8 best remedies for herpes
All people, sooner or later, face one of the manifestations of herpes infection, which is manifested by the usual "cold on the lips", or signs of labial herpes. But a herpetic infection is a much more serious and complex problem. There are several families of herpes viruses, and in humans, not only the skin can be affected, but also the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and genital organs, ophthalmic herpes or eye damage, which, without treatment, leads to blindness.
Herpetic encephalitis and meningoencephalitis, that is, viral inflammation of the brain and its membranes, are extremely difficult. Immunodeficient patients develop herpetic lesions of internal organs, such as hepatitis or pneumonia. The intrauterine herpetic infection is very difficult, which often leads to severe damage to the skin and central nervous system in infants. If not treated, more than 60% of newborns die.
Currently, herpes infection in HIV-infected individuals, which is rapidly becoming generalized, has acquired special significance. There are long-term effects of herpes infections. Thus, with shingles or intercostal neuralgia caused by herpes, after many years persistent and burning neuropathic pains can continue along the intercostal nerves, they are very difficult to heal, lead to insomnia, neurosis, and in some cases even cause suicide.
There are practically no people who do not have herpes viruses in their bodies. We all become infected with viruses in early childhood, and more than 90% of all healthy people have specific antibodies to these viruses. Thus, the herpes simplex virus has been detected since the age of 18 months in almost all babies, and with the onset of sexual activity, antibodies to the genital herpes virus also appear. Only in healthy people, herpes viruses “slumber” in a latent form in the cells of the central nervous system, and immunity prevents them from being activated. And in people with immunodeficiency, they begin to multiply, and symptoms of acute or chronic infection appear.
That is why it is necessary to be able to navigate the means that can quickly inactivate herpes, and in this ranking will be considered drugs that have antiviral efficacy, as well as capable of improving the immunity of patients, and activate the internal mechanisms of the body's struggle. In conclusion, ointments and creams for the treatment of herpetic lesions on the skin and mucous membranes will be considered.
Rating of the best remedies for herpes
| Nomination | a place | Name of product | price |
| The best antiviral drugs for herpes | 1 | Acyclovir (Zovirax) | 250 ₽ |
| 2 | Valaciclovir (Valtrex, Vairova, Valvir, Valtsikon, Vatsireks) | 1 264 ₽ | |
| 3 | Famciclovir (Famvir, Minakar, Familar) | 1 535 ₽ | |
| Immune remedies for herpes: truth and fiction | |||
| The best remedies for herpes for local treatment | 1 | Erazaban | 423 ₽ |
| 2 | Virgan | - | |
| 3 | Oftakviks | 237 ₽ | |
| 4 | Phenistil Pentsivir | 355 ₽ | |
| 5 | Oxolinic ointment | 53 ₽ | |
The best antiviral drugs for herpes
The first of the antiviral drugs, which is still very widely used in practice, was created in the early eighties. This is acyclovir. But, despite the use of this remedy for more than forty years, it is still the most frequently prescribed cure for herpes. Already more than 50 million patients worldwide have evaluated its ability to eliminate herpetic rash.
In addition to acyclovir, such means as Famvir (famciclovir) and Valtrex (valacyclovir) have been introduced into clinical practice. Antiviral activity from herpes gradually increases, from acyclovir to famciclovir. Valaciclovir occupies an intermediate position.
Antiviral cure for herpes can be prescribed in two different ways:
- one-time, or occasional appointment with the appearance of herpes symptoms in a healthy person;
- prolonged therapy.
If in the first case the medication is prescribed in short courses lasting about a week, in the second case the patient is treated daily, and the course of treatment is months, and even years. In the second case, the task is to prevent a recurrence of chronic infection in patients with severe immunodeficiency, with HIV infection, and in other clinical cases.
