VIRUSTAT CREAM

Description

PROPERTIES:
Virustat cream contains acyclovirk, a synthetic purine nucleoside analogue with inhibitory activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), type 2 (HSV-2) and Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV). The inhibitory activity of acyclovir is highly selective due to its affinity for the enzyme thymidine kinase (TK) encoded by HSV and VZV. This viral enzyme converts acyclovir into acyclovir monophosphate, a nucleotide analogue, then into diphosphate and into triphosphate by number of cellular enzymes. Acyclovir stops replication of herpes viral DNA. This is accomplished in 3 ways; competitive inhibition of viral DNA polymerase, incorporation into and termination of the growing viral DNA chain, and inactivation of the viral DNA polymerase. The greater antiviral activity of acyclovir against HSV compared to VZV is due to its more efficient phosphorylation by the viral TK.
INDICATIONS:
– Management of viral diseases of the skin, e.g.:
• Herpes simplex of the face especially of the lips.
• Skin viral infection in immunocompromised patients.
– Management of initial and recurrent cases of herpes genitalis.
USAGE:
– Apply sufficient quantity of Virustat cream to adequately cover all lesions every 3 hours up to 6 times per day for 7 days.
– Therapy should be initiated as early as possible following the onset of signs and symptoms.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Virustat cream is well tolerated. Transient burning and pruritus might occur at the application site.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Hypersensitivity to acyclovir.
precautions:
• Virustat cream is intended for cutaneous use only and should not be used in the eye.
• Virustat cream should not be used for the prevention of recurrent HSV infections.
PACKING:
A tube containing 5 or 10 g cream.
STORAGE:
Keep at a temperature (15-30°C).
Keep out of reach of children.