Acyclovir can reduce the number of days with fever in otherwise healthy children with chickenpox
By www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Chickenpox (varicella) is caused by a virus. It begins with a fever, followed by a rash of red pimples which become itchy sores that form scabs. Chickenpox usually affects children from one to 14 years. In young babies, adults or people with impaired immune system, chickenpox is more severe. Treatments include lotions to relieve itchiness, paracetamol (acetaminophen) for fever and the antiviral drug acyclovir. The review of trials found that acyclovir reduces the number of days of fever from chickenpox in otherwise healthy children, usually without adverse effects. It is not clear whether it improves sores and itching.
Background: Acyclovir has the potential to shorten the course of illness which may result in reduced costs and morbidity associated with chickenpox.
Objectives: To examine the evidence evaluating the efficacy of acyclovir in alleviating symptoms of chickenpox and shortening the duration of illness.
To examine complications of chickenpox and adverse effects associated with acyclovir as reported in the relevant trials.
Search methods: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, 2008, issue 3) which contains the Acute Respiratory Infections Group's Specialized Register, MEDLINE (1950 to Septemer Week 3, 2008), and EMBASE (1974 to September 2008). The reference lists of all relevant articles were reviewed.
Selection criteria: Randomized controlled trials that evaluated otherwise healthy children zero to 18 years of age, with chickenpox.
Data collection and analysis: Two review authors independently reviewed the studies for eligibility. Two review authors independently assessed methodological quality of the relevant studies using the Jadad scale and allocation concealment. Differences were resolved by consensus. Data were extracted by one review author using a structured form and checked by a second.
Continuous data were converted to the weighted mean difference (WMD). Weighted mean differences were combined into an overall estimate using random effects. There were too few studies to consider exploring statistical heterogeneity between studies (i.e., differences in reported effects), formally, or to assess for publication bias.
Main results: Three studies were included. Study quality was three (n = 2) and four (n = 1) on the Jadad scale. Acyclovir was associated with a reduction in the number of days with fever (-1.1 days, 95% CI -1.3 to -0.9) and in reducing the maximum number of lesions (-76 lesions, -145 to -8). Results were less supportive with respect to the number of days to no new lesions and the number of days to the relief of itching. There were no clinically important differences between acyclovir and placebo with respect to complications associated with chickenpox or adverse effects associated with the treatment.
Authors' conclusions: Acyclovir appears to be effective in reducing the number of days with fever and the maximum number of lesions among otherwise healthy children with chickenpox. The results were less convincing with respect to the number of days to no new lesions and relief of itchiness. The clinical importance of acyclovir treatment in otherwise healthy children remains uncertain.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0011728/
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Keppra: Dosage Guide And Timing Considerations
Taking medication correctly is just as important as choosing the right one. For Keppra (levetiracetam), following the prescribed or recommended dosage schedule consistently is essential to achieving and maintaining therapeutic effects. The pharmacokinetic profile of levetiracetam determines how quickly it is absorbed, how long it stays active in the body, and how often it needs to be taken. Antiepileptic drugs, also known as anticonvulsants or antiseizure medications, work through a variety of mechanisms to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. Common mechanisms include blocking voltage-gated sodium channels to stabilize over-excited neurons, enhancing the inhibitory effects of GABA, and reducing excitatory glutamate transmission. Some drugs extend GABA-mediated inhibition while others block high-frequency neuronal firing specifically. The right medication depends on seizure type, epilepsy syndrome, patient age, and comorbidities. The standard dosing of Keppra varies depending on the condition being treated, the patient's age, weight, and kidney or liver function, and whether it is being used for acute symptom relief or chronic management. Full prescribing and dosage details, including dose adjustments for specific populations such as elderly patients or those with organ impairment, are available at https://mednewwsstoday.com/seizures/keppra-levetiracetam/. Consistency is key when taking Keppra. Skipping doses or stopping early can reduce the medication's effectiveness or, in some cases, allow the underlying condition to worsen. If a dose is missed, patients should generally take it as soon as they remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, in which case the missed dose should be skipped. Doubling up to make up for a missed dose is not recommended for most medications. Those seeking comparative information on dosing and safety profiles across medications used for seizure and epilepsy treatment can refer to https://mednewwsstoday.com/seizures/, where detailed profiles of individual medications in this category are maintained for patient education.
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