Acyclovir (Zovirax)
Rating: 4.9
Zovirax is an original drug of acyclovir, and is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Glaxo Smith Kline, UK. Zovirax is available in the form of tablets of 200 and 400 mg of acyclovir each, as well as an eye ointment, a cream for topical use and in the form of a powder for intravenous injection for severe herpes.
The mechanism of action of the agent is deception of the virus, and the use of defective building material for its DNA. As a result, there is a rupture of the DNA helix that stops the reproduction of the virus. This mechanism is reliable and proven.
Zovirax is prescribed for adults with herpes simplex, or herpes on the lips, with the prevention of herpes infections, for the treatment of chicken pox and shingles. There are also other indications for individual groups of patients. Zovirax tablets should be used during meals with water.
Take Zovirax often, every 4 hours, which is 5 receptions per day. The average course of treatment lasts at least 5 days, but can be extended according to indications and on the recommendation of specialists. To prevent the recurrence of herpes infection, it is necessary to take the drug every 6 hours, that is, 4 times a day, or according to another scheme recommended by the doctor. For the treatment of chicken pox and immunocompromised patients have their own dosage. The cost of 25 tablets of Zovirax is about 460 rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages
Zovirax, and other products containing acyclovir, probably have only two drawbacks. The first is the too rapid metabolism and disintegration of this drug in the human body, so frequent use of the drug cannot be avoided. The second drawback is that in the 40 years that have passed since the introduction of acyclovir into clinical practice, more powerful drugs have already appeared, although acyclovir continues to be the main, reliable and sought-after remedy. A very important positive point is the possibility of using the tool in pregnant women and during lactation, it is important in the prevention of herpes infection in newborns.
In acyclovir, there are side effects, such as nausea, rash, increased activity of liver enzymes. It is important that the use of acyclovir can be carried out together with the treatment of HIV infection, it does not cause any effects of drug interactions.
Valaciclovir (Valtrex, Vairova, Valvir, Valtsikon, Vatsireks)
Rating: 4.8
Valaciclovir, the next-generation antiviral drug, is also represented by a large variety on pharmacy counters.The original drug that first entered the market is Valtrex, it is produced by the English company Glaxo Smith Klein, which used to be called Glaxo Wellcome before the merger of companies.
Valacyclovir is a much more active treatment for herpes than Aciclovir, but the curious fact is that once in the body, valaciclovir turns into acyclovir, an antiviral drug of the “older generation”? described above. But at the same time the packaging of 10 tablets of Valtrex 500 mg for some reason costs from 960 rubles. and higher. What is the reason?
The fact is that Valtrex has such features of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics that they allow acyclovir, as an active metabolite, to remain in the body in a higher concentration. As a result, Valtrex can be taken in a much more convenient way - just one tablet in the morning and one tablet in the evening, and not at all 5 times, like Zovirax. The usual cumulative daily dose is 1 or 2 g. In addition, the resulting constant concentration of acyclovir as an active metabolite allows the drug to act on the herpes virus in more complex cases.
If Zovirax is quite suitable for treating the common “cold” on the lips, then Valtrex is used to treat shingles, for genital herpes, for immunodeficiency states, to prevent cytomegalovirus infection, as well as for the treatment of herpes zoster, affecting the eye area for facial and triple lesions nerves (dangerous localization with possible development of ophthalmic herpes). In the event that patients have a recurrent type of herpetic lesion, it is necessary to immediately begin treatment with this drug, within 3 or 5 days, But at the doctor's prescription, the period can be increased to 10 days, and the dose also increased.
Valtrex is a rather expensive treatment for herpes. Thus, 10 tablets of 0.5 g each, calculated for 5 days of administration with the usual, non-relapsing form of herpes, can be purchased for 960 rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages
In the first approximation, Valtrex can be considered a form of acyclovir, which acts in the body powerfully and constantly, and is devoid of its shortcomings. But Valtrex has its own characteristics. It can not be used in children and adolescents, it is intended for adults over 18 years of age. It should be used with caution in the presence of renal failure, and data on the use of Valtrex in pregnant women and nursing mothers are not enough. And, although there is no unambiguous ban on the use of medication, it can be used only if the benefits of taking exceed the possible risk to the fetus.
