Pharmachologic effect
An antiviral drug that is especially effective against herpes simplex viruses (virus that causes skin and mucous membrane damage) and herpes zoster (a virus that causes central and peripheral nervous system disease with the appearance of a bubble rash along sensitive nerves).
Acyclovir is an analogue of the purine nucleoside deoxyguanidine, the normal component of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid – an integral part of the cell nucleus responsible for the transfer of hereditary information).
The similarity of the structures of acyclovir and deoxyguanidine allows acyclovir to interact with viral enzymes, which leads to an interruption in the reproduction of the virus. After the introduction of acyclovir into the herpes infected cell under the influence of thymidine kinase secreted by the virus, the aiclovir is converted to acyclovir monophosphate, which is converted into acyclovir-diphosphate by the host cell enzymes. And then to the active form of acyclovir-triphosphate, which blocks the replication of viral DNA (a complex intracellular mechanism of DNA fission, the result of which is the multiplication of viruses). The drug acts selectively on the synthesis of viral DNA. Acyclovir-triphosphate is practically unaffected by DNA replication of the host cell (human cells).
When administered orally, acyclovir is absorbed only partially (about 20%). Half-life (the time for which the drug is withdrawn) when ingested and injected into a vein for about 3 hours. It is secreted mainly by the kidneys in unchanged form, partly in the form of a metabolite (metabolic product). With renal failure, the elimination half-life increases significantly (up to 19.5 h).
Indications for use
Acyclovir in herpes prevents the formation of new elements of the rash, reduces the likelihood of skin dissemination (spread on the skin) and visceral complications (complications of internal organs), accelerates the formation of crusts, relieves pain in the acute phase of herpes zoster.
Intravenously injected acyclovir in infections caused by the herpes simplex virus in patients with immune system disorders; With severe forms of primary infections of the genital organs in the event that infections are caused by the herpes simplex virus; For infections caused by the herpes zoster virus; For the prevention of infections caused by the herpes simplex virus in patients with severe immune system disorders (organ transplants, tumor chemotherapy).
The drug also has an immunostimulating effect (aimed at activating the body’s defenses).
Synonyms
Aciclovir-Acre, Acyclovir-Acry, Acyclovir-BMS, Acyclovir-NS, Acyclovir Hexal, Aciclovir Studs International, Acigerpine, Acyclovoglose, Acyclovir, Acyclovir-Acry, Acyclovir-BMS, Herpesvir, Herpes, Gerpex, Herpes, Ksorovir, Lizavir, Lovir, Milavir, Medovir, Supperan, Tsevirin, Cyclovax, Cycloviral Sediko, Cycloviran, Ciclovir, Cytivir.
Side effects
Acyclovir is usually well tolerated. When ingestion possible nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.