The ingestion of an infectious agent into the body is a serious cause for concern, since it can cause a lot of negative changes in the human condition and provoke abnormalities in the functioning of many organs and organ systems. And drugs designed to stop the pathological processes caused by ingestion of the infection, are offered in pharmacies today in a wide range. However, the choice of a remedy that can not only eliminate the most obvious manifestations of the current disease, but also eliminate the underlying cause of this pathological condition is sometimes difficult due to the large assortment of antiviral drugs. And Valaciclovir, which is one of the most popular medicines today with a wide spectrum of antiviral action, has the most pronounced effect and at the same time has the minimum amount of adverse events.
The therapeutic properties of the drug Valaciclovir are determined by its balanced and thoughtful composition, which makes it possible to be sure of obtaining a quick and long-lasting positive effect. Presented in the form of two medicinal varieties, this preparation makes it possible to choose the variant of the used agent - tablets or ointments. In some cases, usually with the advanced stage of the disease, it is possible for the attending physician to use the complex use of Valatstcovir, which further increases the effectiveness of the treatment and gives the most pronounced result.
Features of the preparation
Combining the balance of composition, the convenience of using both dosage forms and good practical results when used in the treatment of diseases such as herpes and shingles, as well as organ transplants to prevent the occurrence of various negative consequences in the form of skin lesions, Valacilovir eliminates the possibility of spreading the herpes virus with the preservation of the protective properties of the skin, without causing addiction to the active component. Absence of accumulation of it in the skin makes it possible to use this agent for quite a long time, and even if it gets on healthy skin areas there is no negative effect.
Many customers note such an important quality of the drug as a good penetration into the skin: rapid absorption in the upper layer of the epidermis ointment provides both a quick positive effect and an early elimination of the manifestations of the disease, eliminating its further aggravation. Tablets also show a quality, such as rapid dissolution in the gastrointestinal tract, which is provided by a special composition covering their shell. This is also important for speeding up the absorption process of the active component of the tablets into the mucosa of the esophagus and stomach.
Photo of Valaciclovir
Medicinal forms of
Pharmacies offer two dosage forms of Valaciclovir - tablets and ointment, which have a similar composition and have the same effect: inhibiting the pathogenic microflora, both types of the drug quickly and effectively eliminate the external manifestations of the underlying disease, improving the general condition of the skin and impartingher healthier look. The active ingredient in both dosage forms of this agent is valaciclovir hydrochloride, which perfectly copes with external manifestations of the disease and preserves its protective properties.
- The tablets of Valacyclovir are coated with a rapidly soluble coat, which provides an early exposure to the drug's basic substance. Tablets have a round biconvex form, have a white color. Are located in a polymer blister or in a bottle of dark transparent glass of 10 pieces each. The blister or bottle is located in a cardboard box, inside which there is also a detailed instruction.
- Ointment is a drug for external use, has a characteristic light medicinal odor and a light yellow or beige hue. When applied to the affected areas it is quickly absorbed, without disturbing the natural balance of healthy parts of the skin. The ointment is packaged in aluminum tubes of 15 grams, which are in a cardboard box.
Prices
The cost index can be considered one of the most important for estimating the level of demand for a medicinal product, and Valaciclovir can be classified as the most popular drug for the treatment of skin from the herpes virus, since its cost is relatively affordable with a high degree of effectiveness.
- The price of Valaciclovir ranges from 450 to 620 rubles per packing of tablets( 10 pieces per pack),
- ointment costs a little more - from 510 to 700 rubles per tube.
The indicator of the cost of this medicine depends on the price policy of the seller.
Differences from Acyclovir and Famciclovir
The advantage of valaciclovir in comparison with acyclovir is a reduction in the multiplicity and, as a result, a low possibility of missing the admission. Both the drugs work well with herpes simplex.
Famciclovir has a better bioavailability of 77%, in acyclovir - 30%.Very good when used to fight the virus on the lips, and also more quickly eliminates the effects of genital herpes.
Composition of Valacyclovir
The substance of both dosage forms of the drug Valacyclovir is the substance valvciclovir hydrochloride. Composition of the accompanying components depends on the dosage form of the drug:
- additional substances in the ointment are glycerol, purified white wax, perfume, talc, glycerin, distilled purified water, emulsifier;
- additional components of tablets are microcrystalline cellulose, glycerin, lanolin.
Pharmacological action of
By acting on active cells of the herpes virus and shingles, the active substance of Valaciclovir destroys membranes and stimulates abnormalities in their functioning. In the most degree, the drug acts on the herpes virus, clearing the goju and preventing its spread.
The drug is also active in large areas of damage, which is important in the treatment of advanced stages of the disease. Undergoing a number of modifications, the active substance of the agent acts on the synthesis of the DNA of the herpes virus, stopping its development and disrupting the functioning processes.