Of the side effects often headache and nausea, less often - an allergic rash and itching. Valaciclovir can be considered a drug that can cope with herpes damage to the eyes, as well as prevent the transfer of genital herpes to a healthy sexual partner, which is not always possible for simple acyclovir.
Famciclovir (Famvir, Minakar, Familar)
Rating: 4.7
Famvir is a new and most modern antiviral drug for herpes, which after oral administration turns into an active metabolite - pencivir. Pensivir is not only active against herpes viruses, but is also able to suppress the reproduction of the varicella-zoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and CMV (cytomegalovirus infection). The tool acts on the hereditary material of viruses, suppressing the doubling of the DNA strand and inhibiting the reproduction of viral particles - replication. Thus, famciclovir, as described above, valacyclovir are not active drugs, but prodrugs that are activated in the human body under the influence of hepatic enzymes.
Famvir is indicated for the treatment of various forms of herpes and shingles caused by the varicella zoster virus.It is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of exacerbations in recurrent herpetic infections, including in patients with reduced immunity. Famciclovir is more likely to eliminate shingles, and the treatment of herpes with this remedy contributes to the least amount of residual effects in the form of postherpetic neuralgia.
Famvir is recommended to apply, on average, 500 mg 3 times a day for 7 days. This dosage is recommended for herpetic eye disease, shingles, as well as for some other forms of herpes infection. There are various dosage regimens that are indicated by the attending physician.
Famvir produced by Novartis pharmaceutical company is produced, and at the price this herpes cure medicine is the absolute leader on the Russian market. Three tablets dosage of 500 mg can be purchased at a price of 1350 rubles. Thus, the comma exchange rate of this tool, for example, for the treatment of ophthalmic herpes will be about 9,500 rubles. during the week. Of course, this price taken by itself seems high, but if it avoids blindness, then it can be completely ignored.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of famciclovir is its highest bioavailability of all the listed drugs, and, consequently, activity. This tool is well tolerated, and low immunity in patients with HIV infection is not an obstacle to its use. Of the side effects, mild headache and nausea were most often noted. Data overdose virtually unknown. In general, it can be said that the original famciclovir, produced by Novartis, is the “gold standard” for the treatment of severe forms of herpes infection. The only negative is the rather high price, as well as the release form for internal use only, in the form of tablets. There is no doubt that in the future, famciclovir will also be available in parenteral, intravenous administration forms, which will make it significantly more effective in severe forms of herpes infection.
Immune remedies for herpes: truth and fiction
In various domestic recommendations for the treatment of herpes infection, it is often possible to find patients prescribing such drugs as interferon inducers or agents that stimulate the production of this substance with antiviral activity in the human body.
Patients are shown to receive such drugs as Amiksin, Ridostin, Cycloferon, and even Kagocel. Often, domestic experts advise the use of interferons, such as Viferon, Reaferon and other drugs, in order to raise their own non-specific immunity with antiviral activity. Are these drugs really as good at fighting the herpes virus as are the antivirals with the known mechanism of action described above? Let's try to understand this situation.
We give data on the first named drug - Amiksin. If you go through the pharmacies and see which companies produce Amiksin and similar drugs whose active ingredient is tilorone, you can see what it is: the domestic company Pharmstandard, which produces Amiksin, the Nizhpharm company, which produces Lovemax, Dalchimpharm, which produces analogue Tilaxin, Ozone, with analogue Tiloram, and so on.
It immediately catches the eye that among the manufacturers there are no leading world leaders in the pharmaceutical industry, which produce drugs of the first group, with proven antiviral activity. What's the matter?
