Friday, March 22, 2024

Topical Antiviral For Genital Herpes

Some Side Effects Can Be Serious If You Experience Any Of These Symptoms Call Your Doctor Immediately:

An All Natural OTC Topical Product for Genital Herpes Outbreak Symptoms
  • swelling of the face, throat, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

Topical acyclovir may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone .

What Are The Side Effects Of Acyclovir Ointment

Topical acyclovir ointment is usually well tolerated. When you use a topical ointment to treat herpes labialis, you may experience adverse effects, including burning, itching, and tingling where you apply the treatment or dry, flaky skin in that area . These side effects typically go away quickly.

In rare instances, some people may experience an allergic reaction to acyclovir. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever experienced an allergic reaction when using other antiviral medications . Signs of an allergic reaction include sudden swelling in the lips, face, or mouth, hives, itching, and difficulty breathing. If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately.

Topical acyclovir ointment is for external use only . Keep this product out of reach of children and only use this product according to the medical advice youve received from a healthcare professional.

Description Of The Selected Studies

A total of 9,450 studies were originally identified, and 4 were included in the final review . All 4 selected studies were RCTs . Hull et al. 2010 was a RCT and topical corticosteroids plus antiviral in the management of RHL was evaluated. A total of 89 patients were recruited. There were cross-overs and there were no losses to follow up. Evans et al. 2002 conducted a trial on 380 participants to evaluate the effect of ME-609 in comparison to placebo. Hull et al. 2009 was a small trial on 39 participants in which valacyclovir and clobetasol gel were compared with placebo. Spruance et al. 2000 conducted a trial on 29 participants where topical corticosteroid with valacyclovir 2gm was compared with antiviral alone. The antiviral used was acyclovir in 2 studies , famciclovir and valacyclovir in each of the other 2 studies . The average number of episodes of the RHL in the participants ranged from 4.5 to 5.6 episodes per year.

Characteristics of randomized controlled trials included in the review

Study Frequency of RHL
Hull et al. 2010 51 sites in the United States and 4 sites in Canada 1443
1. ME-609 cream
Control
1. Acyclovir
2. Placebo
Evans et al. 2002 4 major university clinics in North America 380
1. ME-609 cream
Control
Hull et al. 2009 University of Utah 39 13 4.5
1. Oral Valacyclovir plus topical Clobetasol gel
Control
Spruance et al. 2000 University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City 29 14 5
1. Oral Famciclovir plus topical Fluocinonide
Control

You May Like: How To Get Genital Herpes Without Intercourse

Are There Side Effects From Treating Genital Herpes With Antiviral Drugs

Antiviral drugs are very well-tolerated by most people because they target the virus, not healthy cells. Side effects are rare. Specialist guidelines state that regular kidney function tests for people taking aciclovir long-term are no longer required. The drug has now been used for without problem for over thirty years treating genital herpes. It can be used in pregnancy, indeed it is even recommended that women take it from week 36. See our pregnancy page.

Etiology Of Herpes Simplex Labialis

Herpevir antiviral herpes10 tabl 0.4 g

The most common cause of herpes simplex labialis is the type 1 herpes simplex virus, abbreviated as HSV-1.3 HSV-1 is the causal agent in more than 95% of patients who experience recurrent fever blisters.4 The remainder of cases are caused by HSV type 2 , the infective agent associated with genital herpes. Having oral sex with a person infected with HSV-2 can result in HSV-2 herpes simplex labialis.

Recommended Reading: When Do Herpes Outbreaks Occur

Can I Take Acyclovir If Im Pregnant Or Breastfeeding

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. However, herpes virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during your pregnancy, so that you do not have a genital lesion when your baby is born.

You should not breastfeed if you have a herpes lesion on or near your breast.

Rule #: Make Sure Its Actually Herpes

Herpes tends to appear on areas of your body known as the mucous membranes. This includes all the moist spots exposed to open air . If your outbreak is far away from your mouth , it might not actually be herpes. Your best bet is to be evaluated by a medical professional to make sure.

The first time you get herpes , symptoms often include more than just a cold sore. You might also develop signs of a cold, including fever, fatigue, achy muscles, and sore throat. Kids who get herpes for the first time might have swelling and pain in their gums, difficulty swallowing, and fevers too .

Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Herpes Naturally Forever

Genital Herpes During Pregnancy

Prevention of neonatal herpes depends both on preventing acquisition of genital herpes during late pregnancy and avoiding exposure of the neonate to herpetic lesions and viral shedding during delivery. Mothers of newborns who acquire neonatal herpes often lack histories of clinically evident genital herpes . The risk for transmission to the neonate from an infected mother is high among women who acquire genital herpes near the time of delivery and low among women with prenatal histories of recurrent herpes or who acquire genital herpes during the first half of pregnancy . Women who acquire HSV in the second half of pregnancy should be managed in consultation with maternal-fetal medicine and infectious disease specialists.

