 4 times a day. The course of treatment is 5 days.

Should Acyclovir be used for colds or flu?

Since some doctors may prescribe, and some patients will want to use the drug, the question arises: should Acyclovir be used for colds or flu?

You should be attentive to your body. If after 5-6 days the symptoms do not leave the patient and even various complications arise, then taking Acyclovir becomes useful. It should not be used until then as it does not fight respiratory viruses. The body is still trying to cope with the infection.

For colds, Acyclovir should be used as a prophylaxis. However, it is strictly necessary to follow the instructions. Only severe cases of colds require the use of Acyclovir. Until this time, it is not prescribed as therapy.

Features of use for lichen

Shingles is caused by the same pathogen that causes chickenpox.

If Acyclovir is prescribed to children, the dosage of the medicine is exactly the same as for chickenpox, that is, 1 tablet 5 times a day. Complex therapy includes support with vitamin-containing drugs and painkillers.

A 5-year-old child is prescribed Acyclovir tablets in a dosage of 200 mg, 2 pieces. You need to take them 4 times a day. Additionally, on the recommendation of a doctor, antibiotic therapy may be prescribed if there are indications for its use.

Directions for use/instructions (how to drink/apply/take)

You need to read the instructions carefully. Otherwise, this may cause the development of severe complications and the disease becoming chronic. Thus, treatment will be much more difficult.

The dosage of the drug and the duration of therapy are determined taking into account the degree of the cold and how old the patient is.

How to take Biseptol correctly for a cold is indicated in this article.

Taking these recommendations into account, Acyclovir is used according to the following scheme:

If treatment of infections of the skin or mucous membranes that occur due to herpes is required, then children and adults can take the medication 200 mg 5 times a day. Between doses there must be a time interval of 4 seconds. The medicine must be used for 5 days. For preventive purposes against influenza, ARVI, the medication is taken 200 ml 4 times a day, observing a time interval of 6 hours.
If complex treatment is required for a severe form of immunodeficiency, then Acyclovir should be taken 400 ml 5 times a day.
When treating chickenpox in adult patients and children with a body weight of 40 kg and above, the dosage of the drug will be 800 mg 5 times a day. If the child's weight is less than 40 kg, then the dosage is prescribed taking into account body weight. There are 20 g of the drug per 1 kg. For children, take 4 times a day for 5 days.
To cure herpes zoster, children can use Acyclovir from 4 years of age. The dosage will be 800 mg 5 times a day, a time period of 6 hours. If the child is from 2 to 6 years old, then the dosage will be 400 ml 4 times a day. For the treatment of herpes zoster in children under 2 years of age, use the drug 200 ml 4 times a day.

Do Acyclovir Forte tablets help (can help) in treating colds and flu in children and adults?

This question interests many patients who are planning to resort to drug treatment for colds. It is fashionable to use the drug only when after 5-6 days the cold does not leave the body or severe complications have arisen. Until then, the body will try to cope with the infection on its own.

Instructions for using Remantadine for colds can be found here.

For colds, Acyclovir does not have a strong therapeutic effect, so it is used more often as a prophylaxis.

Features of use to strengthen the immune system

Viruses infect body cells when the immune system is weakened. To maintain the natural defense mechanism in good shape, you need to strengthen the immune system in a variety of ways.

The principle of action of the drug "Acyclovir" is such that the drug eliminates the negative consequences of immunosuppression. The active component of the drug does not affect healthy cells, so it will not be possible to strengthen the immune system in this way.

However, the elimination of pathogens helps restore normal functioning of the body and resume the production of new immune cells.

Is it possible to take the drug "Acyclovir" for prevention?

A set of measures to prevent the likelihood of the occurrence or recurrence of symptoms of a viral disease is prevention. One of such measures is the prophylactic use of the drug in question.

In this case, for children, the dosage of Acyclovir is selected strictly individually and the dosage regimen must be clarified with the doctor who monitors the course of the disease. It is worth remembering that any medications can harm the child, so it is necessary to prevent the occurrence of diseases.

Contraindications for use

It is important not only to know how to take Acyclovir tablets for children, but also what contraindications there are for taking this drug. They are mainly associated with a high risk of serious complications in some patients.

