What is Aciclovir?
Aciclovir is an antiviral drug that is especially effective against herpesviruses. It is used for the treatment and prevention of herpes-simplex infections (genital herpes, lip herpes) and herpes zoster (gelrose).
The drug can shorten and alleviate herpes outbreaks, but not eliminate the virus from the body – Herpes remains in the body for life and can return.
Aciclovir is available in various forms: tablets, cream and as an infusion solution for heavy cases.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Aciclovir
Aciclovir acts highly selective against herpesviruses:
Active mechanism: 1. Aciclovir is activated by viral thymidine kinase (only present in infected cells) Two. The activated Aciclovir triphosphate inhibits viral DNA polymerase 3. It is incorporated into the virus DNA and leads to chain termination 4. Virus replication is stopped
Selective effect: Since only virus-infected cells have the enzyme for activation, healthy cells are barely affected – therefore good compatibility.
Activity spectrum:
- Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1, lip herpes)
- Herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2, genital herpes)
- Varizella Zoster Virus (Windpocken, Belt Rose)
- To a lesser extent: Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalie virus
Who is it suitable for?
Aciclovir is suitable for:
- First infection with genital herpes
- Recurrent genital herpes
- Long-term prophylaxis in frequent recurrents
- Lipsherpes (Herpes labialis)
- Belt rose (Herpes zoster)
Lecture objectives:
- Akuttherapie: Shortens duration and severity of the outbreak
- Prophylaxe: Prevented or reduced Rezidive
- Suppression therapy: Permanent intake at very frequent outbreaks
Restrictions:
- Only works against herpesviruses
- Can't remove virus from the body
- Should be started early in the outbreak
Available Dosages
Genital herpes – First infection:
- 200 mg 5x daily for 5-10 days OR
- 400 mg 3x daily for 5-10 days
Genital herpes – Rezidiv:
- 200 mg 5x daily for 5 days OR
- 400 mg 3x daily for 3-5 days OR
- 800 mg 3x daily for 2 days
Prophylaxe (suppression therapy):
- 400 mg 2x daily or
- 200 mg 4x per day
Lippenherpes:
- cream (5%) 5x daily for 4-5 days
Gurtelrose:
- 800 mg 5x daily for 7 days
Available forms:
- Tablets 200 mg, 400 mg, 800 mg
- cream 5%
- Suspension
How to Take
Tablets:
- Take with plenty of water (at least 200 ml per tablet)
- Independent meals
- Uniform distances between cans
- Drink plenty of liquid over the day
Important to effectiveness:
- Start as early as possible (at first signs like tingling)
- Keep the complete treatment time
- At 5x daily: about every 4 hours, with night break
Creme:
- Start the first crawling
- apply 5x daily every 4 hours
- With clean finger or cotton stick
- Apply 4-5 days
Contraindications
**Aciclovir must not be taken at:* *
- hypersensitivity to Aciclovir or Valaciclovir
**Preview and dose adjustment at:* *
- Renal insufficiency (dose reduction required)
- Dehydration (sufficient drink!)
- Older patients
- Neurological diseases
pregnant and breastfeeding: Aciclovir can be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding if required. Long-term experience shows no increased risks. Nevertheless, only after medical consideration.
Possible Side Effects
Acid (1-10%):
- Headaches
- nausea
- diarrhea
- stomach pain
- fatigue
** Occasionally (0,1-1%):* *
- Squeeze
- Skin rash
- Itching
- photos sensitivity
Selten:
- confusion, hallucinations (at high doses, especially at kidney failure)
- Kidney problems (in case of insufficient fluid supply)
- Blood-image changes
Cream:
- Burning, stealing at the job site
- Skin redness
- Contact dermatitis
Interactions
Reactions with:
- Probeecid – increases Aciclovir mirror
- Mycophenolate - increased levels of both substances
- Nephrotoxic medicines – additive kidney stress
- Cimetidine – increased Aciclovir exposure
Important note: If kidney function is restricted, the excretion may be delayed – dose adjustment required.
No relevant influence:
- Hormonal contraception
- Most popular medicines
Similar Medications
Is Aciclovir right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor. Read the package leaflet before use.