All pregnant women should be asked whether they have a history of genital herpes or genital symptoms concerning for HSV infection. At the onset of labor, all women should be questioned thoroughly about symptoms of genital herpes, including prodromal symptoms , and all women should be examined thoroughly for herpetic lesions. Women without symptoms or signs of genital herpes or its prodrome can deliver vaginally. Although cesarean delivery does not eliminate the risk for HSV transmission to the neonate , women with recurrent genital herpetic lesions at the onset of labor should have a cesarean delivery to reduce the risk for neonatal HSV infection.

Acyclovir 400 mg orally 3 times/dayORValacyclovir 500 mg orally 2 times/day

How Does Genital Herpes Affect Pregnancy

Oral Herpes and Genital Herpes. Symptoms and Treatment. Herpes Simplex Virus

Herpes simplex virus doesnt affect fertility or your ability to conceive. Pregnant women diagnosed with HSV-2 should start a daily antiviral at 36 weeks of pregnancy as prescribed, to prevent outbreaks during delivery. If you have an active infection at the time of childbirth, you can pass the herpes virus to your baby. Neonatal herpes puts a baby at risk for blindness, brain damage, skin infections and death. Your healthcare provider will perform a cesarean section to lower this risk.

Don’t Miss: How To Cure Herpes Naturally Forever

Key Benefit: Fda Approved And Available Over

How Abreva works:

The active ingredient in Abreva is Docosanol 10%, also known as behenyl alcohol. This is a type of alcohol traditionally used as an emollient, emulsifier and thickener in cosmetics and supplements.

Abreva has been shown in clinical study to shorten the healing time of cold sores. When Abreva is applied to cold sores it helps to soothe any irritation and strengthens the cell membranes to prevent the infection becoming worse.

Directions:

Apply 5 times a day for up to 10 days.

More Information:

Using Hydrocortisone Cream For Skin Rashes

Hydrocortisone cream is a topical steroid used to treat mild inflammatory skin conditions, commonly referred to as dermatitis.

Hydrocortisone cream is available over the counter in different strengths, such as 0.5% and 1.0%. It is also available by prescription, at a strength of 2.5%.

Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid, similar to a hormone produced naturally in your adrenal glands. It works by easing the swelling, itching, and redness caused by dermatitis.

Hydrocortisone is also an ingredient used in a number of antibacterial or antifungal preparations, such as in athlete’s foot creams and diaper ointments.

This article explains the conditions that hydrocortisone cream can treat, those it cannot, how to use the cream, and the possible side effects.

Anupong Thongchan / EyeEm / Getty Images

You May Like: What Are The Symptoms Of Herpes Virus

How To Use Acyclovir Cream

Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Use this medication at the first sign of infection . Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying this medication. Clean and dry the affected areas before applying the medication. Apply to the affected area and rub in gently, usually 5 times a day for 4 days for cold sores, or as directed by your doctor. Apply enough cream to cover all affected areas .

Apply to skin only. Do not apply this medication in the eyes or nose, inside the mouth, or inside the . If you do get medication in those areas, flush with plenty of water.

Dosage is based on your medical condition, type of infection, and response to treatment. Do not use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. This medication works best when the amount of drug absorbed by the skin stays at a constant level. Use this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.

To prevent washing off the medication, do not bathe, shower, or swim right after applying it.

If applying to genital herpes sores, use a finger cot or rubber gloves to avoid spreading the infection.

Do not apply other skin products unless told to do so by your doctor. Do not cover the area with plastic or waterproof bandages unless told to do so by your doctor.

What Triggers Herpes Outbreaks

Zovirax Creme Herpes 50mg/g 2g GAMAFARMA

If youve had herpes for a while, you might have identified things that cause your herpes to crop up. Some of the most well-known triggers for herpes are things that stress your body, like lack of sleep or even a common cold. While your body is off dealing with some other stress, your immune system is essentially distracted, allowing your herpes to wake up. Thats why theyre called cold sores or fever blistersbecause they often appear when you have a cold or fever.

Other common triggers include:

  • Hormonal changes
  • Reduced immune function

And while herpes viruses might be best known for causing cold sores and genital herpes, theres a whole range of herpes viruses. Different ones are responsible for causing various diseases. These include chickenpox and shingles, eye infections, mono , and more. Classic cold sores and genital herpes are typically caused by herpes simplex virus 1 or herpes simplex virus 2 .

Read Also: How You Get Tested For Herpes

What Is The Best Over The Counter Topical Treatment For Genital Herpes

There are a number of over-the-counter topical treatments for genital herpes on the market. These treatments can be used for the initial outbreak and can also be used to treat recurrent outbreaks. However, not all of them can be used for a single outbreak, and some may interfere with the healing process. Below are some of the most popular topical treatments for genital herpes.

The FDA-approved medications are Abreva, famciclovir, and acyclovir. Topical antivirals do not cure herpes, but they can help with the outbreak duration and severity. Often taken daily, antivirals can also prevent outbreaks. Some patients have found relief from their symptoms using antiviral drugs. Although they are not a cure, these drugs can help people manage their outbreaks and lessen their pain.

