Medical expert of the article
New publications
Preparations
Medovir
Last reviewed: 10.08.2022
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Indications Medovir
It is used to treat infections caused by common herpes simplex virus infection in people with immunodeficiency, as well as severe form of genital herpes in people without immunodeficiency.
It is prescribed to prevent the appearance of infections provoked by herpes simplex, in people with immunodeficiency.
In addition, the drug is used for infections that occur due to the action of varicella-zoster, and with encephalitis of herpetic origin.
It can also be used to treat infections caused by herpes simplex in newborn infants.
The cream is used externally - with usual herpes, affecting the mucous and epidermis, the genital form of herpes (relapse or primary). As an auxiliary agent, a localized character is used in the shape of the shingles.
Ointment for eyes is prescribed for herpetic keratitis.
Release form
The release is carried out in the form of a lyophilizate for the infusion fluid. Inside the 1st bottle contains 0.25 g of acyclovir (sodium salt). The volume of the glass bottle itself is also 0.25 g. Inside the box there are 10 such bottles.
It is also produced in tablets having a volume of 0.4 or 0.8 g, 10 pieces per blister pack. The package contains 1 such package.
The medication is also sold in the form of a 5% cream, in tubes with a volume of 5 g.
Pharmacodynamics
Thymidine kinase of those cells that were infected with the virus, actively transforms acyclovir by some sequential processes into monophosphate, as well as 2- and 3-phosphate acyclovir. The last element interacts with the DNA polymerase of the virus, and then it is integrated into the DNA structure synthesized to form new viruses. As a result, the DNA of the virus acquires a "defective" part, because of which the replication of new viruses is suppressed.
Acyclovir shows activity against the viruses of ordinary herpes of the 1 st and 2 nd type, and in addition to varicella-zoster, cytomegalovirus and VEB.
Pharmacokinetics
After oral administration, the bioavailability index of drugs is 15-30%. The drug is distributed over many fluids and body tissues. Protein synthesis inside the plasma is within 9-33%.
Exchange processes occur inside the liver. The half-life after oral administration is 3.3 hours, and after intravenous injection - 2.5 hours.
Excretion occurs mainly with urine, only a small part of the drug is excreted with feces.
[11]
Dosing and administration
Orally (for a child over 2 years of age or an adult) 0.2-0.4 g of LS is used 3-5 times a day. If necessary, take 20 mg / kg (for taking up to 0.8 g) 4 times a day. Children under 2 years of age are prescribed in a portion that is half the adult. The duration of such a cycle is 5-10 days. If the patient is deficient in renal function, the dosage regimen should be adjusted.
Intravenously, the drug is administered to adolescents, starting at age 12, and adults - in dosages of 5-10 mg / kg, with intervals between injections equal to 8 hours. For children under 12 years of age (starting from 3 months of age), a solution in a portion of 0.25-0.5 g / m 2 should be used , and the interval between procedures is also 8 hours. The newborn with the same interval of 10 mg / kg of substance.
Outwardly and locally, the drug is used 5 times per day. The duration of the treatment cycle and the size of the portion are determined by the indications and drug form of the drug.
The maximum allowable portions of Medovir per day for intravenous administration to adults is 30 mg / kg.
Use Medovir during pregnancy
Pregnant women can use acyclovir only in situations where it is assumed that the benefits for women are more likely than the risks of complications in the fetus.
You can not administer Medovir intravenously while breastfeeding (because it is excreted with the mother's milk).
Side effects Medovir
The use of the drug may cause some side effects:
- after oral administration: vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, as well as epidermal eruptions and headaches, and in addition hallucinations, a feeling of severe fatigue, fever, insomnia or a feeling of drowsiness and a worsening of concentration. Occasionally, alopecia, leuko-, lymphocytic or erythropenia develop, and in addition a temporary increase in the blood values of urea, bilirubin and creatinine, as well as the activity of liver enzymes;
- after intravenous injection: crystalluria, vomiting, acute kidney failure, nausea, inflammation or phlebitis at the injection site, as well as encephalopathy (hallucinations, convulsions, agitation, drowsiness or confusion, psychosis, tremor or coma);
- after local use: burning sensation on the site of application, blepharitis, spot form of superficial keratitis, and conjunctivitis;
- after external treatment: in the application area peeling, burning, itching, rashes, skin dryness and erythema may occur. If the medicine has got on mucous - their inflammation occurs.
Interactions with other drugs
After combined use with probenecid, the release of acyclovir through the tubules is weakened, which is why its plasma values and the half-life increase.
The combination of medication with nephrotoxic medicines increases the likelihood of nephrotoxic effects (especially in people with kidney problems).
Potentiation of the effects of acyclovir is observed when combined with immunostimulants.
During the mixing of different solutions, it should be remembered that acyclovir with intravenous injections demonstrates an alkaline reaction (pH-11).
Storage conditions
Medovir must be kept in a place that is closed from penetration of children. The temperature level is a maximum of 25 ° C. To produce a lyophilizate dilution follows before the procedure of injection, because it does not contain preservatives. A liquid that has not been used should be destroyed. The diluted substance continues to maintain its active properties for the next 12 hours at a temperature of 25 ° C. Do not put the finished solution in the refrigerator.
Shelf life
Medovir in the form of a cream or lyophilizate can be used within 36 months from the date of manufacture of the drug. Shelf life of the tablets is 5 years.
[24]
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Medovir" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.