Lovir

Uses
Lovir (Aciclovir) is an antiviral medicine indicated for the treatment of acute shingles (also known by its medical term herpes zoster), varicella (another name for chickenpox) and genital herpes. When used for genital herpes, it may be used to treat the initial outbreak as well as recurrent symptoms.

This medicine is referred to as a synthetic purine nucleoside analogue. It is said to exhibit both in vitro and in vivo inhibition of 3 different virus types, including herpes simplex types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2 respectively) and the varicella zoster virus. After ingestion, it is converted into its active form (acyclo-guanosine monophosphate) by an enzyme present in the body.

This medicine's antiviral mechanism of action includes the inhibition of the enzyme needed to synthesize DNA (called viral polymerase), preventing the further growth of viral DNA and deactivating DNA polymerase. Due to this, the ability of the virus to reproduce itself is inhibited, which helps to bring the viral symptoms under control. This allows for the body's immune system to properly fight the infection, giving the patient the chance to heal.

Dosage and Administration
Lovir (Aciclovir) comes in the form of tablets for oral administration. Each tablet contains 400mg of the main ingredient. It is necessary to take the tablets alongside water. Dosage and frequency of administration is dependent on why the medicine is being taken as well as the functioning of your immune system. Calculating an appropriate dosage regimen is the responsibility of the doctor providing medical treatment. Patients are usually told to use the 200mg tablets, however in certain cases, 400mg or 800mg may be deemed necessary.

In some cases, patients treating herpes simplex have been told to take one 200mg tablet 5 times per day (at 4 hour intervals) for a minimum period of 5 days. Adults affected by herpes zoster may be told to take a total of four 200mg tablets (800mg) administered 5 times per day, with treatment lasting for 7 days. However, in all cases, the exact amount that your doctor tells you to take may be different from the examples given here and you must only take the amount of medicine that your doctor tells you to take.

Side effects
Administration of Lovir (Aciclovir) tablets could result in side effects, including:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Itchy sensation
• Soreness that affects the abdomen
• Dermatological sensitivity to sunlight

Notify your doctor of any side effects experienced during the course of treatment. Some of the reactions caused could be serious in nature and will require immediate medical care. Examples of this can include weakness, urination problems, aggression, speech difficulties, hallucinations and other severe reactions which are not listed here.

Precautions
Remember that even if your lesions have healed you should keep taking the medicine for the entire period of time determined by the doctor (unless directed to stop treatment by a doctor).

This medicine will not prevent genital herpes from being transmitted to others.

Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms to watch for, which may be indicative of a reaction, include skin rashes, hives, swelling of the face or limbs, trouble breathing, and trouble swallowing.

Always use Lovir (Aciclovir) as you have been prescribed by your doctor. Never self-medicate or change your dosage without first consulting your doctor. The correct dosage can vary depending on your health, medical history, and the severity of the condition being treated.

This medication may not be safe for all patients. Before you begin using it always disclose the following to your doctor:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you suffer from any allergies.
• If you suffer from any other health conditions or illnesses.
• If you are using any other medicine (including all non-prescription).
• If you are using any supplements, vitamins, or herbal products of any kind.