Zovirax during pregnancy 1-2-3 trimester. Can I use an ointment?

Zovirax - antiviral drug with pronounced medicinal properties, available in several dosage forms.

It is often used to detect various viral diseases in patients. Often the drug is indicated during pregnancy, since viruses infect a woman's weakened immunity and provoke complications. Before using any form of product, it is worth consulting with a specialist.

Release form and composition of Zovirax ointment

The medicine is sold in different forms, but ointment is usually prescribed during pregnancy. It is a thick mass with a characteristic odor. The ointment is translucent and white in color, easily spreads over the tissues.

The medicinal composition is packaged in small tubes of 4.5 g each. Each tube is placed in small cardboard boxes, in which you can also find a detailed description, which indicates the scheme of use and possible negative reactions.

The drug contains the active ingredient acyclovir, which has a major effect on tissues. White petroleum jelly acts as an auxiliary ingredient in the composition of the medication, which provides consistency and promotes proper distribution over the tissues.

Pharmacological properties

Zovirax is not used so often during pregnancy, despite its pronounced therapeutic properties. The drug has antiviral activity, helps to destroy the herpes virus and some other pathogens of viral diseases.

It quickly penetrates the affected cells and destroys the virus, which leads to the elimination of symptoms, accelerates the healing process. The drug also has protective, regenerating properties, which prevents the spread of the pathological process and intensive destruction of cells.

The complex effect on tissues provides high efficiency, especially when applied at the initial stages of pathology, when only the first minor symptoms have appeared.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

The medicine works quite quickly, in contrast to systemic agents and some other medicines. After the initial application, the patient feels relief. The active ingredient of the product is considered one of the most effective antiviral substances, despite not having such a wide spectrum of activity.

The drug inhibits the multiplication of viruses and prevents damage to healthy cells. As a result, the pathology cannot progress, and the symptoms disappear rather quickly.

The activity of the main substance against the following viruses is noted:

• Varicella zoster virus.
• Herpes simplex virus. At the same time, the tool successfully fights against different types of this pathogen.
• Cytomegalovirus.

Such viruses can provoke damage to the mucous membranes and skin, therefore the external dosage form medication helps to quickly eliminate symptoms and prevent the spread of pathology to large areas healthy tissues.

When used topically, the agent creates a kind of protective film on the surface of the tissues, and the active ingredient penetrates into the affected cells, destroying the virus. When applied, the elimination of tissue edema, itching and irritation is noted. Similar symptoms in most cases are present with a viral infection of the outer tissues.

The drug is almost not absorbed into the bloodstream when applied externally, which is considered an advantage, since the risk of complications from internal organs is reduced. The medicine acts only on the mucous membranes of the eye, after which it is excreted with the lacrimal fluid.

The minimum systemic absorption does not allow specialists to identify the maximum concentration of a substance in the blood during a course application. However, there is a slight accumulation of the components of the composition in the body with prolonged application of the agent in the affected area.

When the drug accumulates, it is processed in the liver and excreted by the kidneys. If the integrity of the tissues is violated, the amount of ingredients in the blood increases significantly.

Indications for use

Zovirax is used not only during pregnancy, but also for the treatment of non-pregnant patients, men.

The main indications for the appointment of a medication:

• Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, provoked by viruses that are sensitive to the active component of the composition.
• Keratitis against the background of tissue damage by the herpes simplex virus.
• Frequent relapses of keratitis and viral conjunctivitis.

The agent can also be used when the cornea and mucous membranes are affected by the varicella-zoster virus or cytomegalovirus. Such disorders are rare.

Contraindications

The tool is not used if the patient detects intolerance to the components of the composition or a tendency to such disorders in the anamnesis.

Other barriers to treatment include:

• Damage to the cornea and the occurrence of bleeding against the background of this injury.
• The presence of a purulent inflammatory focus on the mucous membranes.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis in acute or chronic form.
• Diagnosis of allergic origin of inflammatory eye pathology. In this case, the drug can provoke the development of severe complications and aggravation of the symptoms of the underlying disease.
• Identification of pathologies that are provoked by viruses that are not sensitive to the main substance of the drug. At the same time, the use can eliminate some of the symptoms, but does not destroy the causative agent of the disease.

The official instruction for the medication indicates that the drug is contraindicated during pregnancy, but the experience of many doctors confirms the absence of negative reactions in the treatment of patients during gestation. The manufacturer indicates pregnancy as a contraindication due to the lack of sufficient research on the effect of the drug on the development of the fetus and the mother's body.

Is it possible and when to use Zovirax during pregnancy

Zovirax during pregnancy is used only under strict indications and in the case when the potential benefit outweighs the possible harm. The ointment is prescribed exclusively externally in case of a viral lesion of the mucous membranes of the eyes or cornea.

In this case, the doctor must be sure that the pathology is provoked by a virus that is sensitive to the main component of the composition of the ointment. Otherwise, the application is not allowed, especially without preliminary examination. As a result of the diagnosis, a specialist can confirm the origin of certain symptoms.

Instructions for use, dosage for pregnant women by trimester

During pregnancy, short courses are conducted with the use of ointment. Often, depending on the gestation period, the doctor can prescribe different doses and adjust the duration of therapy.