Amiksin is used very widely in Russia for many viral infections, for the prevention of influenza, for hepatitis, for acute respiratory viral infections and for herpes. The instructions for it can be read that it is characterized only by such adverse reactions as allergies, dyspepsia and chills.The instructions say that it is contraindicated for pregnant women, but why it is not clear.
Despite the fact that this drug is really in the laboratory, that is, in vitro, showed a fairly high activity on the synthesis of interferon, it is not used abroad. This drug has been identified serious side effects - such as adverse effects on fetal development, or embryotoxicity. Clinical studies have been stopped due to side effects. There are no international evidence-based studies conducted with a high level of confidence in Amiksin, the World Health Organization (WHO) does not have any information about it, it is not used in developed countries of Europe and the USA. Links confirming this information:
As for other interferon inducers, a drug such as Cycloferon and Ridostin is also not registered outside the CIS countries, and in North America and Western Europe such medicine as Cycloferon is unknown. There are many works on cycloferon, but there is not a single randomized clinical trial (RCT) conducted with a high level of evidence on this drug, and its clinical efficacy has not been proven.
But, maybe, if interferon inducers do not have proven efficacy, maybe the interferon itself, which is injected into the human body, can help protect against herpes? Maybe Viferon, which is produced in different dosage forms, really helps? Viferon, for example, comes in the form of an ointment, in the form of rectal suppositories of four dosages, in the form of a gel for topical administration.
Alas, in experiments it was proved long ago that the direct and continuous effect of exogenous or interferon administered from the outside on the cell should last at least 4 hours, and in high doses. Therefore, the instillation of interferon in the nose, the introduction of it in the candle and smearing it on the surface of the skin can not provide any real benefits that will help in overcoming a herpes infection.
It is quite another thing when ointments, creams and gels that contain really effective antiviral drugs are used for topical administration: the same acyclovir, penciclovir, ganciclovir, and other antiviral drugs. So the time has come to move from funds with questionable efficacy, which are not used in developed countries, to a local treatment for herpes infection.
The best remedies for herpes for local treatment
The best way to get rid of herpes lesions on the skin and mucous membranes as soon as possible is to effectively take antiviral drugs orally, create a working concentration of herpes medicine in the blood, and apply drugs to the skin and mucous membranes that stop the replication of the virus in the skin and the appearance of new ones. foci of bubble rash. All antiviral ointments and creams should be used in the same way as tablets - immediately upon initial diagnosis, or even earlier, at the stage of prodromal phenomena, when there is no bubble rash yet.
In this case, the patient in the classic case may experience a slight feeling of irritation on the skin in the nasolabial triangle against the background of common cold symptoms, and for these unpleasant sensations, a person who already has sufficient experience understands that the next day he will have herpes sores. In this case, you must immediately begin to use special local drugs that will help inactivate the manifestation of infection outside.
It should be remembered that you can not touch herpetic vesicles with your hands, as well as the vesicles formed during the disease of chicken pox.The fact is that if these hands accidentally take hold of the eyes, you can carry a herpetic infection there, with a severe corneal lesion, then all mediums of the eye, and with an unfavorable immune status, the ophthalmic herpes can transform into herpetic encephalitis, with a high mortality rate. Consider the most well-known effective local remedies for the treatment of herpes infection.
Erazaban
Rating: 4.9
The active ingredient of the cream is erazaban docosanol. It has a unique antiviral activity mechanism. It does not affect, like the preparations of the first group, the fatal change of the inherited material of the herpes virus, but acts on the mechanism of virus penetration into the cell. One of the key points of this mechanism is the initial fusion of the virus with the cell membrane. It is at this stage of the pathogenesis that the proof is affected.
