Acyclovir for chickenpox: instructions for use
Most children with chicken pox Antiviral treatment is not prescribed, and all therapy is reduced to the elimination of symptoms — high temperatures and pruritus. However, there are situations where when chicken pox is prescribed Acyclovir. And parents in such cases are interested in whether this medicine helps against chicken pox and how to take this drug for this infection in children.
What is Acyclovir
The drug belongs to the antiviral agents that have antiherpetic effect.
The drug is presented in several forms of release:
- Pills. If an older child needs antiviral treatment, this form is prescribed to children most often. One tablet contains 200 mg of active substance.
- Ointment or cream. Such acyclovir with an active substance concentration of 5% is also often prescribed in children for the treatment of lesions. In this case, the drug can be used from birth.
- Solution for intravenous administration. This version of the drug is prescribed for severe children who are hospitalized. With evidence, it is administered to children of any age.
When prescribed
The reason for the appointment of Acyclovir in childhood is a moderate and severe course of chicken pox. The drug is prescribed for congenital chickenpox and the development of infection in babies up to a year, since in infants of the first year of life this disease is, as a rule, difficult.
Children older than a year, Acyclovir is prescribed for:
- A significant amount of rash.
- Severe intoxication and high body temperature.
It is important to note that children with Acyclovir with chickenpox should be prescribed only by a doctor.
Why helps with chickenpox
The drug has a direct effect on herpes viruses, one of the types of which is the virus Varicella Zoster (the causative agent of chickenpox). The drug acts on the cells of the virus, in particular - on the DNA contained in them. This blocks the reproduction of the chickenpox pathogen, with the result that taking the drug significantly speeds up recovery.
Contraindications
Acyclovir is not prescribed to children with hypersensitivity to its active substance. If a child has dehydration, kidney problems or neurological pathologies, the question of the use of Atscyclovir and its dosage is solved individually.
Side effect
Acyclovir can have a negative effect on various organ systems of a child:
- The effect of the drug on the central nervous system may cause fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, headaches. Sometimes a child has a limb tremor and hallucinations.
- Exposure of the drug to the digestive system can lead to diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, and liver problems.
- In the blood of a child due to acyclovir, the level of leukocytes and erythrocytes may decrease.
- When used externally, an allergic reaction (urticaria), peeling or irritation may occur.
- Intravenous administration of the drug can lead to acute renal failure, convulsions, psychosis and even coma.
That is why the use of Acyclovir in children should be agreed with the doctor.Giving a child with chickenpox alone such a remedy is unacceptable.
Instructions for use
Dosage of tablets
Selection of the dosage of Acyclovir for each child should be individualized and carried out taking into account the body weight of the baby.
In most cases, Acyclovir tablets are discharged in such a single dose:
Children aged 1 to 2 years | Half tablet |
Children over 2 years to 5 years old | One or two pills |
Children over 6 years old | Four pills |
The frequency of taking the medicine - 4 times a day. Tablets should be taken with a significant amount of liquid.
How many days to drink
Treatment with Acyclovir on average lasts 5 days, but the duration of treatment can be extended to ten days.
Use of ointment
This form of Acyclovir is applied only on vesicles, and try not to touch clean skin. This is due to the formation of a dense film on the treated surface (because of it, the skin does not “breathe”). The dosage of ointment should be discussed with the doctor, since it depends on the weight of the child, and on the area of his skin.
Lubrication of the rash begins on the first day of its appearance. Treat the skin for five days every 4 hours. At night, it is not recommended to apply the drug (it is better that the skin is “rested”).
Whether to take for prevention
The doctor may prescribe a child Acyclovir for prophylactic purposes if the baby has lowered immune defenses and is at high risk of being infected with the herpes virus. For example, medication is prescribed for HIV positive status or for chemotherapy. Acyclovir tablet form for prophylaxis infection with herpes prescribed 2 tablets with a frequency of 12 hours.
Reviews
Most parents who used Aciclovir for chicken pox in their children respond positively to this drug. They praise medicine for ease of use and quick exposure. Many have noted that the use of Acyclovir effectively eliminates itching for chickenpoxand the rash goes faster. The disadvantage of funds is the risk of side effects. In addition, when you first use the ointment is often marked by a slight burning sensation of the skin.
Look at the transfer of Dr. Komarovsky about chickenpox - learn a lot of interesting things.
