Acic cream 5% tube 2 g

Herpes is one of the most common viral infections in humans. More than 90% of the world’s population is infected with the virus. Herpes infection (Herpes labialis) often affects the lips and facial skin. Herpes ointment helps to shorten the treatment period and reduces the severity of clinical manifestations of herpes labialis. This description is based on the official instructions for use of the cream “Acic” from the manufacturer.

Acyclovir is the generally accepted “gold standard” of antiherpetic therapy. It is safe for people of all age groups. The use of the drug is limited only to children under 12 years of age due to the lack of data on clinical trials in pediatrics.

The primary contact with herpes infection occurs in early childhood for most people. The virus remains in the body for life, and a person who has had the disease is a carrier of the infection and often suffers from relapses. HSV (herpes simplex virus) can activate spontaneously, without apparent cause. However, a trigger mechanism is usually required for relapse. The following factors can induce viral inflammation: 

• decreased body defenses;
• climate change, insolation;
• stress;
• overheating, hypothermia;
• feverish state;
• hormonal imbalance;
• taking immunosuppressive medications;
• injuries to mucous membranes and skin;
• acute respiratory viral diseases, etc.

The pathogenesis (development mechanism) of herpes infection is based on the ability of HSV to remain dormant in nerve ganglia (persistent) throughout a person’s life. Viral DNA cannot be removed from nerve cells by any of the currently known methods. However, there are agents that inactivate the ability of the viral genome to divide. Acyclovir is one of these substances.

“Acic” cream is an antiviral agent for topical use.

“Acic” is a cream for external use. 

The main active ingredient is acyclovir. 1 g of cream contains 50 mg of acyclovir.

Additional substances: 

• stearyl polyoxylglyceride;
• dimethicone 350;
• cetyl alcohol;
• white paraffin;
• mineral oil;
• propylene glycol;
• The water is purified.

“Acic Cream 5%” is produced in 2 g tubes.

Herpes cream “Acic” has a homogeneous creamy consistency, without lumps or other inclusions. There are no signs of separation into fractions. The color is white or milky.

Chemical name of acyclovir: 2-amino-9-((2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl)-1,9-dihydro-6H-purin-6-one

The chemical formula of acyclovir is: C8H11N5O3.

Pharmacodynamics

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug for topical use in vitro against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. Toxicity to host cells is minimal. Penetrating into cells infected with herpes virus, acyclovir is phosphorylated to form the active compound acyclovir triphosphate. The first stage of this process depends on the presence of virus-encoded thymidine kinase. Acyclovir triphosphate acts as an inhibitor and substrate for viral DNA polymerase, preventing further synthesis of viral DNA without affecting normal cellular processes.

Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetic studies have shown minimal systemic absorption of acyclovir after repeated application of the cream.

Treatment of infections of the lips and face caused by the herpes simplex virus (Herpes labialis).

Hypersensitivity to acyclovir, valacyclovir, propylene glycol or other components of the cream.

The drug is intended for external use only.

Adults and children over 12 years of age should apply Acic cream 5 times a day (every 4 hours), except at night. It is important to start treatment as early as possible at the onset of infection, preferably during the prodromal period or at the erythema stage.

Treatment should last at least 4 days. If healing is not observed, treatment can be continued for up to 10 days. If the symptoms of the disease do not disappear after ten days of treatment, the patient should consult a doctor.

Overdose

In case of accidental oral or topical application of the entire contents of a tube of cream, no adverse effects have been observed due to minimal systemic effects. In case of suspected overdose, medical attention should be sought.

Possible signs of intoxication:

• signs of dyspepsia: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• headache;
• dizziness;
• dyspnea;
• drowsiness.

Treatment:

1. Providing first aid (gastrointestinal lavage, activated charcoal).
2. Symptomatic therapy.

Some patients may experience a sharp or burning pain when applying the cream. Approximately 5% of patients have experienced minor skin dryness and peeling. A small number of patients have experienced erythema (redness) and itching. Very rarely, contact dermatitis has been reported following the use of the cream. When sensitivity tests are performed, these cases are more often associated with the components of the cream base than with acyclovir. There have been isolated reports of immediate hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema, following topical use of acyclovir.

The cream should only be used to treat herpes on the lips and face. It is not recommended to apply the cream to the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, eyes and to use it to treat genital herpes. Accidental contact of the cream with the eyes should be avoided.

Persons with particularly severe manifestations of Herpes labialis should consult a doctor. Persons with herpes should be warned against contact transmission of the virus to other people, especially if there are open lesions (for example, wash hands before and after using the cream). It is not recommended for use in immunocompromised patients. Such persons should consult a doctor regarding the treatment of any infection.

For the best treatment success, the cream should be used as soon as the first signs of herpes infection appear (burning, itching, tightness, and redness). Virostatic treatment with Acic cream is not advisable when the skin is crusted.

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the drug is recommended to be used only when, in the opinion of the doctor, the benefit outweighs the risk.

Children

There is insufficient data on the safety of the drug in children under 12 years of age, therefore it is recommended for use in children over 12 years of age.

Elderly

There are no contraindications to the use of Acic cream.

Use in case of liver and kidney dysfunction

There are no restrictions, no dose reduction is required.

Ability to influence reaction speed when driving vehicles or working with other mechanisms

No data.

Interaction with other drugs

Concomitant use with drugs that stimulate the immune system enhances the effect of acyclovir.

At a temperature not exceeding 25°C. Do not freeze! Keep out of reach of children. The shelf life of the cream is 4 years from the date of manufacture.