Opthovir 3% Ointment 5gm

Introduction About OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT

OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT contains Acyclovir, which belongs to the group of medicines
called Antivirals. It is used for the management of cold sores associated with
the Herpes simplex virus in immunodeficiency adults and adolescents over 12
years of age. It can also be used to speed up the healing of sores and shorten
the duration of pain.

A cold sore is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus most often around
the mouth. Symptoms include tiny, fluid-filled lesions called cold sores, sore
lips, ulcers, blisters or rashes on the skin.

Before applying OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT inform your doctor if you have low
immunity, cold sores in your mouth or frequent episodes of cold sores greater
than 4 times a year. OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT is generally not recommended for use
in pregnant women unless it is considered clearly necessary. OPTHOVIR 3%
OINTMENT is generally not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it may
pass through the breast milk.

The most common side effects after applying OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT are rash, itchy
skin, weal, mild drying or flaking of the skin and dry lips. Contact your doctor
if your symptom gets worse or persists.

Uses Of OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT

• Manage cold sores associated with herpes simplex virus infections
• Speeds up the healing process and shortens the duration of pain
• Manage recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) in immunodeficiency adults and adolescents 12 years of age and above

How OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT Works

OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT works by killing or stopping the growth of viruses (herpes
virus). It has a higher affinity for viral DNA cells than human DNA cells and
incorporates into the viral DNA and causes DNA chain termination and
inactivation, leading to the death of cells.

How to use OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT

Apply OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT as directed by your physician. It is for external use
only. Wash your hands with soap and water before applying the medicine. Apply a
thin layer of medicine to the affected area. Do not rub the cold sore because
this may cause the cold sore to spread to other areas or make your cold sore
worse. Use this medicine for up to 5 days.

Side Effects Of OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT

Common

• burning or stinging feeling
• redness, itching, mild drying or flaking of the skin, skin rashes, hives and weals
• dry or cracked lips
• peeling

Rare

Stop applying OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT and contact your doctor immediately if you
experience any of the following side effects:

• allergic reaction symptoms such as rash, itchy skin, weal, swelling of the lips, face and/or eyelids

How To Manage Side Effects

Itchy skin:

Avoid hot showers because hot water can irritate the skin. Do not scratch the
affected area. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Regularly
use unscented moisturizers to soothe and hydrate the affected area. If the
symptom does not improve, contact your doctor.

Warning & Precautions

!### Pregnancy

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant before applying OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT.
Consult your doctor before applying.

!### Breastfeeding

OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT is generally not recommended for use in breastfeeding women
as it may pass through the breast milk. Consult your doctor before applying
OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT.

!### Allergy

Do not apply OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT if you are allergic to Acyclovir,
Valacyclovir, or any of the other ingredients of the medicine.

Others

OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT is not recommended for use if you have:

• mouth ulcers
• herpes infections near the eyes, or in the genital area

Before applying OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT, inform your doctor:

• if you have low immunity
• frequent episodes of cold sores

Use in pediatrics:

OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT should be used with caution in children under 12 years of
age. Consult your doctor before applying OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT.

Use in geriatrics:

OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged above
75 years). Consult your doctor before applying OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT.

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines,
including medicines obtained without a prescri
herbal products.

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally use too much of OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT or if
you or a child accidentally swallow the medicine, consult your doctor
immediately or visit the nearby hospital.

Synopsis

Drug	:	Acyclovir
Pharmacological Category	:	Antivirals
Therapeutic Indication	:	Cold sores
Dosage Forms	:	Tablet, Suspension, Syrup, Infusion, Injection, Cream, Ointment, Eye ointment

More Information

• Keep OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT out of the sight and reach from children
• Store OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT below 25°C

FAQs About OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT

Can I apply OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT on genital herpes?

No. Do not apply OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT to any unaffected skin, or genital herpes
sores. Consult your doctor before applying.

Can I use OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT for impetigo?

No. OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT is used to manage cold sores caused by the herpes
simplex virus. Consult your doctor before applying OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT.

How long does it take forOPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENTto work?

OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT starts working within 24 hours of administration and
symptoms gradually decrease within 3 days. Consult your doctor if the symptom
persists.

Can I use OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT on my lips?

Yes. OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT is used to manage cold sores (fever blisters; blisters
that are caused by a herpes simplex virus) on the face or lips. Consult your
doctor before applying OPTHOVIR 3% OINTMENT.

Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Herpes Simplex Virus 1 DNA PCR
• Herpes Simplex Virus 1 IgG
• Herpes Simplex Virus 2 DNA PCR
• Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgG
• Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgM