Herpes PrescriptionsBy Kent Pinkerton Herpes prescriptions include anti-viral medications. These anti-viral drugs, usually in tablet forms, are effective and specific treatments for herpes simplex infection. These stop the virus from replicating inside the body, lessening the duration of a herpes outbreak, accelerating healing and reducing the number of more outbreaks in the future. The anti-virals are helpful only when they are taken; once stopped, they cannot prevent recurrence of potential outbreaks. Herpes prescriptions are used to treat outbreaks as they occur (episodic treatment) or to prevent or delay future outbreaks (suppressive treatment). With the former regimen, the main goals are to relieve the symptoms and to reduce the time of the flare-up. This treatment option is considered for patients who have infrequent outbursts and more tolerable symptoms. The latter course of therapy is considered for more recurrent and severe outbreaks. The oral anti-viral should be taken daily for several months or years to suppress the virus and prevent the symptoms from coming back. Famciclovir is usually taken thrice a day for episodic treatment and twice a day for recurrent symptoms. It reduces the duration of the outbreak and increases the time between outbreaks. Common reported side effects include headache, nausea, dizziness and diarrhea. Precautionary measures are indicated for people with hypersensitivity to Penciclovir cream, those with impaired renal function, concurrently using Probenecid and who are pregnant. Valacyclovir is taken twice daily for episodic treatment. In some countries, it can be used as suppressive treatment as well. It speeds up healing of the sores, reduces severity and duration of pain and decreases the period of viral shedding. When taken at the beginning of an outbreak (e.g. itching, tingling, etc), development of blisters may be thwarted. Common side effects include headache, nausea and abdominal discomfort. Acyclovir has similar effects to Valacyclovir. It should be ingested five times daily for episodic treatment. It can also be part of suppressive treatment. Usual side effects are nausea and diarrhea. Herpes provides detailed information on Genital Herpes, Herpes, Herpes And Pregnancy, Herpes Cure and more. Herpes is affiliated with Hepatitis C Treatments. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton More Herpes Medication ResourcesHerpes medication information and dosage suggestions are available from the Center for Disease Control treatment recommendations. Zovirax (Acyclovir) is an antiviral drug used to slow the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Valacyclovir lessens the symptoms of these infections and shortens the length of time you are sick. Treatment with Zovirax should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (e.g. tingling, burning, blisters). Valtrex (valacyclovir) is very similar to Zovirax. It is also used to slow the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Valtrex is often prescribed over Zovirax for the convenience of the consumer. Valtrex can be taken less frequently - often once per day instead of multiple times per day. |