Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm

Description
  • Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm is prescribed for the treatment of herpes, shingles, chickenpox, and similar viral illnesses
  • Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm contains Acyclovir (an antiviral agent)
  • A thin layer of ointment is to be applied with clean hands, once or twice daily
  • Each tube is sold separately

 

Description

About 

Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm is grouped in the chemical family known as antivirals.This particular drug is prescribed to patients diagnosed with Herpes Varicella-Zoster virus,that causes painful rashes and/or blisters,that can occur anywhere on the body;otherwise known as chickenpox and/or shingles.Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm is highly effective in eliminating blisters that form around the oral cavity (mouth) of patients suffering from Herpes.It is imperative to know that Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm is also commonly prescribed to patients who are immunocompromised as a way of protecting them from ever contracting the virus;this also decreases the risk of spreading the virus.

Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm is safe to be prescribed to patients of all ages but for patients aged 2 years and above.For women who are pregnant or planning to start a family Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm may be prescribed only when necessary and under the supervision of a physician.Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm is found in breast milk in trace amounts and is therefore prescribed quite rarely to breastfeeding mothers.

A thin layer of Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm is to be applied on the skin with clean hands 1-2 times per day or as advised by the physician.Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm is to be used under the care and supervision of a doctor.Patients tend to observe relief within a week or two of applying Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm.

Mild side effects such as a stinging or burning sensation may be felt at the time of application for a few days.Side effects such as dryness,skin sensitivity or flaking/peeling off the skin may be felt at the start of treatment with Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm,these adverse effects tend to resolve on their own in a few days time.

Indications

Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm can be used to treat:

  • Herpes Zoster Virus 
  • Herpes Varicella Virus 
  • Patients susceptible to contracting the virus 

How Does Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm Work

Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm effectively hinders the action of an enzyme known as DNA polymerase that is responsible for viral replication in the body.

How To Use Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm

A thin layer of Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm is to be applied on the skin with clean hands 1-2 times per day or as advised by the physician,for 2 weeks.Do not use a rough hand and just gently apply Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm on the affected area.Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm is not meant to be covered after application.

Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm is to be used under the care and supervision of a doctor and for a specified period of time only.Patients are advised to not stop using the Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm without consulting a physician, once they see or feel an improvement in their symptoms,which is likely to occur 2 weeks after starting treatment with Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm

Dosage 

Adult Dosage 

A tablespoon or two,a day is commonly prescribed to patients aged 18 years and above

Child Dosage 

Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm is safe to be prescribed to patients aged 2 years and older. The dosage for each individual is based on their weight and age.

Elderly Dosage 

For elderly patients who are susceptible to kidney and liver problems, a lowered dose of Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm may be prescribed under the care and supervision of a physician.

Pregnancy Use And Lactation

For women who are pregnant or planning to start a family Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm may be prescribed only when necessary and under the supervision of a physician. Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm is found in breast milk in trace amounts and is therefore prescribed quite rarely to breastfeeding mothers.

Contraindications

Please tell your doctor if you have a history of any of the following before using Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm:

  • Allergy to Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm or any other medicine or food substance 
  • Severe dehydration 
  • Moderate to severe Kidney disease 
  • Low platelet levels in the body
  • Low red blood cells level in the bloodstream 
  • Breastfeeding mother 
  • Mental health problems 
  • Patients with sensitive skin 

Precautions

Please tell your doctor about any of the following conditions before they use Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm:

  • Mild to moderate Kidney impairment
  • Mild to moderate liver impairment 
  • Elderly patients 
  • Pregnant women 
  • Patients with a history of skin cancer 

Interactions With Other Medications

Please tell your doctor about the use of the following before using Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm:

  • Other antiviral drugs 
  • NSAIDs (such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin etc)
  • Amphotericin B 
  • Certain antibiotics (such as  Amikacin, Gentamicin and etc)
  • Cyclosporine 
  • Probenecid 
  • Drugs used to treat HIV (such as  Retrovir)
  • Pentamidine 
  • Sulphonamides (such as  Sulphamethoxazole)
  • Vancomycin 
  • Tacrolimus 
  • Cimetidine 
  • Mycophenolate mofetil 

Adverse Effects

Common Adverse Effects

Like most medicines,Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm has certain side effects which include:

  • Fatigue 
  • Irritation/itching at the area of application 
  • Dryness/peeling of skin 

These effects tend to be mild and resolve in a few days of taking Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm

Rare Adverse Effects

If any of the following adverse effects are seen or felt, the patient is advised to immediately contact their doctor.

