Avirax.
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Avirax Indications
Avirax is available as creams specifically for treating genital herpes and cold sores, and as an eye ointment for treating herpes simplex infections of the eye. See the factsheets linked at the end of this page for further information about these drugs.
Avirax is converted to a more active form inside cells of the body that are infected with herpes viruses. The activated aciclovir then works by blocking the action of a viral enzyme called DNA polymerase.
Avirax is taken by mouth to treat herpes infections that cause chickenpox and shingles. It is taken by mouth to treat genital herpes and other herpes simplex infections of the skin and mucous membranes, and to prevent these infections coming back in people who suffer recurrent infections. Oral aciclovir is valuable for preventing herpes simplex infections in people whose immune systems are supressed and cannot fight off infection, either due to disease, eg HIV and AIDS, or medical treatment, eg chemotherapy, steroids, bone marrow transplant.
Avirax liquid, capsules, and tablets are indicated in the treatment of certain infections with herpes viruses. These include genital herpes, shingles, and chickenpox. Avirax may not be appropriate for everyone, and its use should be thoroughly discussed with your doctor. Avirax ointment is indicated to treat initial episodes of genital herpes and certain herpes simplex infections of the skin and mucous membranes. Avirax cream is indicated for herpes cold sores on the lips and face only.
Avirax tablets and suspension contain the active ingredient aciclovir, which is an antiviral drug indicated to treat infections with herpes viruses. Aciclovir tablets and dispersible tablets are available without a brand name, ie as the generic drug.
Some doctors use Avirax, along with other drugs, in the treatment of AIDS, and for unusual herpes infections such as those following kidney and bone marrow transplants.
The herpes viruses include the viruses that cause cold sores and genital herpes and the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles. Aciclovir works by stopping these herpes viruses from reproducing and infecting more cells in the body.
The herpes viruses need the DNA polymerase enzyme to copy their genetic material from RNA to DNA. This process is necessary for the viruses to multiply and continue to survive. By blocking the action of DNA polymerase, aciclovir prevents the herpes viruses from multiplying. This controls the infection and helps the immune system to deal with it.
Avirax is indicated for the treatment of:
- Shingles;
- Preventing recurrence of herpes simplex infections, eg recurrent cold sores or genital herpes;
- Preventing herpes simplex infections in people whose immune systems are impaired, eg due to disease or treatment;
- Herpes simplex infections of the skin, eg cold sores;
- Genital herpes;
- Chickenpox;
Avirax Side Effects
Avirax side effects that you should report to your health care professional or doctor as soon as possible:
- Abdominal pain;
- Abnormal reaction of the skin to light, usually a rash;
- Agitation;
- Alteration in results of liver function tests;
- Confusion;
- Convulsions;
- Decreased kidney function;
- Diarrhoea;
- Disturbance in the components of the blood;
- Dizziness;
- False perceptions of things that are not really there;
- Fatigue;
- Fever;
- Headache;
- Inflammation of the liver;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Shaky movements and unsteady walk;
- Shortness of breath;
- Skin reactions such as rash and itch;
- Sleepiness;
More common side effects may include:
- Vomiting;
- Nausea;
- General feeling of bodily discomfort;
- Diarrhea;
Side effects of Avirax ointment may include:
- Vaginal inflammation;
- Stinging;
- Skin rash;
- Mild pain;
- Itching;
- Burning;
Side effects of Avirax cream may include:
- Stinging;
- Itchy spots;
- Irritated patches of skin);
- Inflammation;
- Hives;
- Eczema (inflamed;
- Dry or flaky skin;
- Dry or cracked lips;
- Burning;
- Allergic reactions;
Avirax Dosage
CHILDREN
A child weighing more than 88 pounds should take the adult dose.
The usual dose for chickenpox in children 2 years of age and older is 20 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight taken orally 4 times daily, for a total of 80 mg per 2.2 pounds, for 5 days.
The safety and effectiveness of oral Avirax have not been established in children under 2 years of age.
The safety and effectiveness of Avirax ointment in children have not been established.
However, your doctor may decide that the benefits of this medication outweigh the potential risks.
Avirax cream has not been studied in children less than 12 years old.
ADULTS
Genital Herpes
The usual dose is one 200-mg capsule or 1 teaspoonful of liquid every 4 hours, 5 times daily for 10 days.
If the herpes is recurrent, the usual adult dose is 400 mg (two 200-mg capsules, one 400-mg tablet or 2 teaspoonfuls) 2 times daily for up to 12 months.
Ointment: Apply ointment to affected area every 3 hours, 6 times per day, for 7 days.
Use enough ointment (approximately one-half inch ribbon of ointment per 4 square inches of surface area) to cover the affected area.
If genital herpes is intermittent, the usual adult dose is one 200-mg capsule or 1 teaspoon of liquid every 4 hours, 5 times a day for 5 days.
Therapy should be started at the earliest sign or symptom.
Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
The usual adult dose is 800 mg (one 800-mg tablet or 4 teaspoonfuls of liquid) every 4 hours, 5 times daily for 7 to 10 days.
Herpes Cold Sores
Therapy should begin as soon as possible after the first sign of a cold sore such as a bump, tingling, redness, or itchiness.
Apply Avirax cream to the affected area 5 times a day for 4 days.
Chickenpox:
If you have a kidney disorder, the dose will need to be adjusted by your doctor.
The usual adult dose is 800 mg 4 times a day for 5 days.
OLDER ADULTS
Your doctor will start you at the low end of the dosage range, since older adults are more apt to have kidney problems or other disease, or to be taking other medications.
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