Shingles are a viral infection caused by microbial attack of nerve cells; these show up as rashes on your skin. The main reason for such an attack is a virus named varicella zoster which is also the chief cause for chickenpox. These viral strands may remain latent and may get activated much later in your life. Their activation leads to shingles. Drugs such as famciclovir are commonly used for the treatment of shingles. But, can you use it along with antibiotics? It is important to know more on this prior to starting the dosage plan.
Viral infections show up through a few of their characteristic signs such as common cold, runny nose, sores in oral parts, etc. Viruses like herpes simplex as well as herpes zoster are widely encountered risks. Herpes zoster causes shingles / skin conditions such as rashes, inflammation or discoloration, while an onset of herpes simplex can be detected by sores at the anal region or on other parts like mouth or nose. Herpes are essentially sores which form as blisters. Once these blisters break off, they make way to sores. You may typically notice an increase in body temperature, muscular aches as well as swelling of lymph nodes / glands during the outbreak of herpes.
What is famciclovir and what are its uses?
Famciclovir is an antiviral drug administered for the treatment of infections caused by viruses such as herpes simplex and herpes zoster. This drug is effective in controlling outbreaks characterized by soreness of mouth, common cold as well as a few other related symptoms. Among those who are living with frequent spells of genital herpes, this drug helps stop episodes of outbreaks. Active ingredients of famciclovir do not provide a complete cure or a full relief from such viruses. These viral strands may continue to reside in your system amid each outbreak. Famciclovir helps minimize the intensity of these outbreaks and also reduces the duration of each episode in a substantial manner.
In case of people living with a compromised immunity, this drug helps reduce risks of infections spreading to different parts. Clinical studies show that the drug can decrease pains caused by opened-up sores and help heal such open sores. This drug is taken before or after a meal; typical dose is twice or thrice within a 24-hour timeframe. It is recommended to start using this drug soon after detecting the first signs of an outbreak. This is essential because a delayed intake of famciclovir may lead to drop in this drug’s efficacy. Strength of doses depends on your age, body weight, prior medical conditions and above all, severity of the underlying infection.
It is essential to maintain traces of famciclovir in your system at a uniform level. Owing this requirement, you are advised to take this drug at regular intervals. In order to enhance the efficacy of this med, take it at the same time every day. Also, it is important to continue taking this med even after sensing some initial relief from signs of infections, such as sores or rashes on skin. Those who stopped the dosages without completing the medication plan witnessed a relapse of viral infections.
Can you take famciclovir along with antibiotics?
As a safety precaution, it is a good practice to tell your doctor of the drugs you are presently taking, and also of treatment plans you currently pursue. Women who took this antiviral med along with antibiotics such as amoxicillin witnessed a marked drop in hemoglobin level. An optimal level of hemoglobin is essential to transport oxygen to tissues and to bring back carbon dioxide to your lungs. Drop in this iron-based protein may lead to a decrease in red cells or may trigger conditions like anemia. Among men, a combination of famciclovir and antibiotic meds can cause stomatitis; this is a swelling of mucus of oral parts such as tongue, cheeks, throat and gums.
In some instances, a combination of famciclovir and antibiotics has led to abnormal heartbeats, retention of fluids, mood shifts like anxieties, stress, etc. In some rare cases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders (COPD) like bronchitis, tightness or pain in the chest, etc. have been observed. If you are witnessing severe side effects such as tremors, anxieties, blurring of eyesight, etc., talk to your treating physician without much delay. If you are living in the US, call 911 or the helpdesk of food & drug administration (FDA); those who are in Canada are advised to visit a local poison control unit or dial Health Canada with immediate effect.
The aforesaid reactions do not constitute a complete listing. It is likely to witness a few unknown reactions. Upon sensing any such unknown discomforts, consult with your doctor immediately. Moreover, it is a vital thing to remember that your doctor has prescribed this drug as the benefits of its use far exceeds the risks of aforesaid adverse reactions. Hence, it is highly recommended to adhere to the instructions of your caregiver throughout your dosage plan.
Side effects famciclovir triggers
This antiviral drug is likely to cause a few undesired side effects. These include abdominal discomforts such as discharge of watery stools, nausea or vomiting accompanied by migraine. These are quite common but may go away upon pursuing your dosage plan. However, if any of these adverse side effects is persisting, seek needful medical support on an urgent basis.
This drug is likely to make you dizzy or drowsy. Hence, it is essential to stay away from activities such as driving, working with heavy machines, performing adventurous sporting activities like diving, cycling or jumping. In general, you are advised to keep away from activities that need a high level of focus. Key chemicals of famciclovir may cause a few renal problems like altered urinary discharge, discoloration of urine, etc. Upon witnessing any of these signs, talk to your caregiving team for needful clinical care.
In sum, people who took antiviral med famciclovir with antibiotics like amoxicillin saw severe drop in haemoglobin / decrease in red cells of blood or anemia (among women) and inflammatory conditions like stomatitis (in men). It is a safe practice to make your treating physician know of all the other meds you are taking. Also, share all needful details about treatment plans pursued. In order to know more about likely risks of taking famciclovir with antibiotics, talk to your doctor prior to starting such combinatorial treatments.
Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from New York University. Experience: 5 years of experience writing for physiotherapy and sports medicine blogs, providing expert insights on injury prevention and rehabilitation.
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