Question of the Week

Question :

Posted On : 14 Dec 2006

Can Acyclovir be given to a child who already shows vesicular lesions, may be in third or fourth day of the disease-chicken pox? If yes, what dose? Does Acyclovir reduce the severity of rash outbreak and what are the chances that the child may get second episode of chicken pox later on in his,her life due to first abortive episode?

Expert Answer :

No expert answer available.

Answer Discussion :

Dr P R Rajender

no.acyclovir has to be started within 24 hours to be effective. itdoes not alter the duration or severity of the outbreak if started later than 24 hours.the 2nd episode would be a minor ailment if at all it occurs

18 years ago

samir

no, but Anti-viral drugs{acyclovir} effective against vericella are known but are usually not required for otherwise healthy children and for uncomplicated cases of chickenpox. They may, however, be required when complications such as varicella pneumonia occur or when an immunocompromised child suffers from chickenpox.
chickenpox give life long immunity.second episodes is very rare but during adolscent may be complaining from shingles

18 years ago

jacob

yes.10-20-kg-day.yes,acyclovir does reduce the severity of rash.5-10 Percent

18 years ago

dr.suman

NO,it serves no purpopse as it is not cost effective and it has complications, acyclovir is useful within 48 hrs of onset of vescicles

18 years ago

yes can be given.its better if it is given within 24hrs with dosage of 20mg-kg-dose q.i.d for 5 days.yes it reduces the outbreak.chances of relapse is unlikely barring immunocompromised status

18 years ago

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