Description:
Properties :
Acyclovir is an antiviral agent which is highly active in vitro against herpes simplex virus (HSV) types
I and II and varicella zoster virus . Toxicity to mammal cells is low .
Acyclovir is phosphorylated her entry into herps – infected cells Acyclovir triphosphate e first
step in this process is dependent on the presence of the viral-coded thymidine kinase.
Acyclovir triphosphate acts as an inhibitor and subtract for the herpes-specied DNA polymerase
preventing further viral DNA synthesis without aecting normal cellular processes .
Indications :
Viramed cream is indicated for the tretament of herpes simplex infections including initial and recurrent genital herpes and herpes labialis .
Contra-indications :
Viramed cream is contra – indicated in patients who have hypersensitivity to any of its components.
Precautions :
Viramed cream is not recommended for application to mucous membranes, such as the mouth, eye
or vagina, particular care should be taken to avoid accidental introduction into the eye .
PREGNANCY :
Teratogenic Effects : pregnancy category B.Acyyclovir was not teratogenic in the mouse, rabbit, or
rat at exposures greatly in excess of human exposure. ere are no adequate and well-controlled
studies of systemic acyclovir in pregnant woman. Systemic acyclovir should be used during pregnancy
only if the potential benet justies the potential risk to the fetus.
Nursing Mothers : It is not known whether topically applied acyclovir is excreted in breast milk.
Systemic exposure following topical administration is minimal. Nusing mother who have active
herapetic lesions near or on the breast should avoid nursing.
Side effects :
Transient burning or stinging following application of Viramed cream may occur in some patients .
Mild drying and flaking of the skin has occured in about 5% of patients .
Dosage & Administration :
Adults and children : Viramed cream should be applied ve times daily , approximately every 4
hours omitting the night – time dose .
Viramed cream should be applied to the lesions or impending lesions as early as possible aer the
start of an infection .
It is particularly important to start treatment of recurrent episodes during the prodromal period or
when the lesions appear .
Ttreatment should be continued for 5 days .
If healing has not occurred, treatment may be continued for up to 10 days .
Storage conditions : store at temperature not exceeding 25oC
Packaging : Viramed is present in tubes of 5 g. Or 10 g. Or 20 g.
Tablets
Syrup