Simplovir

Introduction
Simplovir is an antiviral medicine which helps in treating skin infections caused by Herpes simplex virus such as herpes labialis. It prevents the multiplication of the virus in skin cells and therefore helps in clearing the skin infection. Simplovir is for external use only. You should use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. The affected area should be clean and dry before application of the ointment. You must wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying this medicine. Do not touch the sores unnecessarily with your hands or towel, to avoid spreading the infection. Some common side effects include burning, irritation, itching and redness of the skin, at the site of application. Please consult your doctor if these side effects persist for a longer duration. Do not use it in the eyes, mouth, nose or vagina as it may cause irritation. If accidental exposure occurs, rinse immediately with plenty of water.

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Uses of Simplovir
Herpes labialis
Side effects of Simplovir
Common
Application site reactions (burning, irritation, itching and redness)
How to use Simplovir
This medicine is for external use only. Use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Clean and dry the affected area and apply the cream. Wash your hands after applying, unless hands are the affected area.
How Simplovir works
Simplovir is an antiviral medication which treats skin infections caused by Herpes simplex virus. It works by preventing the multiplication of virus in the skin cells. This stops the virus from producing new viruses and clears up your skin infection.
What if you forget to take Simplovir?
If you miss a dose of Simplovir, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Quick Tips
Simplovir helps treat recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores).
Treatment should be started as early as possible following onset of signs and symptoms.
Apply it thinly to affected area five times a day, or as suggested by your doctor.
Do not use it in the eyes, mouth, nose or vagina as it may cause irritation. If accidental exposure occurs, rinse immediately with plenty of water.
Do not touch the sores unnecessarily with your hands or towel, to avoid spreading the infection.
Inform your doctor if your symptoms have not improved after 10 days of treatment.
Brief Description
Indication
As 5% oint/cream: Apply to the affected skin 5-6 times/day for 5-10 days.
Administration
Probenecid, cimetidine and mycophenolate mofetil may increase the plasma concentration of aciclovir. Increased nephrotoxic effects w/ drugs that affect renal physiology (e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus).
Adult Dose
Renal impairment. Pregnancy, lactation. Neurological abnormalities with significant hypoxia, serious hepatic or electrolyte abnormalities. Maintain adequate hydration. Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; systemic exposure is minimal after topical application.

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Renal Dose
Activity against HSV types I and II and varicella-zoster virus is due to intracellular conversion of aciclovir to the monophosphate by viral thymidine kinase with subsequent conversion to the diphosphate and active triphosphate by cellular enzymes. This active form inhibits viral DNA synthesis and replication by interfering with viral DNA polymerase enzyme and being incorporated into viral DNA.
Precaution
Herpes virus infections of skin
Pregnancy Category Note
>10% Burning/stinging (30%) 1-10% Pruritus (4%) <1% Dry lips (<1%),Rash (0.3%) Frequency Not Defined Angioedema,Vulvitis _ Interaction Hypersensitivity.