VECTAVIR ® Penciclovir

VECTAVIR ® is a drug based on Penciclovir

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Antivirals for topical use

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications VECTAVIR ® Penciclovir

VECTAVIR ® is only indicated for the treatment of cold sores.

Mechanism of action VECTAVIR ® Penciclovir

VECTAVIR ® is a drug for the treatment of cold sores based on Penciclovir, an active ingredient with extensive antiviral activity, particularly effective against Herpes Simplex Virus.

Applied to the area affected by the infectious process, Penciclovir easily permeates the membranes of infected cells, being phosphorylated to Peniciclovir triphosphate first by specific viral enzymes and then by cell kinases.

The triphosphorylated drug, a nucleoside analogue of guanosine, is incorporated into the nascent chain thus blocking the activity of the enzyme Dna viral polymerase, and thus inhibiting any process of viral proliferation responsible for the ongoing symptoms.

Despite the good effectiveness of the drug, it is possible to describe the onset of resistance mechanisms such as to frustrate the therapeutic aid by:

The reduced expression of the viral thymidine kinase enzyme, initiator of the enzymatic reaction;
The alteration of the binding affinity between Penciclovir and thymidine viral kinase;
The alteration of the binding affinity between Penciclovir and DNA viral polymerase.

The above mechanisms are generally responsible for an aggravation of the clinical picture.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

CAPACITY OF DIFFUSION OF THE PENCICLOVIR BY WAY OF TOPICS

BMC Dermatol. 2009 Apr 2; 9: 3.

Molecular study that demonstrates how the application of 1% Penciclvor creams can be effective in the treatment of Labial Herpes, easily spreading from the stratum corneum to the deeper layers of the epidermis up to the basal layer.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PENCICLOVIR-BASED CREAMS IN THE TREATMENT OF LABOR HERPES

Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2004 Sep-Oct; 17 (5): 214-8.

Clinical study that suggests the topical use of Penciclovir based 1% creams in the treatment of cold sores, given the excellent results obtained regardless of the herpetic eruption phase.

RESISTANCE TO PENCICLOVIR

Arch Virol. 2003 Sep; 148 (9): 1757-69.

interesting work that evaluates the results of 11 clinical studies presented worldwide, focusing on the low tendency of HSV to develop mechanisms of resistance to Penciclovir, used topically.

Method of use and dosage

VECTAVIR ®

Topical cream with 1% Penciclovir.

In order to stop the spread of the virus and the aggravation of the clinical picture early, it would be advisable to apply the cream on the region affected by the infectious process as early as possible, taking care to renew this application at intervals of 2-4 hours.

Warnings VECTAVIR ® Penciclovir

VECTAVIR ® is intended for labial use, therefore it should be applied on infectious lesions of the lips or face, taking care to avoid direct contact with the mucous membranes and eyes.

Despite the simplicity of use it would still be advisable to consult your doctor before using this drug.

The presence in VECTAVIR ® of alcohol and propylene glycol could determine the onset of skin irritations and local reactions.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

The low, almost zero systemic absorption of Penciclovir, which occurs following topical use of VECTAVIR ®, minimizes the potential risks associated with accidental exposure of the fetus to the aforementioned drug.

In any case, before using VECTAVIR ® in pregnancy and in the subsequent breastfeeding period, it is necessary to consult your gynecologist.

Interactions

No clinically relevant drug interactions are currently known.

Contraindications VECTAVIR ® Penciclovir

VECTAVIR ® is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to the active substance or to one of its excipients.

Undesirable effects - Side effects

The use of VECTAVIR ® could lead to the appearance of local and transient, clinically non-relevant adverse reactions such as burning, redness, tingling, hives, itching and swelling.

Such reactions fortunately regress spontaneously once the therapy in progress is suspended.