Zovirax is an antiviral drug that is for external use only. The drug is a homogeneous white mass of soft consistency. The product has a specific smell. To effectively combat infections caused by various viruses, experts recommend using Zovirax ointment. Reviews about this drug are mostly positive, since in a short time a person can cope with the clinical manifestations of herpes.
Medication description
To understand what Zovirax ointment is used for, you need to study the official instructions. The active ingredient of the drug is acyclovir, which penetrates into damaged tissues as quickly as possible. It is in such an environment that dangerous herpes viruses multiply. As soon as the optimal concentration of acyclovir is reached in the inflammatory focus, the patient's condition will improve significantly. With the rightapplication of the ointment not only destroys pathogens, but also increases the protective functions of local immunity.
The final therapeutic effect of the completed treatment does not depend on the stage of the pathology. At any stage of an infectious lesion of soft tissues, Zovirax ointment can be used. Reviews about the drug indicate that the remedy is effective at all three stages of herpes development:
- Redness of the skin, burning, itching and slight tingling at the site of the lesion.
- The formation of small bubbles that are filled with liquid. At this stage, the person experiences tightness of the skin and severe itching of the affected area of the epithelium.
- At the final stage, the bubbles collapse.
To effectively fight infection, it is necessary to undergo high-quality therapy, which includes several important steps. Only in this case it is possible to eliminate the main causes of the pathological condition, significantly improve the patient's well-being, and also prevent relapses of the disease. For high-quality monotherapy, experts recommend using Zovirax ointment. Reviews of qualified dermatologists have shown that in this case, the patient may refuse to use more powerful drugs that can provoke various adverse reactions.
Composition and release form
In modern dermatology, Zovirax ointment is actively used for herpes. Reviews of patients about the results of the use of such a drug in 99% of all cases are positive. High efficiency is due to the presence of acyclovir, which is the active ingredient. As excipients are used:
- Paraffin.
- Polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate.
- Cetostearyl alcohol.
- Poloxamer.
- Purified water.
- Macrogol stearate.
- Glycerin.
- Sodium s alt of lauryl sulfuric acid.
The ointment is sold in sealed aluminum tubes with a screw cap of 2, 5 and 10 grams. Each bottle is enclosed in a strong cardboard box with detailed instructions from the manufacturer.
Operation principle
The main component of the drug acyclovir is similar in structure to guanine. This explains the high efficiency of Zovirax in the fight against dangerous viruses. During the phosphorylation reaction, the main substance is gradually metabolized to acyclovirtiphosphate. The drug acts exclusively on those tissues that are affected by a herpes infection. The correct use of the ointment allows you to cope with the two most common pathologies:
- Inflammatory nature of diseases provoked by herpes viruses. In this case, therapy should be prolonged.
- Infection of the skin caused by exposure to herpes simplex.
The positive effect of the treatment can be seen within a few hours after applying the Zovirax ointment. Patient reviews showed that the intensity of the manifestation of herpes is significantly reducedalready on the second day of treatment.
Indications for use
Before using the medication, the patient must definitely study the instructions for the Zovirax ointment. Reviews of dermatologists and people who have undergone treatment indicate that the drug copes well with keratitis, the causative agent of which is established strains of herpes types I and II. The ointment can be used to treat the skin and mucous membranes that are affected by the virus. The tool can lubricate the herpes vesicles on the lips.
Contraindications
Ointment "Zovirax" is forbidden to use those patients who have hypersensitivity to acyclovir or its derivatives. The tool can be used by pregnant women, since only a small part of the active components enter the bloodstream. The drug does not adversely affect the fetus being formed. Pregnant women are often prescribed this remedy to combat genital herpes, as well as to heal rashes on the skin of the body and lips.
Zovirax eye ointment is widely used in pediatrics. Reviews about this remedy vary, as unwanted side reactions often occur due to self-medication. Only a specialist can prescribe this remedy to fight eye infections, chickenpox, and other herpes rashes on the body.
Instructions for use
Proper use of the drug is described in detail by the manufacturer in the annotation. To achieve the desired result, you must follow some recommendations:
- For effectivethe fight against herpes, it is necessary to apply a small amount of ointment as evenly as possible to the affected area of \u200b\u200bthe lips or mucous membranes. The drug can also lubricate the foci of herpes vesicles on the skin of the body.
- Problem areas are treated 3 to 6 times a day. But between each procedure it is necessary to maintain a gap of 4 hours.
- Apply the healing ointment only with clean hands, gently rubbing the preparation in a circular motion.
- Therapy should last until complete recovery and disappearance of herpes symptoms.
- Experts do not recommend applying the ointment to the oral mucosa. In addition, accidental contact with the eye should be avoided.
- Treatment can be started both in the early and later stages of the disease. The traditional therapeutic course lasts from 3 to 7 days.
Adverse reactions
In traditional medicine, ointment for herpes on the lips "Zovirax" is in great demand. Reviews of experts allow us to conclude that treatment is effective only if the patient carefully follows all the instructions of the attending physician. Otherwise, the development of adverse reactions is not excluded:
- The development of anemia and a significant decrease in leukocytes and platelets. From the genitourinary system, the concentration of urea and creatinine may increase.
- The most common are vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, hepatitis, jaundice, abdominal pain. An increase in the concentration of the finala metabolic product of creatine phosphate.
- As a result of an allergic reaction, angioedema, urticaria, rash, itching, allergic dermatitis, and an anaphylactic reaction develop.
- Adverse reactions may affect the central nervous system. Hallucinations, psychosis, drowsiness are not excluded. In some cases, there may be a tremor of the limbs, convulsions, agitation, confusion.
- Redness, peeling, burning, tingling sometimes occurs at the site of application of the ointment.
Analogues
A well-developed pharmaceutical market offers a huge selection of quality and affordable medicines. In some cases, patients are looking for an effective way to replace Zovirax ointment for herpes. A cheap analogue can be selected together with the attending physician, who will advise the most suitable option. Practice shows that most often the following drugs are chosen as a substitute for Zovirax:
- "Acigerpin".
- Gerperax.
- Acyclovir.
- Acyclostad.
- Gerpferon.
All of the listed medicines include the active drug substance acyclovir, which is very important in the fight against herpes. However, some drugs may cost less than Zovirax.
Characteristics of the drug
In modern cosmetology and dermatology, ointment for acne on the face "Zovirax" has received a huge demand. Reviewsexperts confirm the high effectiveness of the drug, which is very important in the fight against various skin rashes. In clinical conditions, it has been proven that Zovirax ointment is able to quickly cope with herpes infections and many other pathogenic microorganisms. In just 4-5 days, you can get rid of the characteristic manifestations and symptoms of herpes on the lips, eyes, and mucous membranes. The composition of the drug is selected in such a way that it can be used to treat newborns.
"Zovirax" is able to eliminate herpes around the lips, nose, genitals in a short time. But dermatologists recommend that their patients undergo a full course of treatment that lasts a week. Senile viral herpes infection can also be cured with Zovirax. To avoid the manifestation of adverse reactions, it is imperative to study the instructions and consult with a specialist.
