Is Acyclovir ointment effective against papilloma (HPV), can it cope with the papillomavirus or not?

Introduction

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most widespread on Earth. There are about a hundred different types, fourteen of which lead to the development of oncology. One of the drugs prescribed for HPV is Acyclovir.

Composition and form of release of the drug

Acyclovir is an antiviral agent that inhibits the activity of viruses by disrupting the synthesis of viral DNA in the cells of the body. This drug is available in several forms:

• Tablets containing Acyclovir 200 mg and 400 mg.
• Cream or Ointment with 5% active substance.
• Powder for the preparation of intravenous solutions, in vials of 250 mg, 500 mg and 1000 mg.

Indications for use

Acyclovir was developed for the treatment and prevention of different types of herpes virus. Therefore, the indications for its use are as follows:

• Treatment and prevention of recurrence of herpes viruses types 1 and 2, including genital.
• Treatment of a viral infection in combination with other drugs for HIV in the AIDS stage.
• Prevention of viral infections after bone marrow transplantation.
• Treatment of diseases such as chicken pox (Varicella zoster virus) and shingles caused by Herpes zoster virus.

The effectiveness of the drug in HPV

In the indications for the use of Acyclovir, there is no information on the treatment of human papillomavirus. Infection with papillomavirus indicates a decrease in immunity, while diseases manifest themselves in the form of recurrent herpes of the first or second type.

Therefore, the doctor prescribes Acyclovir in the form of tablets in the complex therapy of viral infections, since the active substance has the ability to suppress the reproduction of the virus in the body.

At the same time, specific formations appear on the skin and mucous membranes – warts and papillomas. For external exposure to them, Acyclovir ointment is used.

The destructive effect of this ointment on papillomas is still being questioned. But numerous positive reviews of doctors and patients testify to the effectiveness of its use.

Methods of application and doses for papillomas

The method of application and dosage will depend on the form of the drug, as well as on the degree of manifestation of the viral infection.

Ointments

With external manifestations of this virus, the doctor prescribes a 5% Acyclovir ointment. With such an impact, the neoplasm dries out and its destruction occurs. The ointment prevents the further spread of the virus and reduces the number of papilloma.

Apply to papilloma 5 times a day for 10 days.

Pills

Acyclovir in the form of tablets prevents the spread of the virus in the body and reduces the external manifestations of the disease on the skin and mucous membranes. Taken orally during or after meals.

Apply 1 tablet (200 mg) 5 times a day for 10 days.

With a weakened immune system or intestinal absorption disorders, a single dose can be doubled after consulting a doctor.

Children and during pregnancy

The use of Acyclovir in pediatrics is possible with the permission of the attending physician. For children older than two years, the dosage of the drug and the course of treatment will be completely similar to adults. If the child is younger than the specified age, then the single dose is halved.

The active substance is able to penetrate the placental barrier and have a negative effect on the fetus. In this regard, the decision to take this drug during pregnancy is made by the doctor.

Overdose

Cases of overdose with topical application and ingestion have not been registered. But you should not exceed the dosage of the drug prescribed by the doctor.

Side effects

With topical application of Acyclovir in the form of an ointment, in some cases, the appearance of skin rashes was observed, as well as redness, dryness and burning in the application method.

When taken in the form of tablets, gastrointestinal disturbances in the form of nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea are possible. There were also manifestations of disorders of the nervous system, namely dizziness, decreased concentration, drowsiness.

All these changes in the body do not require special treatment, it is enough to stop the drug and report side effects to your doctor.

Contraindications

Contraindications to taking the drug should include intolerance to the active substance, or auxiliary components of any of the dosage forms.

special instructions

To prevent the development of complications, Acyclovir is used strictly under medical supervision.

With the prolongation of the course of treatment, the emergence of resistance in viruses to this drug is possible.

In elderly patients and people with impaired renal function, the half-life of the active substance from the body is reduced. Therefore, a single dose of the drug is reduced.

When taking Acyclovir, it is necessary to refrain from sexual activity, since this drug does not prevent the transmission of the virus in this way.

Due to the above-described side effects on the nervous system, caution should be exercised when driving a car during treatment.

Prevention of papillomavirus

The basis for the prevention of infection with papillomavirus is the overall strengthening of the body’s immune system.

Since the virus is transmitted through sexual contact, it is necessary to limit “one-time” sexual contacts, as well as use condoms.

Another effective preventive measure is vaccination. It is carried out in three stages within 6 months. All information can be obtained from a specialist.

Overview of similar products

With the ineffectiveness of Acyclovir, it is possible to replace it with the corresponding analogue. There are other antiviral drugs in the form of tablets and ointments that are prescribed to treat HPV.

Acyclovir in the form of tablets is replaced by the following drugs:

• Isoprinosine and its analogue Groprinosine . A drug with antiviral and immunomodulatory properties. Promotes the activation of lymphocytes and the production of interferon. Assign 2 tablets 3 times a day, a course of two to four weeks.
• Cycloferon is an immunostimulating drug. Activates the body’s own immunity through the production of interferon. For HPV, take 4 tablets per day, no more than 10-14 days.
• Galavit belongs to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and stimulates immune defenses due to the formation of interferon and antibodies. When papilloma appears, use 1 tablet 4 times a day for 14 days.
• Licopid has an immunomodulatory effect. Assign 1 tablet 1 time per day, a course of 10 days.

Instead of Acyclovir in the form of an ointment, appoint:

• Ointment Viferon based on interferon, a specific protein that stimulates the restoration of the body’s immune forces. The drug is applied to the affected areas of the skin up to 4 times a day for a course of 7 days.
• Gel Panavir of plant origin with antiviral activity. Use 2 times a day for a week.
• Ointment Aldara or Vartotsid promotes the activation of local immunity, does not have an antiviral effect. Used as an application on papillomas, for 6 hours every other day for 7 days.

Reviews

Natalya.Papillomas appeared on the skin, so I bought Acyclovir ointment in a pharmacy. Rubbed according to instructions. Only one papilloma disappeared, two remained. Why this happened is not clear. Perhaps they were non-viral. In principle, the drug is good.

Svetlana. Something like a wart popped up on the child’s palms, the doctor recommended smearing with Acyclovir. Smeared 4 times a day for a week. The wart has disappeared. Now I always keep it in my first aid kit just in case.

Conclusion

Acyclovir in the form of tablets and ointments has the ability to suppress the spread of the virus in the body. Despite the fact that the drug was developed for the treatment and prevention of infection with the herpes virus, it is often prescribed in complex therapy for diseases caused by the human papillomavirus.

However, it should be used only after consulting a doctor and strictly according to indications, so as not to harm the uncontrolled use of the drug.