Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
Pharmacodynamics
Antiviral agent. The active substance is active against DNA-containing viruses - herpes and herpes zoster . The mechanism of action is due to inhibition of the penetration of viruses into the cell. The use of the drug prolongs periods of remission. An important property is that viral resistance to the active substance does not develop. Viru-Merz is also effective against human papillomavirus .
Pharmacokinetics
When applied to the skin, it is practically not absorbed, so the active substance is not detected in the blood and urine.
Release forms and composition of the drug
The medicine can be found on pharmacy shelves in the form of a gel for external use, which is packaged in aluminum tubes of 5 g. The concentration of the active component in the product is 1%.
The gel has a thick consistency, but is well absorbed and leaves no residue. It contains the active component tromantadine hydrochloride, which has the main therapeutic effect.
The gel contains auxiliary components:
- Lactose monohydrate.
- Sorbitol.
- Sorbic acid.
- Hyaetellosis.
Additional substances do not have therapeutic properties, but are necessary in the composition to maintain the chemical formula.
Viru-Merz Serol, instructions for use (Method and dosage)
Viru-Merz gel is applied to the affected areas up to 5 times a day (more often) and lightly rubbed. Treatment is carried out for 2-3 days, but if there is no improvement in the condition, it is stopped earlier. The gel is not applied to the eye area.
The earlier treatment is started, its effectiveness is much higher. It is advisable to start treatment in the first 2-3 hours from the onset of the disease before the appearance of blisters, which prevents further development of the infection. At the stage of their formation, the use of gel is not recommended. During the treatment period, it is recommended to abstain from sexual intercourse.
Indications for use
Viru-Merz Serol is prescribed to patients for various viral disorders, despite the high price and small amount of the product in the tube.
Main indications for use:
- Pathologies of the skin caused by viruses sensitive to the active component.
- Chicken pox. The drug is used after the appearance of lesions on the body and face in order to prevent the formation of scars when scratching.
- Herpes types 1 and 2 with the appearance of lesions on the lips, nose or other parts of the face.
The herpes virus is transmitted through saliva - Damage to the facial nerve as a result of activation of the herpes virus type 1 or 2. In this case, lesions appear on the face, which are treated with gel.
- Diagnosing a patient with papillomavirus, in which papillomas of different sizes appear on the body.
The drug can be used as part of a complex treatment of herpes in combination with HPV activation.
Analogues of Viru-Merz
Level 4 ATX code matches: Aldara
Zovirax Duo-Active
Acyclovir
Fenistil Pencivir
Bonafton
Zovirax
Atsik
Alpizarin
Herpferon
Epigen Intim
Lysozyme
Gerpevir
Kondilin
Virolex
Gevisosh
Alpizarin , Acigerpin , Acyclovir , Gervirax , Zovirax .
Contraindications
The drug is contraindicated in patients who suffer from intolerance to the components of the composition or have a tendency to such manifestations.
Other barriers to therapy include the following conditions:
- Childhood and adolescence.
- Lactation period. Despite the minimal absorption of the components of the composition into the systemic circulation, it can lead to complications.
- The period of gestation is not considered an absolute contraindication for therapy, but there is no data on the safety of using external agents during this time. This is why you should refuse treatment.
- Trophic ulcers, cracks in the area where the medication is supposed to be applied.
- Infected wounds in the affected area.
- Viral pathologies caused by viruses that are not sensitive to the components of the composition. In this case, the use of the medicine is almost ineffective.
If patients develop complications during therapy with other drugs with a similar composition, you should not use the medicine. In each case, the list of contraindications may increase.
Reviews of Viru-Merz Serola
None of the drugs can completely remove the herpes virus from the body - its constant carriage and reactivation are noted under favorable conditions. Drugs can only slow down, and some completely suppress, the replication of the virus, thereby preventing the spread of infection, reducing the duration of the disease and the frequency of relapses. A relatively new drug based on tromantadine , when used correctly, can significantly reduce the manifestations of herpes . Most of the reviews are related to the use of Viru-Merz gel for herpes lips. Almost everyone notes its effectiveness: pain, swelling , inflammation and burning are quickly eliminated, and the duration of the disease as a whole is reduced. None of the users noted any side effects. However, this drug is not without its drawbacks - it is effective only in the initial stages of the disease.