Herpes outbreaks can be painful for days or weeks. Taking aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce inflammation and pain. Another solution is to use a hair dryer on low heat settings and to wear cotton underwear, which absorbs moisture better than synthetic fabrics. A good method to prevent further outbreaks is to consult a doctor or dermatologist.

A Pregnant Woman Can Give Herpes To Their Unborn Baby

The estimated number of pregnant women infected with HSV-2 is 880,000. Most transmission to newborns occurs during vaginal delivery. If a woman had genital herpes before getting pregnant, their baby may be infected but the chance is very low less than 1%. However, the risk of infecting the baby is much higher when a woman is newly infected late in pregnancy.

If you are pregnant and think you may be infected, tell your doctor right away. Women with genital herpes are examined carefully for any symptoms before giving birth. If sores or signs that an outbreak is coming are present at the time of delivery, the baby may be delivered by cesarean section .

You May Like: How To Treat Genital Herpes Breakout

Read Also: Can You Get Pregnant With Herpes

Treatment For Oral Herpes

The antiviral medications available in pill form have been specifically developed for the treatment of genital herpes. However, it is not uncommon for healthcare providers to prescribe the antiviral drugs to those who have frequent or severe outbreaks of oral herpes.

A recent study found valacyclovir to be effective for treating oral herpes in a one-day treatment of 2 grams taken at the first sign of a cold sore, and then again about 12 hours later.

There are two topical antiviral medications prescribed for the treatment of oral HSV symptoms: acyclovir ointment and penciclovir cream. Both work to speed up the healing process and reduce the viral activity. These topical drugs are put directly on the lesions themselves, but can also be used at the onset of prodrome.

Other topical treatments for oral herpes are available over-the-counter , but are not antiviral compounds like acyclovir and penciclovir. Some also contain ingredients that numb the area and induce temporary relief from the discomfort of an outbreak. Unfortunately, some OTC treatments may actually delay the healing time of symptoms because they can further irritate the area with repeated applications. There is only one OTC FDA-approved cream, called Abreva®, which has been clinically proven to help speed the healing process.

How To Apply Aciclovir Cream

Anti herpes drugs | Pharmacology | Antiviral drugs | Med Vids Made Simple
  • Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer’s printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about using aciclovir cream and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from using it.
  • Apply the cream five times a day. The best way to do this is to use it every four hours during the day . Dab the cream on to the area rather than rubbing it in. This will minimise any damage to the blisters, which could cause pain and spread the virus around.
  • Start using the cream at the first sign of infection and continue to use it for five days. This is often sufficient time for the sore to heal but you can continue to use the cream for a further five days if needed. Remember to wash and dry your hands before and after using aciclovir, to prevent spreading any infection.
  • If you forget to use the cream, apply it as soon as you remember and then continue using it again at your usual times.

You May Like: Can I Get Herpes From Sharing Drinks

What Can I Do To Stop Discomfort And Speed Up Healing Self

People with genital herpes have reported to us that these ideas have helped them to treat their genital herpes. They have not been through a medical trial:

  • If required, take a painkiller, e.g. co-codamol, ibuprofen, paracetamol or soluble aspirin they reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Wash your hands before touching blisters or sores, e.g. when applying medication, as this can introduce bacteria and delay healing.
  • Apply a local anaesthetic ointment, e.g. lidocaine 5% ointment. It can be used on genital or facial sores. Some people prefer a stronger anaesthetic such as Xylocaine 10% spray. Dab on as required to relieve pain, especially before urinating see below. There is a low risk of a negative reaction from these topical anaesthetics. If you find that soreness increases, stop using them.
  • Keep the sores moist, you can apply Vaseline .
  • Keep the area clean: washing gently once a day is sufficient. Many people have found a warm salt water solution very soothing. Gently bathe the area using cotton wool.
  • Avoid scented soap and deodorants. It is best not to use wipes, gel or soap in this area, but if you do, use an unscented brand.
  • Avoid over-washing as this can increase irritation and delay healing.
  • Dab dry carefully with a tissue after washing or use a hair dryer set at cold.
  • To reduce itching, keep the area as cool as is practical: apply a well wrapped ice pack for up to 90 minutes. DO NOT put ice directly on the skin.
  • Recommended Reading: How Long Do Herpes Symptoms Last

    How To Take Acyclovir

    Use Acyclovir exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

    Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

    Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.

    Start using acyclovir as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms .

    Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine.

    Apply only enough cream to cover the cold sore or tingly area.

    Apply only enough ointment to cover the genital lesion completely. Wear a glove or a finger cot or use a cotton swab when applying the ointment to avoid spreading the virus to other body parts and to other people.

    Acyclovir topical cream is usually applied 5 times daily for 4 days. Acyclovir topical ointment is usually applied 6 times daily for 7 days. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully.

    Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve.

    Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

    Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

    Read Also: How Do You Contract Herpes Std

    Popular Articles
    Related news