Genital herpes is one of the most popular viral infection that is known to affect people. It is a sexually transmitted infection, which is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Genital herpes affects sexually active men as well as women, but more commonly affects those who are between 20 to 24 years of age. You can get infected with genital herpes through unprotected sexual intercourse, having multiple sex partners, frequent changing of sex partners, sharing sex toys with an infected partner and becoming sexually active at a very young age. Unlike other sexually transmitted infections, genital herpes can also be spread through physical contact with the infected area. The genital herpes infection affects genital, anus and rectum, areas of your body. This, unfortunately is an infection that cannot be completely cured, but can only be treated with the help of antiviral medications such as Acyclovir.
These antiviral medications act in such a way that the pain and discomfort that you experience because for the symptoms are reduced to a great extent. Aciclovir is a medication that also helps in reducing the number of outbreaks that one can experience and the amount of time, for which a person remains ill because of the infection. This drug works by inhibiting the growth and multiplication of the virus, in turn preventing the spread of the virus in your body. By doing this, Aciclovir gives enough strength to your natural defences to fight off the virus. It is available under the brand name Zovirax and in the dosage strength of 200 mg, 400 mg and 800 mg. This medication is usually prescribed to those who have been infected with the virus for the very first time.
Initially, the doctors usually prescribe the 200 mg Acyclovir dosage, which you are required to take 5 times a day for up to 5 days. You are supposed to take the this tablet with a full glass of water, either with or without food. It is observed that if you take Acyclovir along with food, it can help reducing certain side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea and stomach upset. If you miss one of your regular dosage, you must immediately take it as soon as you remember. But it is advisable to skip on the missed dose, if it is already time for the next dosage. It is observed that you can safely take Acyclovir if you are 18 years of age, but it is advisable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, those suffering from diabetes and are taking medications such as cimetidine and ciclosporin, to avoid taking this pill.
You must inform your doctor if you are allergic to Acyclovir or any other drugs and if you are suffering from kidney disease. Even this drug, like any other antivirals, can cause certain side effects in you. Some of these side effects include headaches, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhoea, pain in the lower back, swelling in your hands or feet, loss of appetite, unusual weakness, feeling light headed, stomach pain and urinating less than usual or not at all. Acyclovir can also cause severe side effects if it interacts with any other medications that you are taking. So it is advisable that you inform you doctor about any drugs that you are taking for treating other health conditions, including vitamins, minerals, herbal drugs or any other drugs that you take.
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