Pregnancy trimester	Application scheme
1 trimester	At this period of gestation, experts recommend abandoning any, even relatively safe, medications. However, if an urgent need arises, the drug can be used for 3-4 days. The agent should be applied 2 to 5 times per day, depending on the severity of the manifestations of the disease. In this case, it is necessary to lay the ointment according to the standard scheme. Pull the lower eyelid down a little and apply a small amount in the area of ​​the conjunctival sac. The ointment is applied directly to the mucous membranes. After that, the patient should close her eye and gently massage it with her finger for a few seconds. This will allow the agent to be evenly distributed over the tissues and have a healing effect.
2 trimester	In the 2nd trimester of gestation, the agent is also used according to the standard scheme. Apply ointment in the affected area no more than 5 times a day for 5 days. After that, the doctor determines the effectiveness of the treatment, if necessary, prolongs the course. The use of the drug more often 5 times a day is prohibited, even in the presence of acute symptoms of the disease.
3 trimester	In the later stages of gestation, the drug is used according to the standard scheme. Usually 3-5 days are enough to achieve a pronounced result, and the ointment is applied no more than 5 times a day. If symptoms are mild, 3 applications per day are sufficient.

When treating non-pregnant patients, men, experts recommend using the medicine for 3 days after eliminating all the symptoms of the pathology.

During pregnancy, doctors are wary of this recommendation, only in some cases they adhere to rules, which is associated with an increased risk of complications as a result of the accumulation of components of the composition in the blood and tissues.

Side effects

Zovirax during pregnancy often provokes complications than in other patients. At this time, the woman's body is weakened. Despite minimal systemic absorption, adverse reactions can affect the work of internal organs and systems.

The most common complications:

• Headache and drowsiness, weakness and fatigue. Symptoms usually appear against the background of other disorders, but can develop with prolonged incorrect use of the ointment in high dosages.
• Loss of appetite and indigestion. Such complications arise against the background of disorders of the nervous system, disappear rather quickly and do not require special treatment.
• Lachrymation and cramps in the eyes. Symptoms may be present in the first few minutes after applying the ointment or persist for an extended period of time. In the second case, the prescription of drugs is required to eliminate them.
• The development of conjunctivitis, which is not associated with the viral origin of the underlying disease.
• Allergic reactions to the ointment develop quite often. They manifest themselves in the form of severe tissue swelling, itching and burning, temporary deterioration of vision. After discontinuation of treatment, symptoms may persist for an extended period of time. Often, the appointment of special medications is required to normalize the condition.

An allergic reaction can spread not only to the tissues of the visual apparatus, it often affects the skin of the face and extremities, the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and nasal passages. In this case, the patient develops throat edema, which can lead to suffocation if left untreated.

In case of damage to the skin of the face and extremities, the appearance of multiple rashes is observed, the addition of severe itching, which forces patients to scratch the skin, provoking the addition of an infection.

One of the most common adverse reactions is punctate keratopathy. However, it disappears on its own without the use of any means and is not accompanied by concomitant negative reactions.

Overdose

The minimum absorption system when used in short courses significantly reduces the risk of overdose. Specialists have not recorded such cases, but the risk of their occurrence cannot be completely excluded.

Doctors suggest that with an overdose, all negative reactions are aggravated, there is a deterioration in the general condition, shortness of breath and a decrease in blood pressure indicators.

Overdose leads to:

• joining systemic violations;
• nausea;
• bouts of vomiting;
• upset stool.

If any negative reactions or symptoms of an overdose appear, you should immediately stop using the product and consult a doctor. If the patient is in the hospital during the treatment period, she is provided with assistance depending on the symptoms.

If the patient is at home and the condition worsens, it is worth calling an ambulance. Doctors warn about the impossibility of self-medication and the danger of ignoring the symptoms.

special instructions

Zovirax during pregnancy is used only as directed by a doctor. It is strictly forbidden to use the ointment without preliminary examination and identification of a specific causative agent of the disease.

It is important to wash your hands thoroughly before applying the ointment to fabrics. It is important to avoid touching the tip of the tube with the cornea or mucous membranes. The patient should also avoid getting the ointment into the mouth. If this happens, you should immediately rinse the mouth.

Throughout the entire period of therapy, the patient should not use contact lenses, since complications may develop as a result of contacting them with the drug. If any negative reactions appear, treatment should be discontinued. Perhaps the doctor will allow it to continue after the examination.

Drug interactions

Usually, not many drugs are used during pregnancy, therefore, the features of drug interactions have not been studied in detail. Doctors do not recommend using the ointment in combination with other drugs that have antiviral activity.

Do not prescribe the remedy in combination with other topical medicines. If you need to additionally use any solution or drops, you should take a break for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the drug to have a therapeutic effect and reduce the risk of adverse reactions.

Analogs

The drug has analogues that can be used if it is not available in pharmacies or if it is impossible to treat with the original drug.

The most effective analogues with antiviral activity:

• Acyclovir is considered the most effective and affordable analogue, contains the active ingredient of the same name in the composition. The drug has pronounced antiviral properties and fights against various eye lesions as a result of viruses entering the cells. The tool is also not recommended for use during pregnancy, but doctors can prescribe it in case of urgent need. The drug is available in tablet and eye ointment form.
• Virolex - an effective eye ointment, which also contains acyclovir as the main active ingredient and has pronounced antiviral properties. The drug is prescribed to women during pregnancy when an urgent need arises. The medicine is considered effective, but if the instructions are violated, it can provoke various complications, especially during the period of bearing a child.

During pregnancy, experts prefer to avoid prescribing any medication, but in some cases this is considered an urgent need. Analogues should be selected only by a doctor on the basis of examination data and in the absence of absolute contraindications.

Terms, conditions of sale and storage

The drug is dispensed in pharmacies after presenting a certified prescription from a doctor. The storage period is 5 years. The production date can be seen on the packaging. When storing, avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Application after the expiration date is strictly prohibited.

Price

You can buy medicine in different pharmacies for about 270-350 rubles. Zovirax is considered a fairly effective ointment in the treatment of viral eye pathologies. It is prescribed during pregnancy, as well as for men, non-pregnant patients.

The drug can provoke complications if the instructions are violated, especially during the period of bearing a child. You can reduce the likelihood of negative reactions by following all the rules during treatment.

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