The choice of a specific medication depends on the type of disease, taking into account the age of the patient. There is no need to take both drugs. Studies have shown that the continued use of Acyclovir no longer brings initial effectiveness in the fight against the virus, because the virus is able to create a new strain. Therefore, modern medical science develops and recommends new drugs that provide active viral resistance.
One such development is Cycloferon. From the point of view of the manifestation of side effects, it is safer and most effective in case of infections having a bacterial or viral base. As for Acyclovir, its advantage will be noticeable in the treatment of herpes viruses.
In certain circumstances, each medication can be of great benefit to a person. Unfortunately, viruses are such insidious non-cellular structures that it is often impossible without a specialist to determine the disease that they carry with them. Therefore, anyone who has contracted a viral infection should not be diagnosed with the drug and buy a drug from a pharmacy that was recommended by friends or a successful advertising move. At best, it will be wasted money, and at worst, unnecessary health problems. It is important to remember that only the doctor who will make the correct diagnosis and choose the best medicine will provide the most effective help.
Human immunity is a complex mechanism that requires constant care and from time to time needs outside help. Such protection of the body is most often required from the penetration of dangerous viruses. Today, pharmacies offer a large number of drugs that actively counteract viral infections. Among them are Acyclovir and Cycloferon, to compare which and choose the best medicine, this article will help.
Characteristics of the drug Acyclovir
The main active substance has the same name as the drug itself. The remaining components are considered auxiliary. The medicine is highly effective, as it accumulates in concentrated cells infected with viruses. In addition to combating these infectious organisms, the drug is widely used for cold sores, preventing the appearance of new foci of rash, reducing the likelihood of complications and reducing pain in the acute period of the course of the disease.
Available in the form of tablets, ointments for external use and a lyophilisate, with which you can prepare a solution for injection.
Cycloferone Basics
The main active ingredient of the drug is meglumine acridone acetate. It is he who has the main therapeutic effect, which consists in the following functions:
- The fight against the manifestations of viral infections (influenza, HIV, herpes).
- Strengthening the protective abilities of the body.
- The elimination of inflammatory processes.
In the acute stage of hepatitis, Cycloferon does not allow its transition to a chronic form. In the early years of HIV, it is able to stabilize immunity.
Release form – injection, ointment for external use, tablets.
What is common between drugs
First of all, it should be noted that both drugs have an active antiviral effect.
Among the contraindications between them, you can find several general prohibitions:
- Hypersensitivity to the substances that make up this or that medication.
- Medicines are prohibited during breastfeeding (lactation).
- Limitations of taking pills in childhood. In Acyclovir and Cycloferon, they are almost the same – up to 3 and 4 years, respectively. This is due to an imperfect swallowing process in young patients.
After taking the medications, the same side effect of an allergic type can occur, which manifests itself in the form of skin itching and burning.
The main differences between the drugs
It is believed that Acyclovir is one of the most common analogues of the second drug under consideration. It is usually recommended by doctors to treat herpes infections. Cycloferon has a more significant scope, activating the patient’s body to independently fight the disease.
Other differences between the two medicines include:
Acyclovir is contraindicated in case of lactose intolerance and with caution is approved for use in chronic renal failure and dehydration. During pregnancy, the drug is allowed to be taken only when the expected therapeutic effect for the mother is more significant than the potential risk for the unborn child. It has several individual side effects:
- From the digestive tract, cases of nausea and diarrhea are common. In more serious situations, hepatitis or jaundice is rare.
- The central nervous system may respond with dizziness and headache. In exceptional cases, patients complain of tremors, cramps, hallucinations, a constant desire to sleep.
- Among other side effects, fatigue and malaise are noted. The visual system in rare cases reacts with a deterioration in perception.
Cycloferon is different in that without any conditions it is contraindicated during pregnancy and in the most severe stage of liver cirrhosis – decompensated. It is allowed with caution in exacerbation of diseases of the digestive system: gastritis, ulcer, erosion. The term “caution” means that before using the medication, patients who have these diseases should consult a doctor.
Another individual feature of the drug is its dosage in the treatment of influenza, acute respiratory infections and herpes infections. After the first two days, reception continues only on even days. On the 8th day, the course of treatment for influenza or acute respiratory illness ends, and with herpes it lasts up to 23 days with a frequency of taking the drug once every three days.
