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Antiviral drugs are medicines that
cure or control virus infections.
Antiviral family has several different
drugs and each is used for specific
of kind of viral infection. For example,
acyclovir (Zovirax) is used to treat
chickenpox, shingles, and the symptoms
of herpes virus infections of the
genitals, lips, mouth, skin, and brain.
The medicine however, does not cure
the infections, but it relieves the
discomfort and speeds healing of sores,
when they are present. Similarly,
valacyclovir (Valtrex) and famciclovir
(Famvir) can also be used to relieve
the symptoms of shingles.
Other types of antiviral drugs, such
as amantadine (Symmetrel) and rimantadine
(Flumadine) are used to prevent or
treat certain kinds of influenza (flu).
They are given either alone or in
combination with flu shots. These
drugs will not work for common colds,
other types of flu, or other virus
infections, however.
What precautions do I need to take
for Anti-viral drugs?
Some people feel dizzy, confused,
or lightheaded when using these drugs.
The medicine may also cause blurred
vision and problems with concentration.
For these reasons, anyone who takes
these drugs should not drive, use
machines or do anything else that
might be dangerous until they have
found out how the drugs affect them.
Drinking alcoholic beverages while
taking certain antiviral drugs may
increase the chance of side effects.
Anyone who takes these drugs should
check with a physician before drinking
alcohol or taking medicines that contain
alcohol.
When taking an antiviral medicine
for chickenpox, shingles, or herpes
infection, start taking the medicine
as soon as possible after the symptoms
appear. Patients who are taking an
antiviral drug for herpes should keep
in mind that the medicine will not
prevent them from spreading the infection
to other people. They must still take
these precautions to avoid passing
the virus through sexual contact:
- Avoid any sexual activity if either
partner has sores or other symptoms
of herpes
- Use either a male or female condom
at other times.
What are the likely side effects of
antiviral drugs?
The most common minor side effects
are diarrhea, nausea or vomiting,
dizziness, lightheadedness, headache,
sleep problems, concentration problems,
and irritability or nervousness. These
problems usually go away as the body
adjusts to the drug and do not require
medical treatment unless they do persist
or they interfere with normal activities.
More serious side effects of antiviral
drugs include:
- Pain, swelling, or redness at
the place where the medicine was injected
- Severe pain in the stomach or abdomen
- Problems urinating
- Increased thirst
- Loss of appetite
What are the likely drug interactions
of Anti-viral drugs?
Anti-viral drugs may interact with
a number of other medicines. When
this happens, the effects of one or
both of the drugs may change or the
risk of side effects may be greater.
Anyone who takes antiviral drugs should
let the physician know all other medicines
he or she is taking. Antiviral drugs
may interact with some of the following
drugs
- Pain medicines such as Excedrin
that contain acetaminophen combined
with aspirin or other salicylates
- Other medicines for pain or inflammation
(except narcotics)
- Cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Medicine for asthma, allergies,
hay fever, or colds
- Anticancer drugs
- Neomycin
- Streptomycin
The list above does not include all
the drugs that may interact with Anti-viral
drugs. One has to be make sure to
check with a physician or pharmacist
before combining Anti-viral drugs
with any other prescription or nonprescription
(over-the-counter) medicine.
What are the medications that come
under antiviral categories ?
Based on your health condition your
doctor may prescribe any of the following
antiviral drugs
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