Valaciclovir Health Dictionary

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Valaciclovir: From 1 Different Sources

n. an antiviral drug taken by mouth to treat *herpes infections. Like aciclovir, it is a *DNA polymerase inhibitor. Trade name: Valtrex.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Aciclovir

Aciclovir is an antiviral drug that inhibits DNA synthesis in cells infected by HERPES VIRUSES, although it does not eradicate them. It is only e?ective if started at the onset of infection; uses include the systemic treatment of herpes simplex infections of the skin and mucous membranes (including genital herpes), as well as of varicella-zoster (chickenpox) pneumonia and encephalitis. It is also used topically in the eye. It is especially valuable for the treatment of herpes infections in those with IMMUNODEFICIENCY and may be required for the prevention of recurrence and for prophylaxis – indeed, it may be life-saving. Similar medications include famciclovir and valaciclovir.... aciclovir

Herpes Genitalis

An infection of the genitals (see GENITALIA) of either sex, caused by HERPES SIMPLEX virus type

2. It is mostly acquired as a result of sexual activity; some cases are caused by simplex type

1. After initial infection the virus lies latent in the dorsal nerve root ganglion (of the spinal cord) which enervates the affected area of the skin. Latent virus is never cured and reactivation results in either a recurrence of symptoms or in asymptomatic shedding of the virus which then infects a sexual partner. Around 30,000 cases of genital herpes are reported annually from clinics dealing with SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STDS) in England, but there are also many unrecognised (by either patient or doctor) infections. Patients may have a history of painful attacks of ulceration of the genitals for many years before seeking medical advice. All patients with a ?rst episode of the infection should be given oral antiviral treatment, and those who suffer more than six attacks a year should be considered for suppressive antiviral treatment. ACICLOVIR, valaciclovir and famciclovir are all e?ective antiviral drugs. If a woman in the ?nal three months of her pregnancy contracts herpes genitalis, this can have serious consequences for the baby as he or she will be at risk of herpes encephalitis after delivery.... herpes genitalis

Dna Polymerase Inhibitor

any one of a class of antiviral drugs that inhibit the action of DNA polymerase enzymes, which are used by viruses to form their own DNA. These drugs prevent, to a varying degree, the reproduction of viruses. They include *aciclovir, *foscarnet, *ganciclovir, and *valaciclovir.... dna polymerase inhibitor

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