Acyclovir
Brands Names: Zovirax
- Form of administration: Pills or suspension
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Why is the drug here:
Basic treatment for viral infections with viruses from the herpes family
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Purpose of treatment:
It is mostly indicated to treat HSV 1, HSV 2 or VZV (which causes chicken pox or shingles).
- Ingredients: The active ingredient is Acyclovir, an anti-viral drug.
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How to use:
Suspension (or a pill for those who knows how to take them). The dosage changes by the type of infection, age and the weight of the child. The physician will determine the exact dosage and number of doses per day.
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Benefits:
1- A treatment option for common infections in children.
2- Anti-viral drug, awarding it’s discoverers with a Nobel Prize, and opening a new area of anti-viral treatments.
3- A suspension form, which allows administration for younger children.
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Side Effects:
There are a lot of potential side effects, but mostly you should watch for interactions with other medications. Another important issue is that this medication clears through the kidneys and can form small crystals, so you should watch for proper hydration.
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Another word from the doctor:
Truly a genius drug, which helps us treat basic infections in pediatrics. The dosage and number of doses are changing from one indication to the other, so the doctor should pay attention for that. For example, in primary infection (herpetic gingivostomatitis) the drug must be given supposedly 5 times a day. Since this is practically impossible, most of the times the doctor will set a dosage suitable for 4 times a day. There are several indications for treating children. Read more about herpetic gingivostomatitis, which is the primary indication for this drug. It is also used for chicken pox, which we don’t see often nowadays, due to the successful vaccination.