- “...Only he helps me with herpes. I noticed that there have been no exacerbations for 5 months, but previously there were once every 2 months.”
- “... I consider Viru-Merz ointment to be the most effective for herpes on the lips. At least for me".
- “...It works much better than acyclovir, which no longer helps me, maybe because I’ve been using it for many years.”
- “... I used different ointments and gels and changed Acyclovir to this drug because I see a difference.”
- “...Helps without exception! If you use it at the first symptoms, bubbles do not appear at all.”
- “... I often use it, it’s quite an effective remedy, but you need to not miss the moment and start treatment immediately as soon as lip swelling and pain appear.”
- “... My irreplaceable assistant, who has repeatedly proven his effectiveness and helped me out. You need to apply a little, because the film on the lip will be very noticeable.”
- “... It turned out to be ineffective for me - the pain progressed, the swelling progressed, the blisters grew.”
- “... Expensive and ineffective. It turned out to be useless for me."
Reviews also include the use of Viru-Merz Serol after the destruction of large warts. The drug was prescribed externally for 7-10 days to prevent recurrence of the disease. And according to observations over a period of 8 months, no relapses were noted. The effectiveness of the drug in the treatment of small flat warts was also noted when the gel was used for a month once a day. The elements regressed and no relapses were noted.
Pharmacological properties
Viru-Merz Serol, the price of which is quite high, has pronounced antiviral properties, which allows it to be used in courses in the treatment of various types of herpes. The drug suppresses the activity of viruses, which leads to relief of the condition, and also prevents damage to healthy cells.
As a result of suppression of viral activity, gradual restoration of cells occurs. The drug also helps to significantly improve the condition of the epidermis, which often suffers when a herpetic lesion forms.
The drug also helps prevent the re-development of the pathology over a short period of time.
Overdose
Viru-Merz Serol (the price of the drug differs in different pharmacies) does not provoke an overdose; such cases have not been recorded by specialists. This is due to minimal absorption of the active component into the systemic circulation and the absence of a cumulative effect.
But with prolonged use, negative reactions from the skin and mucous membranes may worsen. It is important to immediately stop treatment, rinse the treated areas with clean water and visit a doctor. In most cases, no special therapy is required; the symptoms disappear on their own. Only sometimes the doctor prescribes external or systemic medications to alleviate the condition.
Preventive actions
To prevent the formation and exacerbation of herpes in intimate places, it is necessary to exclude casual sexual contacts, use barrier contraception, and promptly examine and treat the sexual partner.
If the virus worsens, use medications in strict accordance with the doctor, and in the future use medications according to a special regimen aimed at preventing the disease.
To prevent infection of a sexual partner, a doctor may recommend the use of a number of antiviral and immunomodulatory medications intended for long-term use.
Side effects
The drug can provoke mild and severe complications if the instructions are not followed. In most cases, they manifest themselves as external symptoms, but sometimes patients talk about systemic disorders.
Damage area | Most common negative reactions |
Nervous system | From the nervous system, disorders manifest themselves against the background of local complications. They are accompanied by irritability, deterioration of night sleep, headaches and dizziness. As a result, there is a decrease in performance, physical and mental activity. |
Mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and oral cavity | When applying the product near the mucous membranes, severe irritation, swelling and itching may occur. If left untreated, the symptoms worsen, including allergic rhinitis, lacrimation and increased salivation. Patients refuse food, their sense of smell, taste and vision may deteriorate due to damage to the mucous membranes of the sensory organs. |
Skin | During the treatment period, an allergic reaction may develop that affects the skin in the affected area. But symptoms can spread to large areas of the skin, and a rash appears on the body and limbs. Patients are concerned about severe itching, burning and flaking of the skin. When scratching the affected area, the outer layer is damaged and there is a risk of infection. |
The severity of negative reactions depends on the individual patient’s body. Sometimes complications gradually disappear on their own, but more often symptomatic therapy is required to normalize the condition.
If complications occur, it is important to stop using the product. If symptoms do not disappear, you should visit a doctor.
Terms, conditions of sale and storage
The external remedy is sold in pharmacies without a prescription from a doctor. When storing, it is important to limit access to children and avoid direct sunlight.
Viru-Merz Serol
The maximum shelf life is 3 years, but after opening the tube it is reduced to 6 months. After the expiration date, use is not allowed. The production date of the medicine is indicated on the packaging.