Virest 200mg Tablets (Aciclovir) x25

Virest 200mg tablets contain aciclovir, a potent antiviral medication designed to combat infections caused by herpes viruses. This nucleoside analogue effectively treats genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chickenpox by inhibiting viral replication.

Uses

Virest 200mg tablets are primarily prescribed for:

• Treatment of cold sores around the mouth (herpes labialis)
• Management of shingles (herpes zoster)
• Treatment of chickenpox
• Control of genital herpes outbreaks
• Reduces severity and duration of herpes outbreaks
• Treatment of herpes simplex encephalitis
• Accelerates healing of viral lesions
• Prevents recurrence when used as suppressive therapy
• Reduces viral shedding and transmission risk
• Effective against drug-sensitive herpes strains
• Well-tolerated with minimal side effects
• Prevention of herpes infections in immunocompromised patients
• Management of severe mucocutaneous herpes infections
• Treatment of infections caused by Herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2)
• Management of infections resulting from Varicella zoster virus (VZV)
• Treatment of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections leading to glandular fever

Benefits

• Shortens the duration of viral outbreaks
• Reduces the severity of symptoms associated with herpes infections
• Helps prevent viral spread and recurrence
• Effective against multiple types of herpes viruses
• Well-tolerated with a good safety profile

How It Works

Virest works by mimicking natural nucleosides, becoming incorporated into viral DNA during replication. Once integrated, it causes premature termination of DNA synthesis, preventing the virus from multiplying. Aciclovir is selectively activated by viral enzymes, making it highly specific against herpes viruses.

Dosage

Take Virest with plenty of water. For best results, start treatment as soon as symptoms appear or within 48-72 hours of onset.

Duration of Action

Virest 200mg has a relatively short half-life of about 2-3 hours in adults with normal renal function. However, its antiviral effects persist longer due to its mechanism of action. When taken as prescribed (typically 5 times daily), it maintains therapeutic levels to effectively suppress viral replication. The intracellular half-life of the active compound is approximately 12 hours, allowing for sustained antiviral activity between doses. For most infections, a 5-day course is sufficient, though treatment may be extended for certain conditions or in immunocompromised patients.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache and dizziness
• Diarrhea and abdominal pain
• Skin rash or itching

More serious but less common side effects can include:

• Kidney problems
• Neurological reactions (e.g., confusion, hallucinations)
• Severe allergic reactions
• Blood disorders (rare)

Warning

Patients with kidney problems may require dosage adjustment. Adequate hydration is important during treatment. If severe allergic reactions or neurological symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention. Starting treatment early in the course of an infection typically yields better results.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Virest is generally considered safe during pregnancy when benefits outweigh risks. It’s commonly used to prevent neonatal herpes transmission. Small amounts pass into breast milk but are not considered harmful to nursing infants. Consult healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Interaction

• May interact with drugs that affect kidney function
• Potential interaction with immunosuppressants like mycophenolate mofetil
• Probenecid can increase aciclovir levels in the blood
• Caution advised when used with nephrotoxic drugs

Important Information

Start treatment as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms for best results. Complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve. Maintain good hygiene to prevent spreading the infection to others. Inform your healthcare provider of any pre-existing conditions, especially kidney problems, before starting treatment. Regular follow-ups may be necessary to monitor treatment efficacy and potential side effects. Staying well-hydrated during treatment is important to help prevent kidney-related side effects.