Both chicken pox and shingles are highly contagious viral conditions that are characterized by painful skin rash. Caused by the herpes virus, the earliest symptoms of both conditions include headache, fever, a general feeling of malaise, sore throat and swelling of the face.
Treatment for both conditions is available in the form of Acyclovir tablets.
What is Acyclovir?
Acyclovir belongs to a family of drugs known as guanosine analogue antiviral drugs. Its one of the most commonly used treatment options for treating shingles and chickenpox. The development of this medication heralded a new era in antiviral therapy. Its selective action and its low levels of toxicity with respect to cells, has made it the recommended treatment option for shingles and chicken pox.
How Does Acyclovir Work?
To understand the working of Acyclovir, it's a good idea to understand how the herpes viruses work in the body. The virus acts in the body by multiplying through replication. As the virus cells begin multiplying, it spreads through the body. The intake of Acyclovir helps arrest the reproduction of the virus, limiting its spread to a particular part of your body. Basically, it stops the virus from spreading all over your body.
When you take in Acyclovir, it inhibits the functioning of those enzymes that the herpes virus uses for replication. This means that the virus can no longer multiply. As the spread of virus stops, so does the spread of its symptoms. This also helps reduce the severity of the symptoms.
Treatment with Acyclovir
Aciclovir is a prescription medication available in dosages of 200mg, 400mg and 800mg. The doctor will take cognizance of your current intake of medications and existing health condition(s) before prescribing the appropriate dosage. Typically, the medication is prescribed at the first sign of an infection. This medication needs to be taken orally with a glass of water and can be taken with or without food. Some people, prescribed Acyclovir have noticed that there is a reduction in the side effects if it's taken with food; especially side effects like stomach upset, diarrhoea and nausea. Chicken pox and shingles can be effectively treated with Valtrex also.
Side Effects of Acyclovir
The use of Acyclovir tablets may cause certain side effects. The nature of the side effects and their severity might be different in different people. Patients taking this medication sometimes suffer from digestive side effects like vomiting, nausea and diarrhoea. Other side effects also include headache, memory loss, fatigue, pain in the legs, sore throat, and swelling of the hands and feet. If you suffer from a side effect that becomes bothersome, it's important that you seek immediate medical help.
The effect of Acyclovir on unborn babies has not yet been understood clearly. So, pregnant women are advised not to take this medication. Also, you might experience a significant improvement in your condition before you complete the recommended dosage. But, it's important that you complete the prescribed dosage and not leave it midway. If you do, it might lead to some complications later on.
Hayden Eck writes articles on various health topics like Sexual Health Treatment and its supplements, which can be treated effectively with like: Valtrex Valaciclovir and Aciclovir Tablets also known as Acyclovir.
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