  • Allergic reaction
  • Swelling of hands and feet 
  • Changes in vision 
  • Headaches 
  • Light sensitivity

How To Cope With Some Of The Adverse Effects

  • Headaches- In which case make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid the use of alcohol. Take a prescribed painkiller. Consult your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe
  • Fatigue- Patients experiencing this adverse effect, are advised to take deep breaths,intake tea or coffee,get a good night’s rest and not to overburden themselves for a few days.
  • Photosensitivity – patients are asked to wear sun protective clothes when going outside including gloves and hat,to apply generous amounts of broad spectrum sunblock along with wearing sunglasses.Patients are advised to do all necessary work after sunset so as to reduce or eliminate sun exposure while undergoing treatment with Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm.
  • Dryness- apply a moisturizer to the skin and wait for 10-15 minutes after which apply Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm on to the skin.This will prevent skin from getting dry and flaky.
  • Itching At The Area Of Application- can be eased by applying soothing and healing lotions or creams such as calamine lotion/cream.Apply a cold compress to the area to help reduce itchiness and redness caused by rash.

Key Facts About Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm

  • Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm is prescribed to treat Herpes zoster and/or varicella virus 
  • Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm is prescribed to be applied once or twice daily
  • Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm is safe to be prescribed to patients aged of 2 years and above 
  • Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm may cause itchiness at the site  of application 
  • Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm may lead to skin sensitivity 

FAQs

#1.How To Store Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm?

Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm is to be kept away from the reach of children,in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity as that tends to ruin certain drugs.

#2.Can I Take Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm During My Pregnancy?

Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm is deemed safe to be prescribed to pregnant women if and when absolutely necessary after careful consideration and care by the physician.

#3.What If I Apply Too Much Of Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm?

 In case of excessive application,kindly contact your doctor or nearby hospital straight away. The amount of medication that can result in swelling of the applied regions,severe burning sensation and cause the skin to become highly sensitive to light especially sunlight.

#4.What If I Miss A Dose Of Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm?

If you miss a dose of the medication, make sure you apply it as soon as possible on that same day. If you don’t remember you missed the dose until the next dosage time or next day, do not double the dose and take your medication as per schedule.

#5.How Is Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm Supposed To Be Used?

A thin layer of Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm is to be applied on the skin with clean hands 1-2 times per day or as advised by the physician,for 2 weeks.Do not use a rough hand and just gently apply Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm on the affected area.Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm is not meant to be covered after application.

#6.Will Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm Affect My Sexual Activity?

No,there isn’t sufficient evidence to suggest that patients experience a decrease in libido.

#7.What Are Common Side Effects Caused By Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm?

  • Headache 
  • Dizziness 
  • Stomach problems 
  • Skin rash 
  • Abdominal cramps 
  • Fatigue

#8.Will Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm Affect My Fertility?

No,there isn’t sufficient evidence to suggest that patients experience a decrease in fertility.

#9.What Lab Tests Will Be Prescribed While Undergoing Treatment With Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm And How Often?

Kidney and liver function tests along with blood tests to keep check on serum potassium levels are advised to be done periodically

#10.Is It Safe To Have Painkillers While Taking Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm?

Yes.Over the counter painkillers such as paracetamol are safe to be ingested along with Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm under the supervision of a doctor.

#11.Is It Safe To Have Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm While Lactating?

Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm has been discovered in trace amounts in breast milk,this may have adverse effects on the child and therefore,Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm is rarely prescribed to breastfeeding mothers.

#12.Can Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm Cause Dizziness? If So, How Should I Manage It?

Yes. It can cause dizziness as one of the most common side effects. If this happens, you should sit or lie down until the symptoms pass. However, please note this is temporary and usually goes away as the treatment continues. It is also advised to avoid the consumption of alcohol during the course of your treatment, as it may worsen the dizziness.

#13.How Long Will I Have TO Continue Taking The Medication?

Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm is a long term treatment drug and may be prescribed to be ingested for the remainder of a patient’s life or as advised by a doctor

#14.Why Must I Protect My Skin From The Sun While Taking Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm?

Treatment with Santovir Ophthalmic 3% Ointment 4.5 gm may lead to the skin becoming sensitive to sun damage and it is therefore recommended to patients to wear sunscreen at all times,along with hats and gloves whenever possible to protect themselves from sun damage.

 

Additional information

Type

Ointment – Tube

Feature

3%

Unit

gm

Formula

Acyclovir

Composition

Acyclovir 3 %

Brand

Sante Pharma

Prescription Required

Yes