Description
EKOVIR 200: INSTRUCTIONS, INDICATIONS, CONTRAINDICATIONS
Ekovir 200 (Acyclovir) is a modern highly effective drug designed to combat viral infections. It helps to quickly cope with diseases caused by the herpes simplex virus (Herpes simplex), and is also prescribed for herpes zoster and chicken pox.
ACTIVE COMPONENT AND PHARMACY FORMS OF EKOVIR 200
The active ingredient destructive to viruses is acyclovir – 2-amino-1,9-dihydro-9 – [(2-hydroxyethoxy) methyl] -6H-purin-6-OH (as sodium salt). The chemical formula of this substance is C8H11N5O3. It is an artificially synthesized analogue of deoxyguanidine (DNA nucleotide). This compound is able to directly affect the enzyme system of viruses, blocking the replication of DNA of these infectious agents of a non-cellular nature.
This drug is produced by pharmacological companies in the form of 5% ointment for application to the skin and mucous membranes and 3% ophthalmic ointment (supplied in tubes of 5 g). It can also be purchased in the form of tablets for oral administration (in contour packs – 10 pieces of 200 or 400 mg).
AT WHAT DISEASES IS EKOVIR 200 PRESCRIBED?
Important: in HIV infection, acyclovir is ineffective, but the drug may be administered in case of unspecified immunodeficiency to prevent recurrence of herpes.
The use of Ekovir 200 is indicated for infectious diseases caused by the introduction of the herpes simplex virus into the body (reference to the second article from the file) .
Among them:
- herpetic eczema;
- vesicular form of herpetic dermatitis;
- herpetic lesions of the eyes (keratitis);
- anogenital herpetic infection;
- viral gingivostomatitis;
- pharyngolonsillitis.
In addition, acyclovir is widely used in pathologies such as shingles and chicken pox .
METHODS OF APPLICATION OF EKOVIR 200 AND RECOMMENDED DOSAGES
Ekovir 200 in the form of tablets for oral administration is prescribed for the treatment of viral lesions of mucous membranes and skin.
For adults and children older than 2 years, the recommended single dose is 200 mg (1 tablet). Multiplicity of taking the drug – 5 times a day. It is advisable to strictly maintain the time intervals between doses – 4 hours in the daytime and 8 hours at night.
Ekovir 200 tablets are intended for course therapy. Usually appointed a 5-day course.
If an immunodeficiency condition is diagnosed, a single dose is twice as much as 400 mg, and the frequency of reception is similar. The necessary duration of the course treatment is established by the doctor, taking into account the severity of clinical manifestations and the dynamics of the process.
If the patient’s immune status is normal, but there is a need to prevent the recurrence of herpes infection, the administration of 200 mg of Acyclovir 4 times a day is indicated for preventive purposes. In the prevention of relapses between receptions, 6-hour intervals should be observed.
The permissible daily dose of this drug in the treatment of herpetic diseases is 2000 mg.
When treating varicella (“chickenpox”) adults should take 800 mg of Ekovir 200 5 times a day. The duration of the course is from 1 to 1.5 weeks. The child’s dosage is determined from the calculation of 20 mg / kg. Multiplicity of admission for children – 4 times a day, and the course continues for 5 days.
Pay attention: if the weight of the child is from 40 kg and above, he is prescribed the same doses of the drug as for the adult.
Tablets are desirable to drink during meals or immediately after.
Important: children under 2 years of age Ekovir 200 is not prescribed!
In the treatment of ophthalmic diseases of viral genesis (herpetic keratitis) 3% ointment Ekovir 200 is used. A small (1 cm) strip is placed in conjunctival sacs of both eyes 5 times a day. The drug should be taken until complete recovery, continuing the course for 3 more days after complete relief of symptoms.
Please note: during the course of treatment with the use of ophthalmic ointment, it is advisable to temporarily give up contact lenses. At a low immune status it is recommended to use forms for external topical application in parallel and to take tablets.
MECHANISM OF ACTION AND PHARMACODYNAMICS OF EKOVIR 200
The active substance Acyclovir blocks the multiplication of the infectious agent. The highest activity of the drug manifests itself to herpes viruses of type 1 and type 2.
Important: in the course of clinical trials, it has been experimentally demonstrated that acyclovir is capable of stopping the reproduction of the Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus .
CONTRAINDICATIONS EKOVIR 200 AND POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
The antiviral drug is tolerated without any problems by the overwhelming majority of patients. Contraindication to the use of Acyclovir is the individual hypersensitivity of the patient’s body to the active substance.
In some cases (very rarely), the following side effects are noted:
- allergic reactions ;
- headache ;
- nausea ;
- intestinal disorders;
- shortness of breath ;
- pain in the abdomen .
Against the background of prolonged use of ophthalmic ointment, inflammation of the conjunctiva ( conjunctivitis ) and eyelids ( blepharitis ) can not be ruled out .
Frequent excess of therapeutic dosages when taking tablets theoretically can cause renal dysfunction.
EKOVIR 200 INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS
At present, there is no data on the clinically significant antagonism of Acyclovir with other drugs. The therapeutic effect is enhanced by a parallel intake with drugs that stimulate immunity .
Probenecid can slow down the process of removing the antiviral agent from the body.
To prevent functional impairment of the kidneys, it is not recommended to take Acyclovir together with drugs that have nephrotoxic properties.
CAN I APPLY EKOVIR 200 TO PREGNANT AND LACTATING WOMEN?
During pregnancy, Acyclovir in tablets should not be used, since the drug that gets into the blood passes through the hematoplacental barrier. Ointment can be used as directed by a doctor. If necessary, course treatment
dosage forms for oral ingestion during breastfeeding, the baby should be transferred to artificial mixtures. There are no contraindications for using the ointment during lactation.
HOW TO STORE THE DRUG, AND WHAT IS ITS EXPIRATION DATE?
Shelf life for both tablets and ointments is 3 years. After the tube is opened, the ointment can be used for a month.
Oily forms should be stored at a temperature ranging from + 15 ° to + 25 ° C.
Tablets should be kept in places shielded from sunlight and protected from moisture.
