Acyclovir, or Aciclovir, branded as Zovirax and sold under a plenty of other names as generic medication, is a powerful and safe antiviral drug, that is believed to be the first medication of the new wave of antiviral drugs. It's mechanism of action is based on inhibition of the viral DNA transcription, not harming the body cells, which distinguishes it from other antiviral drugs that are cytotoxic.
Aciclovir was discovered in 1977; it was synthesized from the nucleosides, derived from Cryptotethya crypta, a Carribean sponge. Back then it was a pharmaceutical breakthrough, because no other drugs could compare to Zovirax in terms of efficiency and safety in antiviral therapy. This has defined it as a first-line treatment for immunocompromised patients, suffering from various herpes or varicella virus infections.
Nowadays, Zovirax is the most popular antiviral drug used to treat herpes zoster, herpes simplex labialis (cold sores), herpes simplex encephalitis, shingles, cytomegalovirus (CMV), chickenpox and many other diseases. The medication is on the list of medications essential in basic health system, maintained by the World Health Organization. However, price of Zovirax (Acyclovir) tablets is still very high, especially in developed countries, such as the U.S.
Typical medical form of Acyclovir is Zovirax 200 mg, 400 mg, 800 mg tablets. The dosage of the drug is individual, though it depends on the type of addressed infection before all. Zovirax is used to treat and prevent genital herpes simplex, neonatal herpes simplex, herpes simplex labialis, herpes simplex encephalitis, herpes of the eye (herpes simplex blepharitis), herpes virus infections in immunocompromised patients. The doctor should adjust the proper dose in each case of the infection.
Typical dose of Acyclovir, however, should be set within 800 – 1000 mg a day for suppression of herpes simplex infections. For herpes encephalitis, the dosage is usually close to 10-15 mg per kg of body weight of the patient, administered every 8 hours for 1-3 weeks.
Acute herpes zoster requires higher dosage: it's around 800 mg of the drug five times a day for 1-1.5 weeks. Chickenpox doesn't require a dose larger than 800 mg of Zovirax or generic medication, four times a day, for 5-7 days.
Dosage for immunocompromised patients, children and seniors may be different. Do not hesitate to contact a medical specialist for a professional consultation.
Though Zovirax is much safer than most of the preceding antiviral drugs, it is still nephrotoxic. Neuropathy is rather common (5-10%) in patients who are subjected to heavy virus suppressing therapy using Zovirax solution for injection. Though cost of Acyclovir cream is lower than the cost of injections, it has less side effects: dry skin and burning sensations are not very dangerous. Rarely, it can cause erythema, itch or other allergic reactions.
Long-term therapy with Zovirax (usual for immunocompromised patients) can result in nausea and vomiting shortly after the intake of the drug, diarrhea, headache and even hallucinations. Rarely, patients experience dizziness, vertigo, agitation and confusion, weakness, hair loss, rash and constipation.
Very rare side effects of Aciclovir, caused by individual intolerance to the drug, may manifest as toxic epidermal necrolysis, hepatitis, seizures or coma, crystalluria, anorexia, anaphylaxis and other.
Unfortunately, Zovirax has a prescription-only status in many countries, including the US, the UK, Australia, Canada and others. That means that it's simply impossible to purchase cheap Zovirax (Acyclovir) without prescription — first of all, you will have to visit your doctor for a prescription (which is not that bad, if you also get an advice and examination to determine contraindications and recommendations). Then, you will have to pay for the prescription, look for Zovirax (Acyclovir) for sale in local drug stores, at Walgreens or elsewhere, and buy it (the price will still be very high in developed countries). However, it doesn't mean that you cannot buy it from Zovirax (Acyclovir) no prescription online pharmacy!
Zovirax ointment is one of the safest and required medications in daily life. Herpes simplex labialis, or cold sores, is easily and effectively treated by this medication. Millions of people get this infection every year, and they treat it with Zovirax or a generic Zovirax medicine. However, cost of Zovirax (Acyclovir) ointment may be really burdening in case you have to purchase a brand drug. It may be the case if you don't know where to buy Zovirax (Acyclovir) online without prescription in the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, Philippines and a number of other developed countries. This issue is easily resolved, if you find a reliable online pharmacy, where you can order Zovirax (Acyclovir) medication online with no prescription. It will definitely save you time and money, as they sell cheap generic medications and offer convenient delivery to your door.