Antiviral Medications for Chickenpox: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects

Drugs Used Against Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It leads to an itchy, blister-like rash that appears first on the chest, back, and face then spreads over the entire body.

While chickenpox is generally mild in healthy children, it can result in serious complications for teens, adults, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. For moderate to severe cases, doctors may prescribe antiviral medications.

Symptoms of Chickenpox

Chickenpox symptoms usually begin 10-21 days after exposure to the virus. The most common signs are:

• - Low-grade fever
• - Fatigue
• - Headache
• - Loss of appetite
• - Itchy rash with fluid-filled blisters

The rash begins as small red bumps that rapidly turn into extremely itchy blisters. Over several days, the blisters will rupture, ooze, and finally crust over to form scabs. Most people recover fully in 1-2 weeks.

When Are Antiviral Medications Used?

For otherwise healthy children under 12 years old with uncomplicated chickenpox, medications are typically not needed. Home remedies plus over-the-counter pain relievers are sufficient in these cases.

However, antiviral drugs may be prescribed for:

• - Adults
• - Teens over 12 years old
• - Pregnant women
• - Newborns
• - Immunocompromised patients

The antiviral drugs help shorten the duration of symptoms, hasten healing of the rash, and reduce complications. This makes them beneficial for those at increased risk of severe chickenpox.

Antiviral Drugs for Chickenpox

There are three antiviral medications used for treating chickenpox:

• Acyclovir: Available as a tablet, capsule, or intravenous formula. It stops replication of the virus.
• Valacyclovir: An oral medication that converts to acyclovir in the body. It has higher bioavailability than acyclovir.
• Famciclovir: Also taken orally. Famciclovir has the advantage of requiring less frequent dosing than acyclovir.

These antivirals work by blocking the enzyme the varicella virus needs to replicate inside cells. This helps control the infection.

To be effective, antiviral treatment should begin within 24 hours of the rash first appearing. The medications are continued for 5-7 days until all chickenpox lesions have crusted over.

Side Effects and Risks

When prescribed correctly, antivirals have few side effects. Potential adverse effects can include:

• - Nausea or vomiting
• - Diarrhea
• - Dizziness
• - Rash
• - Headache

Serious allergic reactions are possible but very rare. Be sure to let your doctor know if you have any kidney problems, as dose adjustments may be needed.

These medications also have some important drug interactions to be aware of. Antivirals can interact with drugs removed by the kidneys, immune suppressing drugs, and certain anti-seizure medications.

Talk to your pharmacist about potential medication interactions when antivirals are prescribed.

Benefits of Antiviral Treatment

Research shows that prompt antiviral treatment can:

• - Reduce the severity and duration of symptoms by 1-2 days
• - Decrease number of pox lesions by up to 75%
• - Shorten time for skin lesions to crust over and heal
• - Lower the risk of skin infections due to scratching
• - Minimize scarring potential

In high risk groups, the benefits are even more significant. Antivirals can curtail chickenpox complications like pneumonia, encephalitis, and bacterial skin infections.

For pregnant women, antivirals lower the chances of life-threatening complications for both mother and developing baby.

Alternatives to Antiviral Medications

In mild cases of chickenpox, doctors may recommend home remedies and over-the-counter medications rather than prescription antivirals.

Some alternatives to antivirals include:

• - Rest: Allow extra sleep and avoid strenuous activity to support healing.
• - Cool baths: Baths with colloidal oatmeal or baking soda soothe itchy skin.
• - Wet compresses: Apply compresses dabbed with calamine lotion to ease itching.
• - Acetaminophen: OTC pain relievers like Tylenol help reduce fever and pain.
• - Antihistamines: Oral antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) relieve itching.
• - Topical creams: Over-the-counter hydrocortisone or calamine cream can reduce itching.

Be sure to avoid scratching lesions, keep fingernails trimmed short, and wear gloves or socks over hands to prevent infection.

Preventing Chickenpox

The best way to avoid chickenpox and the need for treatment is through vaccination. The varicella vaccine is given in two doses to children 12-15 months old and 4-6 years old.

The vaccine is over 90% effective at preventing infection. Those who still get chickenpox after vaccination generally have a very mild case.

Other preventive measures include:

• - Washing hands frequently
• - Avoiding contact with infected individuals
• - Not sharing personal items like towels or silverware
• - Staying home from school/work during outbreaks

Pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals especially should take steps to avoid exposure to chickenpox.

The Bottom Line

Antiviral medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir are occasionally prescribed for teens, adults, pregnant women, and high-risk cases of chickenpox. When started promptly, these drugs can reduce severity and complications.

However, most healthy children under 12 years old do not require prescription antivirals for chickenpox. Home remedies and OTC medications are sufficient for uncomplicated cases.

Prevention through vaccination is the best way to avoid contracting chickenpox altogether. Practicing good hygiene and avoiding contact with infected people also lowers risk of infection.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.