Pharmacodynamics
The process of medical treatment occurs in two stages, in which the drug first passes from one form to another, more amenable to dissolution in the body and exerts a more pronounced therapeutic effect, stopping the growth and development of herpes virus cells. Then the splitting of the preparation into components takes place, and the parts not extracted by the body are gradually withdrawn from it.
The rapidity of the effect is ensured by the balance of the chemical formula of the preparation, which is important for people with weak immunity, in the presence of accompanying organic lesions.
Pharmacokinetics
The process of removing the products of drug disintegration is carried out by the kidneys with urine, and also partly by feces. Accumulation in the body of the active component is not observed, because Valacyclovir in any dosage form can be used for a long time. To increase the degree of effectiveness of the exposure, it is recommended that after a period of use the funds be taken a short break, after which the treatment can be continued.
Indications
Valacyclovir is indicated for the following conditions:
- with herpes simplex skin and mucous membranes;
- at any stage of development of herpes zoster;
- Epstein-Barr virus;
- Genital Herpes;
- Cytomegalovirus;
- for organ transplantation to prevent negative reactions to the skin.
The listed conditions are amenable to curative effects both with the use of a certain dosage form of the preparation and with their complex application. To improve the effectiveness of the therapeutic effect, the dermatologist must prescribe the drug regimen.
Instruction for use
Preparation Valaciclovir is easy to use when using both forms of the drug. Ointment should be applied to the previously cleaned surface of the skin, while getting the drug even on healthy parts of the skin does not cause allergic manifestations on it. Tablets are taken in the dosage prescribed by the doctor, they should be washed down with a considerable amount of water. Tablets are taken after meals.
The dosage of both types of drug and the duration of application are determined by the severity of the current disease by the age of the patient.
Adult
For adults, the frequency of application of the drug for external use is 1-3 times per day, the skin is cleaned before application, rubbing and applying a fixative bandage when using an ointment is not required. The duration of the ointment can be 1.5-2 weeks, after which it is recommended to take a short break. After a break, if necessary, treatment can be continued.
Tablets are taken by adult patients 3 times a day, the duration of their intake is not less than a week. A doctor can make a certain adjustment to the treatment.
For children, newborns
Valaciclovir is also allowed in childhood. Ointment can be used from the age of 8-9 years, tablets - from the age of 12 to prevent possible side effects.
Children tablets are prescribed usually 1-2 pieces per day. Duration of treatment with pills 7 days, after which, with a doctor's test, there is a break. When allergic manifestations in the form of severe urticaria, with the occurrence of edema Quinck drug is canceled.
In pregnancy, lactation
Since there is no penetration of the active ingredient through the placental barrier when using the drug in question, it also cleans up during the gestation period of the child. The absence of adverse effects when using any form of valacyclovir allows you to prescribe it during pregnancy without the risk of adversely affecting the child.
The active ingredient of the drug penetrates into breast milk, therefore during lactation it is necessary to show increased attention to prevent the negative impact on the newborn and lactating woman.
Contraindications
- Contraindications include renal failure, liver failure, and individual intolerance to any component of the drug.
- Allergic manifestations should also be considered as a necessity to stop taking Valaciclovir.
Adverse manifestations of
The following conditions are classified as side effects:
- digestive disorders;Eructation and vomiting;
- skin rash in the form of urticaria;
- appearance of severe itching and burning of the skin;
- dizziness;
- manifestations of heart failure;
- tachycardia;
- occurrence of arrhythmia.
Any of these conditions entail a deterioration in the general condition of the patient, which is the need to cancel the drug or replace it with a similar one by action.
Special instructions
In the elderly, caution should be exercised when using any dosage form of the drug, as the likelihood of negative consequences of its use increases.
Interaction with other drugs and alcohol
- When complex treatment in the treatment of herpes zoster or herpes of the skin or mucous membranes, there is no suppression of the therapeutic qualities of Valaciclovir, therefore other medications can be used with this drug without losing its medicinal properties.
- In the treatment of this medication, the use of alcohol is not recommended, because it reduces the effectiveness of the treatment, increases the likelihood of negative consequences.
Reviews
- Many customers note the possibility of quickly eliminating the most obvious manifestations of such pathological conditions of the skin as herpes, shingles.
- A relatively small amount of adverse events makes it possible to use the drug even with an increased tendency of the patient's body to allergic manifestations, during pregnancy and lactation.
- The presence of two dosage forms facilitates the choice of the type of drug to be affected in each particular case.
- The availability of cost is also an advantage of the drug in question.
Analogues
Analogues include the drug for external use of Vivorax, Valtrex, Acyclovir and Geviran, as well as Valcit tablets and Foscarnet medications.
If you compare Valaciclovir and Valtrex, you should note the similarity of their composition and one active substance - valacyclovir hydrochloride. In terms of effectiveness, both drugs are almost identical, but imported Valtrex is more expensive in comparison with Valaciclovir.