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Health

Vivorax

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Vivorax is a synthetic drug with intense antiviral activity; it is an analogue of the nucleoside thymidine.

Inside the cells infected with the virus, under the influence of the pathogen, phosphorylation develops with subsequent transformation into acyclovir monophosphate, and then, under the influence of guanylate cyclase, conversion into 2-phosphate occurs, and then, due to the effect exerted by individual cellular enzymes, into 3-phosphate. [ 1 ]

Inside the cells of the macroorganism that are not infected with the virus, the enzyme required for the formation of acyclovir 3-phosphate is not observed, which is the reason for the weak toxicity of the drug and the high selectivity of its effect.

Indications Vivorax

It is used in the combined treatment of herpetic lesions of the epidermis and mucous membranes associated with herpes viruses types 1 and 2.

It can also be used in people with severe immunodeficiency (HIV at the AIDS stage), as well as in people who have had a bone marrow transplant.

It is prescribed to prevent recurrence of herpes infection in people with physiologically healthy immunity.

It is also used for chickenpox and herpes zoster.

Release form

The therapeutic substance is released in tablets with a volume of 0.2 g, 10, 30 or 40 pieces per box.

It is also produced in the form of a 5% cream for external use – inside tubes of 1 or 5 g.

Pharmacodynamics

The principle of medicinal action is based on the fact that acyclovir 3-phosphate can be embedded into the DNA structure synthesized by the virus, thereby blocking the process of viral reproduction. The selectivity and specificity of the effect are associated with the predominant accumulation inside the cells infected with the herpes virus. The drug demonstrates activity against herpes viruses 1 and 2, as well as chickenpox, herpes zoster and EBV. It has a moderate effect on CMV. [ 2 ]

During herpes therapy, Vivorax prevents the formation of new rash elements and increases the rate of crust formation. At the same time, the drug reduces the risk of visceral complications and epidermal dissemination, eliminates pain associated with herpes zoster, and demonstrates an intense immunostimulating effect. [ 3 ]

Pharmacokinetics

The medication is well and quickly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract; its bioavailability level is within 15-30%.

Without complications, it penetrates into organs and tissues, including the brain and epidermis. It crosses the placenta and the BBB, and is excreted with mother's milk. Protein synthesis is 20%; this process does not depend on the blood parameters of the drug. Tmax values are 120 minutes. During intrahepatic biotransformation, an inactive metabolic element, carboxymethoxymethylguanine, is formed.

The half-life is approximately 3 hours. Excretion is via the kidneys; the major part is unchanged and the remainder is a metabolic element.

Dosing and administration

The tablets should be taken 3-5 times a day in a portion of 0.2-0.4 g. The portion may be increased to 0.8 g under strict indications (with 4-times use per day). For a child under 2 years old, the dosage is reduced by half. The medicine should be taken for a period of 7-10 days.

Apply the cream to the infected areas in a thin layer using a cotton swab, rubbing it in a little. The procedure is performed up to 6 times a day. The therapy continues until crusts form or heal; on average, it lasts 7-10 days.

The eye ointment is placed inside the eye conjunctival sac in the form of a 1-centimeter strip, up to 5 times per day.

Use Vivorax during pregnancy

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should use the drug with caution.

Contraindications

Contraindicated for use in case of drug-related intolerance.

Side effects Vivorax

Side effects include abdominal pain, dyspepsia, severe fatigue, headaches, difficulty concentrating and dizziness, as well as insomnia/drowsiness, hallucinations, epidermal rashes, fever, lymphopenia and erythropenia.

After local application of the cream, itching, erythema, punctate keratitis, conjunctivitis, epidermal rash, burning at the site of application, inflammation of the mucous membranes, epidermal dryness and blepharitis may occur.

Overdose

The use of large doses of drugs can lead to the development of negative symptoms in the form of vomiting, dyspnea, headaches, nausea, kidney failure, diarrhea, convulsions and neurological disorders.

Interactions with other drugs

The combination of the drug and probenecid may cause an increase in the blood level of acyclovir, as well as its half-life.

Potentiation of acyclovir activity develops in the case of a combination of drugs and immunostimulants.

The use of Vivorax together with nephrotoxic substances increases the likelihood of developing nephrotoxic activity.

Storage conditions

Vivorax should be stored at temperatures between 5-30°C.

Shelf life

Vivorax can be used for a period of 4 years from the date of manufacture of the medicinal product.

Analogues

Analogues of the drug are Provirsan, Cyclovax, Gerperax with Gerpevir, and in addition to this, Atsigerpin, Citivir and Acyclovir, Supraviran and Gerpesin, as well as Virolex with Cyclovirali and Medovir. In addition, the list includes Lizavir, Acyclostad, Cyclovir with Zovirax, Gervirax, etc.

Reviews

Vivorax receives mostly good reviews from patients commenting on medical forums.

Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Vivorax" 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.

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