Viral diseases require quick and effective treatment, especially if they are such unpleasant ailments like herpes or shingles. Zovirax or Acyclovir: which is better and faster to solve the problem, relieve symptoms?
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What is better zovirax or acyclovir
When prescribing a drug, doctors rely on the composition of the drug. But what if the active substance of the two analogues is identical? That is why most patients have a dilemma, because, in addition to cost, they do not find the difference between Zovirax and Acyclovir.
Comparative characteristics of drugs
To compare the effectiveness of drug treatment, it is worth comparing their characteristics.
Composition (active substance), release form
Acyclovir ointment and Zovirax cream contain the same active substance acyclovir, and in an absolutely identical dosage - 5%.
Also, propylene glycol is included in both remedies, the work of which is aimed at maintaining the water balance of the skin by retaining moisture. The rest of the composition of the ointment and cream are completely different.
In addition to the above components, Acyclovir ointment contains chicken oil - a natural component that is used to improve skin quality. Due to the natural composition of animal origin, the substance is widely used even in children's cosmetics and creams, does not form a greasy layer.Zovirax cream includes paraffins, which provide a film on the surface of the skin, which has a protective function and promotes rapid healing.
The composition of both drugs in the form of tablets also includes the main active substance acyclovir in an identical dosage - 200 mg. Acyclovir tablets also contain milk sugar to improve taste, starch as a coating agent and fillers. Zovirax tablets contain lactose in its pure form as a sweetener, as well as fillers and enterosorbent povidone K30 for binding toxins and their removal from the body.
In addition to those described, drugs have other forms of release. Acyclovir is available in the form of an eye ointment, and Zovirax - in the form of vials with a lyophilisate for intravenous administration of the drug after preparation of the mixture.
Indications, contraindications and side effects
Indications for the use of drugs are infections of the mucous membranes and skin caused by the viruses Herpes and Varicella.
The use of drugs is prohibited in case of intolerance to any of the components. However, the use of Acyclovir is also contraindicated in children under the age of three years and in women who are breastfeeding.
Taking Zovirax and Acyclovir tablets can cause a number of side effects:
- headaches, increased drowsiness and fatigue;
- nausea or vomiting, stool disorder;
- an increase in the normal level of white blood cells and red blood cells is possible;
- also in people with impaired renal function, drugs can cause an increase in creatinine and urea in the blood, or even acute renal failure.
The use of ointment or cream, as a rule, can cause only local allergic reactions in the form of edema, itching or peeling, which disappear immediately after withdrawal.
Price Comparison
Antiviral drugs Zovirax and Acyclovir are produced by various manufacturers, so the cost of the course has a significant difference.
The cost of a course of treatment for herpes with the help of Acyclovir tablets will be from 39 to 243 rubles, and shingles - from 273 rubles, depending on the duration of administration. A similar treatment regimen with Zovirax tablets will cost 524 rubles in the case of Herpes virus type 1 or 2 and from 3144 rubles for the treatment of infections caused by Varicella zoster.
The appointment with droppers with the drug Zovirax is usually recommended for children due to the inability to take in the form of tablets. The cost of the course of treatment will be about 3160 rubles for a child and 6320 rubles for an adult patient.
To treat the symptoms of herpes in the form of keratitis (inflammation and redness of the mucous membranes of the eyes), eye ointment Acyclovir or Zovirax is effective. For a full course of treatment, one tube is enough, the cost of which is slightly more than 100 rubles.
Similar drugs
The mechanism of action of acyclovir is based on the invasion of the virus DNA and its interruption without the possibility of further regeneration. But there are drugs whose action is based on the activity of interferons - proteins that block the replication of viral cells. These are specific antiviral drugs that are also effective against herpes viruses, chickenpox, and shingles.
- Hyaferon. Rectal and vaginal suppositories intended for the treatment of recurrent viruses, as well as those used in the complex treatment of genitourinary infections.
- Reaferon-EU. The drug is available in the form of a lyophilisate with various amounts of biologically active substances. It has high antiviral and immunomodulatory effects.
Performance comparison
The patient is unlikely to notice a noticeable difference from the use of a particular drug. However, from a chemical point of view, they have a fundamental difference due to the high degree of purification of the active substance in Zovirax. Due to this, the likelihood of side effects and allergies is reduced several times.
Can I take drugs during pregnancy?
The active substance of the drug Acyclovir is able to penetrate through the placental layer during pregnancy. Research on the effect of the drug on the development of the child has not been conducted, however, its purpose is recommended only if the benefits of the use will be significantly higher than the expected harm to the fetus. Zovirax has no such contraindications.
If the doctor does not specify the drug upon appointment, it is possible to use cheap Russian Acyclovir to save money. However, if the patient is an allergic person with a pronounced reaction to a number of substances, or the treatment is carried out during pregnancy or breastfeeding, then the only way out is to buy an expensive English Zovirax.