The main contraindication is considered hypersensitivity to the active substance of the drug or auxiliary components. Also, the drug is not used if you are allergic to valacyclovir. The doctor must initially exclude the presence of allergies and intolerance to the drug before carrying out therapy. Other contraindications include:

lack of lactase;
milk sugar intolerance;
infectious diseases of bacterial nature.

Treatment should be carried out with extreme caution in the presence of kidney disease, liver disease, or lack of fluid in the body.

Side effects

When taking Acyclovir in childhood, various side effects can sometimes be observed, in particular, such as:

nausea and vomiting;
abdominal pain;
headache, dizziness;
convulsions;
skin rashes, urticaria;
difficulty breathing;
hair loss;
slight malaise and fatigue.

The medicine must be used only according to the doctor’s instructions. Prolonged use of the drug and the occurrence of relapses can lead to viral resistance and not give the required result.

Contraindications

The instructions indicate many side effects that occur if the drug is used incorrectly. This forces us to provide a list of contraindications for which the medicine should not be used:

Persons with kidney pathologies, since Acyclovir leads to renal failure, especially with rapid intravenous infusion.
Persons with pathologies in the nervous system, since the medicine can contribute to the development of encephalitis and even coma.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, unless the harm to the baby is less than the benefit to the mother. During lactation, the drug passes into breast milk, therefore, while taking the drug, the child is transferred to artificial feeding.
Elderly people to avoid the development of renal failure.
With dehydration.

You should also take into account such contraindications - high sensitivity to Acyclovir and other substances of the drug.

If Acyclovir is used correctly, there will be no side effects. Otherwise, you can read the instructions for a list of side effects, which include:

Fever.
Nausea.
Skin rash.
Headache.
Vomit.
Drowsiness.
Weakness.
Diarrhea.
Dizziness.
Abdominal pain, etc.

Since the drug negatively affects the functioning of the kidneys, it should be taken along with drinking plenty of fluids.

As for the use of medicine for influenza or ARVI, it is prescribed in rare cases. In most cases, it is unnecessary because it does not affect the viruses that cause influenza or ARVI. In the worst case, it provokes the development of various side effects.

However, Acyclovir can be used as a prophylactic agent that prevents the development of herpetic diseases. Immunity during influenza or ARVI drops, so herpes will try to infect an already sick person.

The drug should be used only when needed. Otherwise, addiction to the drug will occur, which will be accompanied by resistance of the strains. However, timely and short-term use of the medicine allows you to effectively combat herpes viruses, of which there are a lot today and they are quite common.

Overdose

In case of overdose of the drug, certain negative reactions in the body may be observed. These include:

convulsions;
to whom;
Sopor;
renal failure.

The drug "Acyclovir" promotes the removal of fluid from the body, which is important to consider if you need to take this drug. In case of an overdose of the drug, you need to induce vomiting, rinse the stomach, and also drink absorbents. There is no special antidote.

special instructions

When administered orally, the drug is absorbed in the intestines and enters the bloodstream. The biological availability indicator reaches 30%. Nutrition does not in any way affect the degree of absorption of this chemical.

After using the drug, it is distributed in organs and tissues. The degree of binding to blood proteins can reach 33%. Penetration of the main components through biological barriers is observed, so the substance can be found in cerebrospinal fluid and breast milk. The conversion of the active substance in the liver ends with the formation of an inactive metabolite.

When the drug is taken orally, it is excreted mainly in the urine and slightly through the digestive tract. During therapy, the doctor must monitor the functioning of the kidney tissue. Long-term use of the drug for the treatment of patients with impaired immune function can lead to the emergence of pathogen strains that are resistant to the drug.

Characteristics of the drug

The active substance is acyclovir itself. A tablet of the medicine contains 200 mg of this component. When taken orally, the medication is quickly absorbed and penetrates well into all organs and tissues.

The enzymatic activity of HS activates the active substance of the drug. When acyclovir is included in the DNA of the virus, it acts as a terminator. This term refers to a sequence of nucleotides that is a signal to stop the reproduction of an RNA molecule.

