Zovirax Duo-Active. Price, instructions for use, reviews

Zovirax Duo-Active - effective antiviral agent, which additionally contains a hormonal component, which enhances the effectiveness and helps to quickly cope with various diseases.

The price of the drug is quite high, but the action fully justifies it, since patients feel an improvement within a few days after the start of use. Only the correct use for the intended purpose helps prevent complications.

Forms of release and composition of the drug

The medicine can be found on pharmacy shelves only in external dosage form, namely in the form of a cream for topical use.

The product has a light consistency, is well absorbed and does not leave visible marks on the skin, packaged in tubes of 2 or 5 g, which are placed in cardboard boxes. When applied, you can feel a specific medicinal aroma. Each tube of cream comes with detailed instructions describing the rules for use.

The combination drug contains the acyclovir component, which has the main therapeutic effect. However, a combination medicine is considered due to the presence of the hydrocortisone component.

The composition contains other components that are classified as inactive:

• Paraffin is soft and liquid, which forms the basis of the cream.
• Sodium lauryl sulfate.
• Citric acid monohydrate.
• Sodium hydroxide.
• Propylene glycol.
• Purified water.

These components do not have therapeutic properties, they are present to preserve the chemical formula.

Pharmacological properties

Zovirax Duo-Active, the price of which is quite high, has pronounced antiviral properties and helps to fight diseases of viral origin localized on the skin.

Since the product is combined and contains a hormonal component, it has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect and stimulates tissue regeneration in the area of ​​application.

An additional property of the remedy is considered to be anti-edematous, antipruritic. Due to this, a rather rapid elimination of pronounced manifestations occurs, and the development of complications as a result of the progression of the pathological process is prevented.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

After applying the agent to the affected area, the active components penetrate into the tissues and the therapeutic effect begins. Acyclovir is active against the causative agent of chickenpox, herpes simplex and some other microorganisms that provoke viral diseases.

The component suppresses the activity of pathogens, destroys their membranes, which leads to gradual death as a result of metabolic disturbances.

Additionally, the product has other properties:

• Blocks the formation of new viral cells, prevents the addition of a bacterial infection.
• Improves tissue nutrition at the site of injury, which helps to accelerate regeneration.
• Hydrocortisone belongs to glucocorticosteroid substances and is active when signs of inflammation appear. The substance helps to eliminate swelling, severe itching and burning. Such symptoms are often present in a patient with many viral pathologies.
• Additionally, hydrocortisone helps prevent the progression of the pathological process, eliminates redness and irritation.

The combination of two active ingredients helps to significantly shorten the recovery period and improve the condition after just 2 days of correct use.

When applied externally, its main substances are absorbed into the upper layers of the skin, but in a minimal amount enter the systemic circulation.

When examining blood, it is rather difficult to detect the maximum concentration of substances in the blood. The processing of active ingredients is carried out in the liver, after which they are excreted with the help of the kidneys and in small quantities with feces.

The withdrawal period takes up to 12 hours, which is considered an advantage. In case of violations of the urinary system, the period of excretion of substances slows down somewhat, which has almost no effect on efficiency and does not lead to the accumulation of components in the body and tissues.

Pharmacokinetic characteristics may differ in different patients, depending on the individual characteristics of the organism.

Indications for use

Zovirax Duo-Active is prescribed quite often, despite the high price.

The main indications for the use of the drug:

• Diagnosis of chickenpox in adults with the formation of a large number of papules on the skin, the appearance of itching, irritation and inflammation.
• Herpes simplex with localization of the lesion in the area of ​​the lips.
• Recurrent forms of herpes, when a new lesion occurs before the previous one heals.

The drug can be used as part of the complex treatment of some viral pathologies, but only as directed by a doctor and after examination.

Contraindications

The medicine is not used in case of acute intolerance to the components of the composition or a tendency to such manifestations. If the patient has a history of allergy to drugs with a similar composition, use is allowed only after a preliminary test for sensitivity.

Other barriers to treatment with a remedy include:

• The period of pregnancy and breastfeeding. Despite minimal systemic absorption, the drug can provoke complications. Use is allowed only when the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the child.
• Dermatitis in the area of ​​the intended application of the product.
• Exacerbation of chronic psoriasis, eczema. The remedy can provoke severe complications and aggravation of the symptoms of pathology.
• Infected wounds at the site of application of the cream. After eliminating the inflammation and cleansing the wound, it is allowed to use the medicine, but only after consulting a doctor.
• The presence of acne vulgaris at the site of the herpes outbreak. When applying the cream, the condition of the skin may worsen.
• Malignant neoplasms of the skin.
• Diagnosing rosacea in acute and chronic stages.
• Fungal lesions of the skin at the site of the appearance of the herpetic focus.

The drug is contraindicated in case of an unspecified origin of rashes in the face area, as it can provoke an aggravation of the condition and the addition of a bacterial infection.

At what age can the drug be used?

Zovirax Duo-Active (the price of the drug for many is considered a reason for refusing to use) is prescribed to patients over 12 years old. If it is necessary to treat a pathology of viral origin in children under 12 years of age, it is worth choosing another remedy that is less aggressive on tissues.

Instructions for use, cream dosage

The tool is intended exclusively for local application to the affected area, only after preliminary examination and determination of the degree of neglect of the disease. The therapy regimen is determined individually, taking into account the patient's age and the degree of neglect of the condition.