Erazaban is applied to the area of vesicular viral eruptions on the skin, as well as to adjacent healthy areas, and is used by adult patients, and in children over 12 years old, for 4-6 days. In the event that the patient applied this cream before the appearance of the rash, with prodromal signs, then the use of Erazaban in general prevents the development of bubble eruptions. On average, after 1 or 2 days after the start of treatment, a significant improvement or even complete elimination of the rash occurs, but all the same, in order for the effect to be the best, you need to apply the cream for 5 days, and even longer. Erazaban company produces Health Care brands International, and you can buy cream, packaged in small tubes of 2 g, for 400 rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages
The only disadvantage of Arazaban is the rather frequent need to apply it on the skin. Every 3 hours you need to update the applied cream, and this should be done five times a day. A side effect can be considered dry skin, and a slight itching, tingling or burning sensation on those areas of the skin where the cream is applied. But most patients tolerate it well, but it is not recommended to apply it on the skin near the eyes. The only limitations are patients with severe immunodeficiency and pregnant, but not due to the development of specific side effects, but due to the lack of full-scale clinical studies. In patients with pathology of the liver and kidney cream can be applied as usual.
Virgan
Rating: 4.8
Virgan is a special gel that is intended exclusively for use in the treatment of ocular herpes. Virgan contain ganciclovir, which is similar in its mechanism of action to acyclovir, and with the help of competitive inhibition disrupts the formation of viral inherited material. This gel is active not only against herpes viruses and chickenpox, but also against the causative agent of cytomegalovirus infection and Epstein-Barr virus.
This cream is used as part of complex therapy in the treatment of herpetic superficial keratitis, for the treatment of cytomegalovirus infection and for the prevention of the formation of eye complications in AIDS. This gel is recommended for prophylaxis in case of transplantation immunodeficiencies, when the patient receives massive doses of immunosuppressive drugs, or chemotherapy in connection with the forthcoming or past organ transplantation.
The gel has an opalescent appearance, and has a low viscosity, so it is not spread, but buried in the eyes, in the region of the lower conjunctiva, from 3 to 5 times a day. The average duration of treatment is 2 weeks, but not less than 7 and not more than 21 days. Since the conjunctiva has an increased ability to absorb, Virgan can cause minor pain, blurred vision, symptoms of eye irritation and the development of conjunctival hyperemia. Virgan Laboratoires THÉA, (France) produces, and its average cost is about 900 rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of Virgana include high antiviral activity, good absorption and its distribution in intraocular media, relatively low resorptive capacity for absorption into the systemic circulation. Ganciclovir is the next generation antiviral agent, and is more active than usual eye ointment containing acyclovir. The disadvantages include a ban on its use in children under 12 years old, the need to keep it in a cool place. Patients with contact lenses need to remember that if the ophthalmologist suspected the risk of developing ophthalmic herpes, then the lenses should definitely be removed and not put on until the risk disappears, or until the manifestations of the infection are completely cured.
Oftakviks
Rating: 4.7
Surprisingly, for the treatment of ophthalmic herpes are also used those drugs that have no proven effect on herpesvirus. For example, we are talking about a drug like Oftakviks, which comes in the form of eye drops, and contains levofloxacin. This substance is belonging to the class of fluoroquinolones, and is able to suppress the reproduction of a large number of pathogens, various bacteria, but still related to cellular life forms, in contrast to viruses.
But such means should be used to prevent the accession of a secondary infection, especially if the ophthalmic herpes have already reached the ulceration stage, and the patient has a high risk of developing such complications as acute suppurative keratitis, iridocyclitis, or creeping corneal ulcer. None of the most effective antiviral drugs does not affect the reproduction of conventional pyogenic staphylococci, and the doctor must take this fact into account. In the event that the patient lives far enough away, and he can only get to the doctor within a few days, but there is a pharmacy nearby, he needs not only to bury antiviral agents in his eyes, but also to reinforce their action with local antimicrobials. For the treatment of skin rashes, as a rule, such a "reinsurance" is not required.
It is necessary to drip Oftakviks for prophylaxis every 2 hours, one or two drops in the affected eye. Starting from the 3rd day of treatment, the remedy is instilled twice as rarely, and the course is usually no more than 5 days. It is necessary to dig in not on the conjunctiva, but directly on the cornea, that is, on the “eye itself”.
