Acyclovir 5% + Hydrocortisone 1% Topical
Indications
Acyclovir 5% + Hydrocortisone 1% Topical is used for:
Recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores)
Adult Dose
Adults:
Herpes Labialis
Indicated for early treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) to reduce the likelihood of ulcerative cold sores; shortens lesion healing time in adults and adolescents
Apply topically to lips and around the mouth 5 times per day for 5 days; initiate as soon as possible after first signs and symptoms
Child Dose
Herpes Labialis
Indicated for early treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) to reduce the likelihood of ulcerative cold sores; shortens lesion healing time in adults and adolescents
<6 years: Safety and efficacy not established
>6 years: As adults; apply topically to lips and around mouth 5 times per day for 5 days; initiate as soon as possible after first signs and symptoms
Renal Dose
Administration
Apply a sufficient amount to cover affected area, including the outer margin
Avoid unnecessary rubbing of affected area to avoid aggravating or transferring the infection
Contra Indications
Hypersensitivity.
Precautions
Aciclovir and Hydrocortisone should not be used in the eye, inside the mouth or nose, or on the genitals.
Patients should seek medical advice when a cold sore fails to heal within 2 weeks.
Pregnancy-Lactation
Pregnancy Category: B
Lactation: Unknown whether topical product distributed in breast milk, caution advised
Interactions
Adverse Effects
Side effects of Acyclovir 5% + Hydrocortisone 1% Topical :
<1%
Drying or flaking of the skin
Burning or tingling at the application site
Erythema
Dryness
Pigmentation changes
Mechanism of Action
Aciclovir is a synthetic purine nucleoside analogue with inhibitory activity against Herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) in cell culture and in vivo. The inhibitory activity of Aciclovir is highly selective due to its affinity for the enzyme thymidine kinase (TK) encoded by HSV. This viral enzyme converts Aciclovir into Aciclovir monophosphate, a nucleotide analogue. The monophosphate is further converted into diphosphate by cellular guanylate kinase and into triphosphate by a number of cellular enzymes.
In cell culture, Aciclovir Triphosphate stops replication of herpes viral DNA. This inhibition is accomplished in 3 ways: 1) competitive inhibition of viral DNA polymerase, 2) incorporation into and termination of the growing viral DNA chain, and 3) inactivation of the viral DNA polymerase.
Hydrocortisone is the main glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex. It is used topically for its anti-inflammatory effects which suppress the clinical manifestations of the disease in a wide range of disorders where inflammation is a prominent feature.