The active substance is able to activate the body's own immune response. This helps it fight any viral infection.

Drug interactions

As stated in the instructions for use, Acyclovir tablets are not prescribed to children in parallel with medications that have identical pharmacological effects, as they can lead to an increase in the main active substance in the blood plasma.

When using Probenecid or Cymedin in the treatment process, it is worth considering that these drugs can reduce the rate of elimination of acyclovir from the body by approximately 30%.

If Cyclosperine or other drugs with neurotoxic properties are used in parallel with Acyclovir, the risk of developing a nephrotoxic or neurotoxic effect increases significantly.

Indications

Acyclovir is an effective remedy that copes with the unpleasant symptoms and causes of flu and colds. It should be used in the presence of a disease of viral etiology that affects the skin.

The instructions for use of the medication suggest that it is advisable to use the medication in the following cases:

Treatment of diseases of the dermis of an infectious nature that arose as a result of primary damage by herpes.
If we consider Acyclovir Akos, then its task is to suppress recurrences of the infectious process in people with reduced defenses.
The tablet form of the drug is intended for the treatment of chickenpox and lichen.

Ointment with Acyclovir is used in the treatment of keratitis, the occurrence of which is associated with the penetration of infection into the body.
For the prevention of colds and flu. And although the drug in question is not particularly effective in eliminating viruses that cause colds, in some cases the doctor may prescribe it as a preventive measure. In addition, the use of Acyclovir is justified in the treatment of mild colds.

Analogues of the drug

If, according to the instructions for use, children are prohibited from taking Acyclovir tablets for some indication, you should consult a doctor who can select the most suitable analogues of the medicine. The most common are:

"Zovirax";
"Acivir";
"Verolex";
"Vivorax";
"Gerpevir";
"Acyclostad".

It is worth remembering that the doctor sets the dosage of the drug, the frequency of its use and the course of therapy individually for each child.

Reviews

Doctors generally leave good reviews about Acyclovir tablets for children. They say that with the help of this medicine it is possible to carry out successful treatment and significantly reduce the risk of re-exacerbation of the infection. The drug is well tolerated by the body and very rarely provokes negative reactions.

Parents' reviews of this drug are mostly positive. They note the rapid action of this drug. With proper use of this medicine, side effects can be avoided.

For herpes, Acyclovir helps if treatment was started in a timely manner, when the first signs of the disease occur. If you start using pills too late, when no other means have helped, then there will be absolutely no effect from their use.

However, despite all the positive reviews, you should not take the drug for too long, even for preventive purposes, as it can cause the body to become addicted to its components.

The drug "Acyclovir" is an antiviral drug, its action is aimed at eliminating herpes and viruses related to it in structure. This medicine has certain indications and contraindications. That is why before using it you should first consult with your doctor.

Effect of the drug

The active substance of "Acyclovir" has the same name - acyclovir. This substance selectively acts on herpes viruses. Tablets are prescribed for the treatment and prevention of exacerbations of herpetic lesions of the skin and mucous membranes, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus, and for the treatment of chickenpox, shingles and cytomegalovirus infection, which are caused by other types of herpes virus.

The drug is also used as part of complex therapy in the presence of severe immunodeficiency (HIV or consequences of bone marrow transplantation).

Tablets are used together with other forms of Acyclovir (topically and externally) to increase the effectiveness of treatment. For example, if you have a cold on the lip or chickenpox, you can additionally use ointment or cream to treat the rash.

When Acyclovir is used in tablet form, it penetrates the blood and spreads throughout the body. When it enters tissue under the action of enzymes produced by the virus itself, the active substance becomes active. Already in this active form, it penetrates the affected cells, integrates into the DNA of the virus and prevents its reproduction.

Acyclovir is rarely used to treat influenza or ARVI due to its low therapeutic effect. However, in a number of cases, both for ARVI and influenza, doctors prescribe this antiviral drug, including for children. Most often, this is done to prevent herpes if it has already occurred. With weakened immunity, herpes easily reappears. If you have a cold or other illnesses, you need to take precautions, since illness always indicates a decrease in immunity.