Acivir Eye Ointment 5gm

Introduction About ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT

ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT contains Acyclovir, which belongs to the group of medicines called Antivirals. It is used for the management of cold sores associated with the Herpes simplex virus in immunodeficiency adults and adolescents over 12 years of age. It can also be used to speed up the healing of sores and shorten the duration of pain.

A cold sore is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus most often around the mouth. Symptoms include tiny, fluid-filled lesions called cold sores, sore lips, ulcers, blisters or rashes on the skin.

Before applying ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT inform your doctor if you have low immunity, cold sores in your mouth or frequent episodes of cold sores greater than 4 times a year. ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT is generally not recommended for use in pregnant women unless it is considered clearly necessary. ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT is generally not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it may pass through the breast milk.

The most common side effects after applying ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT are rash, itchy skin, weal, mild drying or flaking of the skin and dry lips. Contact your doctor if your symptom gets worse or persists.

Uses Of ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT

• Manage cold sores associated with herpes simplex virus infections
• Speeds up the healing process and shortens the duration of pain
• Manage recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) in immunodeficiency adults and adolescents 12 years of age and above

How ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT Works

ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT works by killing or stopping the growth of viruses (herpes virus). It has a higher affinity for viral DNA cells than human DNA cells and incorporates into the viral DNA and causes DNA chain termination and inactivation, leading to the death of cells.

How to use ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT

Apply ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT as directed by your physician. It is for external use only. Wash your hands with soap and water before applying the medicine. Apply a thin layer of medicine to the affected area. Do not rub the cold sore because this may cause the cold sore to spread to other areas or make your cold sore worse. Use this medicine for up to 5 days.

Side Effects Of ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT

How To Manage Side Effects

Itchy skin:

Avoid hot showers because hot water can irritate the skin. Do not scratch the affected area. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Regularly use unscented moisturizers to soothe and hydrate the affected area. If the symptom does not improve, contact your doctor.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant before applying ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT. Consult your doctor before applying.

Breastfeeding

ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT is generally not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it may pass through the breast milk. Consult your doctor before applying ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT.

Allergy

Do not apply ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT if you are allergic to Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, or any of the other ingredients of the medicine.

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription, vitamin supplements or herbal products.

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally use too much of ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT or if you or a child accidentally swallow the medicine, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.

Synopsis

More Information

• Keep ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT out of the sight and reach from children
• Store ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT below 25°C

FAQs About ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT

Can I apply ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT on genital herpes?

No. Do not apply ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT to any unaffected skin, or genital herpes sores. Consult your doctor before applying.

Can I use ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT for impetigo?

No. ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT is used to manage cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. Consult your doctor before applying ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT.

How long does it take for ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT to work?

ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT starts working within 24 hours of administration and symptoms gradually decrease within 3 days. Consult your doctor if the symptom persists.

Can I use ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT on my lips?

Yes. ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT is used to manage cold sores (fever blisters; blisters that are caused by a herpes simplex virus) on the face or lips. Consult your doctor before applying ACIVIR EYE OINTMENT.

References

1. KD Tripathi. Antiviral drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page - 799.

2. CP Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in January 2017] [Accessed on 21st April 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.9273.pdf

3. GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Ireland. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. [Revised in June 2014] [Accessed on 21st April 2022] https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/1bd6b3c8-01dc-4e0f-94d3-f738dfeb3b6c.pdf

4. GlaxoSmithKline. Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). [Revised in June 2014] [Accessed on 21st April 2022] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/021478s007lbl.pdf

5. Relonchem Limited. Acyclovir. [Revised in March 2017] [Accessed on 21st April 2022] https://mhraproductsprod.blob.core.windows.net/docs/5b7af5e67daa228ce8c33859af93fd2d67b178b1

Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Herpes Simplex Virus 1 DNA PCR
• Herpes Simplex Virus 1 IgG
• Herpes Simplex Virus 2 DNA PCR
• Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgG
• Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgM

Author Details

Written By Dr. Dhivakaran R - BDS

Reviewed For Accuracy By Dr. Purvi Raghuvanshi - MBBS, ENT

Last updated on 19 Oct 2022 | 06:07 PM(IST)