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Acyclovir is used to decrease pain and speed the healing of sores or blisters in
people who have varicella (chickenpox), herpes zoster (shingles; a rash that can
occur in people who have had chickenpox in the past), and first-time or repeat
outbreaks of genital herpes (a herpes virus infection that causes sores to form
around the genitals and rectum from time to time). Acyclovir is also sometimes
used to prevent outbreaks of genital herpes in people who are infected with the
virus. Acyclovir is in a class of antiviral medications called synthetic
nucleoside analogues. It works by stopping the spread of the herpes virus in the
body. Acyclovir will not cure genital herpes and may not stop the spread of
genital herpes to other people.
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How should this medicine be used?
Acyclovir comes as a tablet, a capsule, and a suspension (liquid) to take by
mouth. It is usually taken with or without food two to five times a day for 5 to
10 days, starting as soon as possible after your symptoms begin. When acyclovir
is used to prevent outbreaks of genital herpes, it is usually taken two to five
times a day for up to 12 months. Take acyclovir at around the same times every
day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your
doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take acyclovir
exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often or for
a longer time than prescribed by your doctor.
Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly.
Your symptoms should improve during your treatment with acyclovir. Call your
doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Take acyclovir until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If
you stop taking acyclovir too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be
completely treated or may become more difficult to treat.
Other uses for this medicine
Acyclovir is also sometimes used to treat eczema herpeticum (a skin infection
caused by the herpes virus) to treat and prevent herpes infections of the skin,
eyes, nose, and mouth in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and
to treat oral hairy leukoplakia (condition that causes hairy white or
gray-colored patches on the tongue or inside of the cheek).
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking acyclovir,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to acyclovir, valacyclovir (Valtrex),
any other medications, or any of the ingredients in acyclovir. Ask your
pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are
taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: amphotericin B
(Fungizone); aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin (Garamycin),
kanamycin (Kantrex), neomycin (Nes-RX, Neo-Fradin), paramomycin (Humatin),
streptomycin, and tobramycin (Tobi, Nebcin); aspirin and other nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen
(Aleve, Naprosyn); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); medications to treat HIV
or AIDS such as zidovudine (Retrovir, AZT); pentamidine (NebuPent); probenecid (Benemid);
sulfonamides such as sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (Bactrim); tacrolimus (Prograf);
and vancomycin. Many other medications may also interact with acyclovir, so be
sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those
that do not appear on this list. Your doctor may need to change the doses of
your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
tell your doctor if there is a possibility you may be dehydrated from a recent
illness or activity, or if you have or have ever had problems with your immune
system; human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV); acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome (AIDS); or kidney disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking acyclovir, call your doctor.
if you are taking acyclovir to treat genital herpes, you should know that
genital herpes can be spread through sexual contact even if you don't have
blisters or other symptoms and possibly even if you are taking acyclovir. Talk
to your doctor about ways to stop the spread of genital herpes and about whether
your partner(s) should receive treatment.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Drink plenty of fluids while you are taking acyclovir.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for
that day at evenly spaced intervals. However, if it is almost time for the next
dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not
take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Acyclovir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are
severe or do not go away:
upset stomach
vomiting
diarrhea
dizziness
tiredness
agitation
pain, especially in the joints
hair loss
changes in vision
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following
symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
hives
rash or blisters
itching
difficulty breathing or swallowing
swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower
legs
hoarseness
fast heartbeat
weakness
pale skin
difficulty sleeping
fever, sore throat, chills, cough, and other signs of infection
unusual bruising or bleeding
blood in the urine
stomach pain or cramps
bloody diarrhea
decreased urination
headache
hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
confusion
aggressive behavior
difficulty speaking
numbness, burning, or tingling in the arms or legs
temporary inability to move parts of your body
shaking of a part of your body that you cannot control
seizures
loss of consciousness
Acyclovir may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual
problems while you are taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to
the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting
program online [at
http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of
reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and
moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no
longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your
medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If
the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at
911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
agitation
seizures
extreme tiredness
loss of consciousness
swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
decreased urination
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order
certain lab tests to check your response to acyclovir.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions
you have about refilling your prescription.
Brand names
Zovirax®
Buy Acyclovir |