Medicines to Treat Chickenpox

Definition

Chickenpox - caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus - is an infectious disease with a high degree of contagiousness, with a benign course in most cases. The main problem associated with chickenpox is not so much the disease itself, rather the possible complications: in this regard, vaccination is almost essential.

Causes

Chickenpox is caused by the Herpes Varicella-Zoster virus, belonging to the same viral strain responsible for the St. Anthony's Fire and for the herpes labial / genital. The varicella virus is transmitted mainly by air, through the micro particles of saliva dispersed in the air by the infected subject.

Those most at risk of chickenpox are the elderly, the immunocompromised, those with kidney or respiratory disorders and those who use corticosteroids

Symptoms

Chickenpox is known to all as the disease responsible for the appearance of small, highly itchy red spots on the skin, which then evolve into bubbles filled with liquid and, ultimately, into crusts. The skin rash is often accompanied by anorexia, asthenia, widespread chills, migraines, fever, and dry cough.

The information on Chickenpox - Medicines for the Treatment of Chickenpox is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Varicella - Varicella Medication.

Medicines

The medications listed below are commonly used in the treatment of chickenpox:

Antivirals:

Aciclovir (eg. Efriviral, Aciclovir): administer the drug orally (800 mg) four times a day for 5 days, or intravenously (10 mg / kg body weight) every 8 hours, for a period ranging from 7 to 10 days (or until the chickenpox lesions disappear). For children weighing less than 40 kilos, administer 20 mg / kg of the drug 4 times a day for 5 days; if the child weighs over 40 pounds, the adult dose is recommended.
Valaciclovir (eg. Talavir, Valtrex): administer the drug in patients aged between 2 and 18 years at a dose of 20mg / kg three times a day for 5 days; however, the total daily dose should not exceed one gram. Therapy must coincide with the onset of symptoms.
Foscarnet (eg. Foscavir): to be used when the patient does not respond positively to treatment with acyclovir. The dosage must be indicated by the doctor.

Antihistamines (eg Oxatomide (active ingredient); specialty: Tinset): in the form of a cream (topical application), or drops, this drug is recommended to relieve itching. The dosage should be established by the doctor, based on the weight of the subject and the severity of the itchy skin rash.

Antibiotics: to be taken only in case of serious complications (pneumonia, skin infections). It will be the doctor who will indicate the drug and dosage most suitable for the treatment of the disorder.

Paracetamol (eg. Acetamol, Tachipirina): take the drug in case of fever associated with chicken pox, orally in the form of tablets, syrup, effervescent sachets or suppositories; it is recommended to take paracetamol at a dosage of 325-650 mg every 4-6 hours for 6-8 consecutive days, to lower the fever.

Specific immunoglobulins (intramuscularly) mitigate the severity of symptoms. For those at risk of chickenpox, administer the drug 3 or 4 days after exposure to the virus (max. 10 days), even before the onset of symptoms. This category of drugs includes, for example:

Varitect 25UI / ML IV 5 ML (active ingredient: human antivaricella immunoglobulin for intravenous / intramuscular use): administer i.m. at the dosage of 250mg for children up to 5 years, 500 mg for infants aged between 6 and 10 years, 750 mg for children between 11 and 15 years, and 1 gram for those who have already completed 15 years. A second dose after 3 weeks is recommended in case of subsequent exposure to the virus.
Zostavax (active ingredient: attenuated varicella virus-Zoster): the vaccine is in the form of a powder or solvent; mix the drug to get the injectable solution. Inject the vaccine subcutaneously, in the upper arm.

What changes from 2017

With the decree law on vaccination prevention for minors from zero to 16 years, approved on 28/07/2017, vaccination against chickenpox has become mandatory.

This specific vaccination can be carried out with a single injection together with 3 other vaccination covers (the so-called quadrivalent MPRV vaccination, which includes vaccines: anti-measles, anti-rubella, anti-mumps, anti-varicella).

The "obligation to vaccinate against chickenpox is in force, in the context of the 10 mandatory vaccinations, only for those born after 2017.

We remind you that compulsory vaccinations are a requirement for admission to nursery schools and preschools (for children from 0 to 6 years old) and that the violation of the vaccination obligation entails the application of significant financial penalties.

For more information on mandatory vaccines in children see this article.

Vaccines are contraindicated for immunosuppressed subjects, pregnant women and for those who are sensitive to one or more components of the vaccine.

Measures: in case of chickenpox

follow a balanced diet without excesses
do not take foods that are irritating to the gastric mucosa (acidic, spicy, fatty)
rest
apply cooling powders / lotions to the skin
avoid scratching / breaking the scabs, although highly itchy
avoid giving acetylsalicylic acid drugs (possible predisposition to Reye's syndrome) in children under 16 with chickenpox