What is acyclovir and valacyclovir used for?
Acyclovir and valacyclovir are indicated in the treatment of herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2, as well as varicella-zoster virus. The most common of these types of viruses are cold sores, genital herpes, chickenpox, and shingles.
Which is better acyclovir Zovirax famciclovir Famvir and valacyclovir Valtrex?
Conclusion: Valacyclovir appear to be somewhat better than famciclovir for suppression of genital herpes and associated shedding. Further comparative trials of antiviral drugs for various indications should be performed as acyclovir and penciclovir appear to have different ability to abrogate HSV reactivation.
What is the difference between acyclovir and penciclovir?
Acyclovir is available in intravenous, oral, topical, or ophthalmic (not currently approved in the USA) treatments. Topical acyclovir is prepared as a 5% cream and ointment. Penciclovir is an acyclic guanine nucleoside analogue and is similar to acyclovir in potency and activity against HSV.
What happens if you take acyclovir and valacyclovir together?
No interactions were found between acyclovir and valacyclovir. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Is famciclovir used for shingles?
Famciclovir is used to treat herpes zoster (shingles; a rash that can occur in people who have had chickenpox in the past). It is also used to treat repeat outbreaks of herpes virus cold sores or fever blisters in people with a normal immune system.
How effective is acyclovir?
Treatment with valacyclovir or acyclovir is effective in reducing subclinical and total HSV shedding. The frequency of both total and subclinical shedding decreased with antiviral therapy by 91%–97% when measured by culture and by 76%–82% when measured by PCR.
Which is stronger valacyclovir or acyclovir?
Studies show that a small 500 mg dose of valacyclovir is as effective as a larger 800 mg dose of acyclovir in treating HSV.
Who should not take acyclovir?
You should not take acyclovir buccal tablets (Sitavig) if you are allergic to milk proteins. Tell your doctor if you have ever had: kidney disease; or. a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine).
Why do you have to drink a lot of water while taking valacyclovir?
Drink extra fluids so you will pass more urine while you are using this medicine. This will keep your kidneys working well and help prevent kidney problems. To help clear up your infection, keep taking valacyclovir for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days.
What’s the difference between acyclovir and famciclovir?
But there are differences between them, including how long they’ve been on the market and how commonly they’re prescribed. Valacyclovir, acyclovir, and famciclovir are antiviral medications prescribed to treat herpes viruses, including HSV-1 (cold sores), HSV-2 (genital herpes or cold sores), and shingles (herpes zoster).
When did famciclovir come out as a generic?
Famciclovir was introduced in the 1990s by Novartis and is sold under as Famvir in the United States. Since 2007, it has been available as a generic medication at a relatively affordable cost. Most prescriptions of famciclovir are for shingles, or herpes zoster.
Which is better penciclovir cream or systemic acyclovir?
While systemic acyclovir or valacyclovir may be valid drugs especially for HSV prophylaxis, 1% penciclovir cream should be preferred as topical treatment since there are good therapeutic results independent of the phase of development of herpetic eruptions.
How is valacyclovir used in the treatment of herpes?
Taken regularly, valacyclovir has been shown to be effective suppressive therapy against recurrent genital herpes and cold sores, reducing the frequency of outbreaks. Valacyclovir also reduces the chance you’ll transmit genital herpes or oral herpes to an uninfected partner.