The shelf life of "Acyclovir" directly depends on the conditions under which the drug was stored. A well-known remedy is sold in the form of tablets and ointments, and its effectiveness depends not only on the composition. How to store "Acyclovir" so that its medicinal properties remain? More on that later.
Description
Aciclovir ointment (shelf life below) is an antiherpetic, antiviral agent that is intended for external use. It is a synthetic analogue of springboard roofing material, which is considered a natural component of DNA.
"Acyclovir" - a modern drug for the treatment of herpes and other viruses. The active substance contained in the ointment penetrates the cells, destroys the virus, does not provoke the occurrence of mutations. The scope of the remedy is limited to herpes viruses.
Indications for use
"Acyclovir" is an antiviral drug effective against herpes. This disease provokes damage to the mucous membranes and skin. Consider herpespainful small vesicles on the lips and face that appear with a cold. It is caused by a virus that is passed from one person to another. If you use "Acyclovir", then the reproduction of this virus will stop. The ointment prevents a new rash from appearing, reduces the risk of the disease spreading through the skin and internal organs. For patients with impaired immune systems, the drug is administered intravenously. The tablets are effective in infections of the skin and mucous membranes. The duration of treatment is usually five days.
In what cases is Acyclovir prescribed? The expiration date of the ointment and tablets is important for the treatment of the following diseases:
- herpes simplex skin;
- genital herpes;
- localized herpes zoster;
- chickenpox;
- prevention of relapses caused by herpes viruses in patients with normal immune status;
- prevention of infections caused by the virus in immunocompromised patients;
- HIV treatment;
- treatment for primary and recurrent infections caused by chickenpox and herpes zoster.
As for pills, they are prescribed exclusively by a doctor. The ointment may not be effective for viral diseases other than herpes.
Composition
The expiration date of "Acyclovir" is important for users who want to get a quick and good result. What is included in the tablets:
- The active substance is acyclovir (400 mg).
- Povidone.
- Colloidal silicon dioxide.
- Magnesium stearate.
- Carboxymethyl starch sodium.
- Sheath consists of titanium dioxide, hypromellose, iron oxide dye red and yellow.
Ointment consists of:
- active substance acyclovir 0.05 g;
- chicken oil;
- emulsifier;
- methyl parahydroxybenzoate;
- propyl parahydroxybenzoate;
- purified water.
Contraindications and side effects
The expiration date of "Acyclovir" indicates how long the drug will last. An expired medicine either does not work, or increases side effects, becomes the cause of poisoning. It is not recommended to carry out therapy with "Acyclovir" in case of hypersensitivity to the active substance, as well as to auxiliary components.
Do not use ointment and take pills during lactation, children under three years of age. With caution, be treated with drugs for renal failure, dehydration, neurological disorders.
Aciclovir is well tolerated. Sometimes it can provoke abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cause disorders of the central nervous system (headache, weakness), allergies (itching, urticaria, swelling), fever, myalgia. An overdose of pills causes tremors, convulsions, lethargic sleep.
Pill expiration date
How long do pills last"Acyclovir"? Usually such information is indicated on the box in which the medicine is located. Tablets, like ointment, are stored for a long time. But unlike the second, the shelf life of pills is 4 years. In order for the tablets to retain their medicinal properties, it is important to observe the storage conditions. Keep them in a dry, dark place at a temperature of +25 ° C. The shelf life also depends on the size of the tablet. The drug 200 mg is allowed to take 4 years, while 400 mg - 3 years.
Ointment expiration date
The shelf life of the cream "Acyclovir" is three years. Like the ointment. What is meant by the term "shelf life"? This is the length of time that the drugs remain effective. That is, after the expiration of such a period, it is no longer possible to use drugs, they will lose their effectiveness and can be hazardous to he alth.
The start date of the term is the time of manufacture of the drug. It is established by the manufacturer after studies conducted on the manufactured drug. It is necessary to take into account the fact that Acyclovir can be produced by different manufacturers, so the drug will have a different shelf life.
If we talk about "Acyclovir-Akri", then the ointment after opening the package can only be used for thirty days. Once opened, the tube should be refrigerated for a month and then discarded.
Storage features
The shelf life of "Acyclovir" after opening the tube with ointment is reduced. Sothe product must be properly stored. It should be stored out of the reach of children, the air temperature is from +15 °C to +25 °C. The expiration date of the Acyclovir ointment on the tube is indicated - it is three years. If the product is intended for the treatment of the eyes, then after opening it is stored for only one month.
Some people keep Aciclovir in the fridge after the tube has been opened. The instructions for use do not say anything about this, so it is better to keep the drug at room temperature (if the expiration date is long, and the manufacturer has indicated the features).
It is important to emphasize that ointments that are made in pharmacies retain their properties for only ten days, and those made in production much longer. The shelf life is also affected by storage conditions in a warehouse, in a pharmacy, temperature conditions, the composition of the ointment or cream.
Temperature fluctuations, humidity, light adversely affect Acyclovir, even if it has not been opened. The tube of ointment should not be allowed to heat up, otherwise it will provoke the growth of bacteria in the opened tube and undesirable consequences after application. In addition, the disturbed temperature regime also affects the properties of the ointment.
Reviews
Is it worth it to buy Acyclovir ointment or tablets when herpes appears? The shelf life, as already found out above, is quite large, so it makes sense to give preference to this particular drug in the fight against the disease. What users say about it:
- After treatment, does not appear for a long timeherpes virus.
- The drug is effective.
- Inexpensive.
- Helps to cope not only with herpes, but also with other viral diseases.
- Neutral taste of ointment.
- Good prevention of herpes.
- Easy to use.
- Available at any pharmacy.
- Quick cure for herpes in the early stages.
- Helps relieve chickenpox in individual cases.
- Well tolerated.
However, Acyclovir, like any other drug, has its drawbacks. According to users, the ointment does not always get rid of herpes. Some write that herpes only increases in size after applying the remedy. Disadvantages also include:
- adverse reactions;
- presence of contraindications;
- strict adherence to instructions for use;
- counterfeits occur;
- composition;
- load on the kidneys;
- act slowly.
In order for the drug to be truly effective, it must be stored and used correctly.