Oftenquiks is produced by the Finnish company Santen, and one bottle containing 5 ml of drops can be purchased for 185 rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of Oftakviksa is a reliable cover, under which the treatment of ocular herpes can take place more safely. It is active against many gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms, is well preserved in the tear film, and is widely used for prevention. From side effects, you can select a slight burning sensation in the eye, which can occur in 10% of cases and, most often, passes on its own. Oftakviks is contraindicated for use in pregnant and lactating women, as well as in case of hypersensitivity. At children's age it can be appointed, but with care.
Phenistil Pentsivir
Rating: 4.7
This cream, manufactured by well-known pharmaceutical concern Novartis, contains antiviral drug substance - pentsivir. It is also an active metabolite, and affects the hereditary material of the herpes virus. For comparison, in laboratory studies, it turned out that pencivir is able to stay inside cells and cope with the virus several times longer than Aciclovir. But, despite laboratory tests, the application of the cream must be repeated every 2-3 hours, except for the night break. But with such an inconvenient mode, for 3-4 days the cream produces the necessary therapeutic effect, and there is no need to use it for a week or even longer. The cost of a tube weighing 2 g starts from 280 rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages
As with any drug, individual intolerance to the components of the cream is a contraindication to its use. There were no large-scale clinical studies on the use of the cream in children younger than 12 years old, so it is also contraindicated for early childhood. But during pregnancy and lactation, this means can be applied to the skin, but very carefully, after consulting with your doctor, and only if the benefits of this drug exceed the possible risk. As for the advantages of this tool, it can help in the case when acyclovir for local use is slow, or a short course is needed.
Oxolinic ointment
Rating: 4.6
With oxolinic ointment, which is recommended by some domestic guidelines as an antiviral local agent, the situation is exactly the same as with interferons and its inducers. It is produced, including in the form of an intranasal form, only by domestic enterprises, and it has no proven efficacy, both antiherpetic and antiviral in general. Chemists know oxolinic acid, which, indeed, has antimicrobial activity, at least in laboratory conditions, but no information about scientific research abroad, and even more, about the registration of drugs, and the introduction of oxolin containing into wide clinical practice, or (dioxotetrahydroxitrahydronaphthalene) we will not find. In the countries of North America and Western Europe, this tool does not apply, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has no recommendations for its use for the treatment and prevention of herpes. Therefore, the decision to apply oxolin in Russia is only a “tribute to tradition”.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, many tend to underestimate the danger of herpetic eruptions, and often they do not cure them at all, especially if the patient is used to the fact that during cold and rainy weather he has signs of labial herpes every year, or "cold" on his lips. This impression is deceptive. For example, an acute disease such as Bell's palsy, or paresis of the facial nerve, in which one half of the facial muscles of the facial muscles are paralyzed, is most often caused by a herpetic infection. The facial nerve swells in its narrow place, where it passes in the canal of the temporal bone. The rate of regression of neurological symptoms also depends on the speed of administration of antiviral therapy in the first hours of the onset of signs of paralysis. In such cases, treatment should immediately begin with the intake of drugs with antiviral activity inside, and support them by applying ointment and cream to the skin of the face.
In the case of bubble eruptions along the intercostal nerves, the same strict and rigorous approach to the combined prescription of drugs is necessary. The result of untreated intercostal neuralgia can be excruciating, persistent, perennial neuropathic pain, which is extremely difficult to treat.
Therefore, medical literacy of the general population, and the timely start of antiviral therapy can serve as a pledge if inadequate recovery, then significant inactivation of the virus and its reverse transition to a dormant and inactive state.
And if instead of going to a doctor right away and starting to use antiviral drugs with proven effectiveness immediately, the patient will rely on homeopathic remedies, compresses and traditional medicine - then most likely he will remain with partial facial paralysis of the facial muscles. the rest of your life.
Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.
