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Tag: Antivirals

Explore our medication guides and pharmacology articles within this category.

Does Remdesivir Cause Heart Failure? Separating Fact from Early Concern

4 min read
According to a July 2025 meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), there is no statistically significant association between remdesivir and an increased risk of heart failure in patients treated for COVID-19. While early in-vitro studies and case reports raised concerns about potential cardiotoxicity, larger clinical trials have not confirmed a causal link, establishing a clearer safety profile for the antiviral drug.

Can I Take Valacyclovir if I'm Not Having an Outbreak? Understanding Suppressive Therapy

4 min read
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 10% of people in the United States aged 12 to 49 have HSV-2, the virus most commonly associated with genital herpes. For those with recurring herpes, taking a medication like valacyclovir is not limited to treating active outbreaks; daily suppressive therapy is a common and effective strategy to prevent flare-ups and reduce the risk of transmission.

Are Antivirals Hard on Your Gut? Understanding the Impact on Digestion and Microbiome

4 min read
A 2018 study in *Nature* revealed that nearly one-quarter of prescription drugs, including various antivirals, can directly affect the bacteria in the gut microbiome. This research highlights why the answer to **Are antivirals hard on your gut?** is often yes, as they can cause direct digestive issues and more subtle, systemic changes to your intestinal ecosystem.

Can aciclovir cause diarrhea? What You Need to Know

5 min read
Clinical studies have shown that aciclovir is a remarkably safe antiviral drug, with diarrhea occurring in a small percentage of patients, such as 3.2% in chickenpox clinical trials. The simple answer to 'Can aciclovir cause diarrhea?' is yes, but it is typically a mild and manageable side effect.

Does Lysine Prevent Cold Sores? Investigating the Evidence

3 min read
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, over 50% of people aged 14 to 49 carry the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), the virus that causes cold sores. This prevalence has led many to explore alternative and complementary treatments, frequently raising the question: **does lysine prevent cold sores** and manage their recurrence?

Does Hair Grow Back After Acyclovir Treatment?

4 min read
According to reports, hair loss is a rare side effect associated with the use of oral acyclovir. For most people, this drug-induced alopecia is a temporary condition known as telogen effluvium and is often reversible after treatment is discontinued. However, the time it takes for hair to grow back after acyclovir can vary based on several factors.

Which Drug Kills Infections? Understanding Specific Antimicrobial Treatments

5 min read
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the overuse and misuse of antibiotics are contributing to rising antimicrobial resistance, a major global public health threat. The key to combating this problem and effectively treating illness is understanding which drug kills infections caused by different pathogens, as one treatment does not fit all.

What are Pax pills? Demystifying the Multiple Medications

3 min read
The term “Pax pills” is highly ambiguous because it can refer to several different medications, including the antidepressant Paxil, the COVID-19 treatment Paxlovid, and, in some regions, drugs for anxiety or acid reflux. Given the wide variety of uses, it's essential to clarify which specific medication is being discussed to prevent serious errors.