The age of the patient or the neglect of the pathological condition	Application scheme
Patients from 12 to 18 years old	Such patients are prescribed courses for 4 days, while the affected area is treated with cream 3-4 times a day at regular intervals. The layer during processing should be thin, do not rub the medicine.
Adults	Adults apply the product 4 times a day at regular intervals. The treatment lasts 5 days. The drug must be applied in a thin layer; you cannot rub or massage the affected area after treatment.
Severe pathology	With an advanced course of a pathological condition, courses are prescribed for 5-7 days with daily treatment of the lesion focus with cream 5 times a day. It is important to keep regular intervals between applications to ensure an even effect on fabrics.

Experts draw the attention of patients to the fact that the best way to quickly eliminate symptoms is to use the medicine immediately after the first signs appear in the form of itching, burning, peeling. This helps prevent the progression of the disease and eliminate the risk of complications.

Side effects

Zovirax Duo-Active (the price of the product differs depending on the region of distribution) can provoke complications from the skin and mucous membranes. Quite rarely, violations affect internal organs and systems, but this possibility cannot be ruled out.

The most common complications are:

• From the side of the digestive tract, complications occur quite rarely, accompanied by pain in the stomach, nausea and indigestion. Sometimes there is a deterioration in appetite, upset stools, dry mucous membranes, thirst. After refusal to use the medication, the symptoms gradually disappear, usually no special treatment is required.
• From the side of the nervous system, adverse reactions also rarely occur. Patients report headache, weakness, and rapid fatigue, which is exacerbated by physical manipulations. Some patients experience insomnia or constant drowsiness, which depends on the individual characteristics of the organism.
• From the side of the skin, complications occur most often. They are accompanied by a rash, burning and irritation, peeling, and severe itching. In this case, signs of damage appear not only in the face, but also on the arms, neck, upper back, chest. When combing the lesions, there is an aggravation of symptoms and a deterioration in the general condition. Tissue damage leads to the addition of infection, which significantly complicates treatment.
• From the side of the mucous membranes, disorders also appear in an acute form, accompanied by edema, redness and irritation. Mucous membranes of the nasal passages, eyes and mouth are often affected. In this case, rhinitis, lacrimation and swelling of the eyelid skin join the symptoms.
• On the part of the senses, there may be a deterioration in the perception of taste, smell and a temporary decrease in the quality of vision. Symptoms disappear rather quickly if the patient stops taking the medication.

Side effects are considered a reason for refusing to use the product. Many patients require special treatment to help prevent complications.

Overdose

Cases of drug overdose have not been recorded, but doctors do not exclude such a possibility if the patient violates the instructions and for a long period often uses medication means.

Minimal absorption into the systemic circulation almost eliminates the risk of developing systemic disorders, but cannot prevent local reactions. In case of an overdose, the allergic reaction is aggravated, the development of Quincke's edema or acute urticaria is observed.

The condition is accompanied by a rash that spreads over large areas of the skin, and also provokes severe itching, burning and irritation of the skin.

As the condition progresses, lacrimation, itching of the skin, and irritation are observed. As the condition progresses, the symptoms worsen, which leads to a worsening of the general condition, the appearance of dizziness, headache and severe weakness.

In severe cases, swelling of the mucous membranes of the throat develops, in which breathing is impaired, there is a risk of suffocation as a result of blockage of the trachea by swollen tissues.

special instructions

Zovirax Duo-Active (the price of the drug may differ depending on the amount in the package) is prescribed after the examination, which will prevent complications during drug therapy.

When applied to small areas of the skin, it is recommended to use a cotton swab, which helps to pinpoint the lesions, preventing them from reaching healthy areas.

If the patient does not start using immediately after the first signs of a pathological condition appear, it is worth using the medication as soon as possible. At the beginning of therapy after the appearance of herpetic eruptions, the effectiveness decreases slightly.

The use of the drug should be carried out with caution. It is especially important to avoid contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth and nasal passages. If the product gets on these tissues, it is necessary to immediately rinse it with running water and visit a doctor if unpleasant manifestations appear.

Drug interactions

The drug is used externally and in a minimal amount penetrates the systemic circulation, therefore it does not affect the effect of systemic medications. Do not prescribe the medicine at the same time as other topical preparations that have the same properties.

You should not prescribe the cream in combination with hormonal and antiviral drugs, which are intended for external use. In each case, the decision on the use of any remedy is made by the doctor individually.

Analogs

In the absence of an original drug in pharmacies, its analogues with similar active substances and properties can be used.

Most often, the following substitutes are prescribed:

• Acyclovir - a popular substitute based on the active ingredient of the same name, which is prescribed to patients when symptoms of herpes infection and some other viral diseases occur. The drug is available in the form of a cream and ointment for external use and has an attractive cost, therefore it is often prescribed as a substitute.
• Viru Merz it is prescribed for the treatment of viral pathologies on the skin. It contains another active ingredient, but has the same properties, therefore it can be used as a substitute. The agent in the form of a gel is applied to the lesions. It is highly effective and helps to improve the condition within a few days.
• Gerpferon contains not only an antiviral component, but also an analgesic and immunostimulating component, which makes the drug more effective and relatively safe. The ointment is used externally according to the prescribed scheme and helps to quickly normalize the condition.

Substitutes are used only as directed by a doctor. Self-medication is not allowed, even if the patient has already used any medication in the past.

Terms, conditions of sale and storage

The drug is dispensed in pharmacies without a medical prescription. Its shelf life is 2 years, but after opening the tube, the storage time is reduced to 3 months.

During storage, it is important to protect the product from children and direct sunlight. The production date is indicated on the packaging, use after its expiration is contraindicated.

Price

The cost of a tube with cream is approximately 380-400 rubles.

Zovirax Duo-Active is a popular combined agent with antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects, which helps to improve the condition in acute and chronic viral pathologies. The price of the product is high. But the effectiveness fully justifies it, so many patients prefer to use the original medication.

Video about the drug

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