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AcyclovirŽ
See:
Zovirax
Zovirax Ointment
Drug Uses
Acyclovir is used to treat herpes
infections of the skin, lip, and genitals; herpes zoster (shingles); and
chickenpox. It does not cure herpes infections but decreases pain and itching
and promotes healing. Sometimes acyclovir is given to help prevent the infection
from coming back. Acyclovir also treats shingles and chickenpox infections. This
medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more information.
How Taken
Acyclovir tablets or capsules should be
taken by mouth, following the directions on the prescription label. Swallow
whole with a full glass of water. Take your doses at regular intervals, with or
without food, not more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by
your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is
better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. Special care may
be needed for use of this medicine in children, contact your pediatrician or
health professional.
Warnings/Precautions
Patients with renal impairment need dosage
adjustments. Caution should also be exercised to patients receiving potentially
nephrotoxic agents (this may increase the risk of renal dysfunction and/or the
risk of reversible central nervous system symptoms such as those that have been
reported in patients treated with intravenous acyclovir). Patients should
consult with their physician if any adverse reactions occurs, also if they
become pregnant or intend to become pregnant, they intend to breastfeed while
taking orally administered Acyclovir, or they have any other questions.
Herpes Zoster: There are no data on treatment initiated more than 72 hours after
onset of the zoster rash. Patients should be advised to initiate treatment as
soon as possible after a diagnosis of herpes zoster.
Genital Herpes Infections: Acyclovir is not a cure for genital herpes.
Chickenpox: Chickenpox in otherwise healthy children is usually a self-limited
disease of mild to moderate severity. Adolescents and adults tend to have more
severe disease. Treatment was initiated within 24 hours of the typical
chickenpox rash in the controlled studies, and there is no information regarding
the effects of treatment begun later in the disease course.
Missed Dose
In case you miss a dose, take it as soon
as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not
take double or extra doses.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects depend upon the dose you are
taking and the infection being treated. These side effects you should report to
your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: confusion or
hallucinations, increased thirst,redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of
the skin, including inside the mouth, reduced amount of urine passed, seizures,
skin rash or hives, stomach pain, tremor, unusual weakness or tiredness Side
effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber
or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): diarrhea,
dizziness, headache, increased sensitivity to the sun, loss of appetite, nausea,
vomiting
Storage
Store at room temperature between 15° and
25°C (59° and 77°F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of
children. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Overdose
Agitation, coma, seizures, and lethargy
may occur in association with overdosage. Overdosage has been reported following
bolus injections or inappropriately high doses and in patients whose fluid and
electrolyte balance were not properly monitored. This has resulted in elevated
BUN and serum creatinine and subsequent renal failure. In the event of acute
renal failure and anuria, the patient may benefit from hemodialysis until renal
function is restored
More Information
Tell your prescriber or health care
professional about all other medicines you are taking, including
non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also
tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of
drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs.
These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care
professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. Follow the
directions for using Acyclovir provided by your doctor.
Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the
growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the
infection. Acyclovir will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the
infection.
Acyclovir is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. Illnesses caused
by herpes viruses include genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox.
Acyclovir may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
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