Acyclovir + Hydrocortisone

Acyclovir + Hydrocortisone belongs to the hydrocortisone & combined preparations group. Doctors prescribe it mainly for This combination cream is indicated for the early treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) to reduce the likelihood of ulcerative cold sores and to shorten the lesion healing time in adults and children (6 years of age and older). Dose, duration and suitability differ from patient to patient, so it should be taken only under a registered physician's advice.

Acyclovir + Hydrocortisone is used in the conditions listed below: • This combination cream is indicated for the early treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) to reduce the likelihood of ulcerative cold sores and to shorten the lesion healing time in adults and children (6 years of age and older)

Hydrocortisone & Combined preparations

How Acyclovir + Hydrocortisone works — key points: • Acyclovir is a synthetic purine nucleoside analogue with inhibitory activity against Herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) in cell culture and in vivo. • The inhibitory activity of Acyclovir is highly selective due to its affinity for the enzyme thymidine kinase (TK) encoded by HSV. This viral enzyme converts Acyclovir into Acyclovir monophosphate, a nucleotide analogue. • The monophosphate is further converted into diphosphate by cellular guanylate kinase and into triphosphate by a number of cellular enzymes. • In cell culture, Acyclovir Triphosphate stops replication of herpes viral DNA. This inhibition is accomplished in 3 ways: • Competitive inhibition of viral DNA polymerase • Incorporation into and termination of the growing viral DNA chain • Inactivation of the viral DNA polymerase Hydrocortisone is the main glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex. • It is used topically for its anti-inflammatory effects which suppress the clinical manifestations of the disease in a wide range of disorders where inflammation is a prominent feature..

Recommended schedule as per the manufacturer's literature: • The cream should be topically applied 5 times per day for 5 days. Therapy should be initiated as early as possible after the first signs and symptoms.

Reactions reported with Acyclovir + Hydrocortisone: • The following most common adverse reactions (<1%) were local skin reactions like drying or flaking of the skin; burning or tingling, erythema; pigmentation changes, application site reactions including signs and symptoms of inflammation

Points to keep in mind while on Acyclovir + Hydrocortisone: • Acyclovir and Hydrocortisone should not be used in the eye, inside the mouth or nose, or on the genitals. • Patients should seek medical advice when a cold sore fails to heal within 2 weeks..

Avoid Acyclovir + Hydrocortisone in the following situations: • There is no known contraindication

Use during pregnancy: Pregnancy Category B. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of systemic Acyclovir in pregnant women. No studies have been performed in pregnant women. Systemic exposure of Acyclovir and Hydrocortisone following topical administration of this cream is minimal.

Use while breastfeeding: It is not known whether topically applied Acyclovir or Hydrocortisone is excreted in breast milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman..

Use in children: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric subjects less than 6 years of age have not been established..

Storage: • Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.