Acyclostad cream is an effective topical medication used to treat skin infections caused by the herpes simplex virus. This cream contains the active ingredient acyclovir, an antiviral drug belonging to the purine analogue class. Acyclovir is selectively effective against the herpes simplex virus, inhibiting viral replication within infected cells. This helps control the infection, reduce the severity of symptoms, and accelerate the healing of skin ulcers. Acyclostad cream is primarily used to treat cold sores and localized genital herpes and is an important treatment option for patients suffering from recurrent or primary viral infections.
The active ingredient in Acyclostad cream
The therapeutic efficacy of Acyclostad cream is primarily based on the following active ingredient:
Acyclovir: Usually available in a 5% w/w concentration for topical use. Acyclovir is a synthetic analogue of guanosine, a building block of DNA.
How Acyclostad Cream Works
Acyclostad works at the level of the virus-infected cell to eliminate the infection. Its main mechanism of action is:
Entering infected cells and activating them: Acyclovir preferentially enters cells infected with the herpes virus. Within these cells, acyclovir is converted into an active form called acyclovir triphosphate by a viral enzyme called viral thymidine kinase. This enzyme is primarily present in virus-infected cells, which explains acyclovir's high selectivity for viral cells.
Inhibiting viral DNA replication: Acyclovir triphosphate inhibits the action of viral DNA polymerase, an enzyme essential for viral DNA replication. It is also incorporated into the growing viral DNA strand, leading to premature cessation of strand synthesis. Preventing viral replication: By inhibiting viral DNA replication, acyclovir prevents the virus from multiplying and spreading in the body, helping to control the infection and reduce the severity of symptoms.
Indications for using Acyclostad Cream
Acyclostad Cream is used to treat skin infections caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) in the following cases:
Cold sores (Herpes labialis or cold sores): To treat sores that usually appear on the lips and around the mouth and are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 infection.
Genital herpes: To treat primary or recurrent genital herpes in its early stages and is usually used for mild or localized cases.
Treatment with acyclovir cream is most effective when started at the first signs or symptoms of infection, such as itching, tingling, or redness, before actual sores appear.
How to use Acyclostad Cream
Acyclostad Cream should be used exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. General directions for use include:
Cleansing: The affected area of skin should be gently cleaned and thoroughly dried before applying the cream.
Application: Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected area, covering it completely.
Frequency: Apply the cream approximately five times daily, every four hours during waking hours. It is important to adhere to the application schedule to maintain adequate drug levels in the affected area.
Hand washing: Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying the cream to prevent spreading the virus to other parts of the body or to other people.
Early start: Treatment should be started as soon as possible at the first signs or symptoms of infection (such as tingling, itching, or redness).
Duration of treatment: The usual duration of treatment is 4 days for cold sores and 5 days for genital herpes, but your doctor may prescribe a different treatment duration. The full course of treatment should be completed even if the sores have disappeared.
Do not cover: Covering the treated area with bandages is generally not recommended unless directed by your doctor.