Acyclovir: Safe and Effective Antiviral Drug Against the Herpes Simplex Virus

Herpes simplex, also often referred to as fever blisters or cold sores, is a disease caused by a particular virus. The virus is known to remain latent in the nerves and then activates under any of these conditions: after an active episode of a recurring fever, when a cold is about to occur, or when the affected individual is physically or emotionally drained.

In a localized herpes simplex, small blisters may become manifest on any of these body parts: the mouth and gums, the tissues of one eye, or the external genital organs. The initial infection may pass unnoticed as it may not produce any symptom. What are produced here instead are antibodies, and these may result in succeeding manifestations of herpes simplex being different from those of the initial one.

There are several anti-inflammatory medications that are available over the counter which may be used to help reduce the severity of symptoms of herpes simplex in the affected individual. Note, however, that most of these medications provide mere alleviation from irritation and itching. One antiviral drug that has been proven to be effective against the virus that causes herpes simplex is acyclovir.

Doctors may prescribe a medication - specifically a cream - containing acyclovir for more frequent episodes of herpes simplex. This type of medication goes by the generic name "penciclovir cream," a specific example of which is the brand name Denavir. These acyclovir-containing medications work by stopping the virus that causes herpes simplex from undergoing reproduction, effectively preventing it from spreading as well. Acyclovir has likewise been proven to help in lessening the severity and duration of a herpes simplex outbreak.

Besides the cream or ointment form for topical or local application, acyclovir medications also come in vials (for administering intravenously) and in tablet form (prescription drug). Recognized for having a wide margin of safety, most people generally exhibit physiological tolerance for drugs or medications containing acyclovir. Of course, as in most other drugs or medications, there are some potential adverse reactions to acyclovir.

A person who has taken acyclovir orally for about three months may experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Persons who are unable to take the medication orally for some reasons, or those whose immune system has been depressed due to other drug treatments, may instead be given acyclovir intravenously. One potential adverse reaction to intravenous acyclovir is a decrease in kidney function. Fortunately, this problem is reversible. [Read the Original Article]