Drug Uses
Acyclovir is used to treat, or prevent infections from
oral and genital herpes, or varicella-zoster viruses.
These are also known as cold sores, sexually transmitted
herpes, chicken-pox, and shingles.
General Information
This database does not contain every known side effect,
adverse effect, or drug interaction. If you have questions
about your medicines, contact your health care provider.
This information is for educational purposes only.
How Drug Works
Acyclovir stops the replication of herpes viruses by
blocking the formation of its genetic materials.
How Taken
This medicine is taken orally and may be taken by mouth
with food in stomach upset occurs. For herpes outbreaks,
patients are generally given 800 mg 5 times daily for
7 to 10 days. For repeat infections dosages are usually
200 mg given 5 times daily for 5 days. This medicine
comes in an ointment form. The ointment is used on the
affected area usually every 3 hours ( 6 times per day)
for 7 days. Take the full course of this medicine as
directed.
Possible Side Effects
Some common side effects reported with this medicine
include: insomnia headache feeling tired stomach upset
rash If you experience other bothersome side effects,
contact your health care provider.
Warnings/Precautions
Patients with a history of liver or kidney disease
and with existing neurological problems should use this
medicine with with caution.
Overdose
For emergencies, seek medical attention immediately.
For non emergencies, contact your local or regional
poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Drug Interactions
This medication may interact with other drugs used
to treat viral infections. Talk to your pharmacist or
physician if you are taking this with other drugs.
Missed Dose
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it
is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and
go back to your regular schedule. Do not double dosages.
Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly
closed, and out of reach of children. Throw away any
medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Store
it at room temperature and away from excess heat and
moisture (not in the bathroom).
Pregnancy/Nursing
Talk to your doctor or pediatrician before using this
medicine while nursing. Use during pregnancy should
only occur if the potential benefits outweigh the possible
risk to the fetus.
More Information
For more information, talk to your doctor, pharmacist
or health care provider.
Disclaimer
This drug information is for your information purposes
only, it is not intended that this information covers
all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions,
or adverse effects of your medication. This is only
general information, and should not be relied on for
any purpose, it should not be construed as containing
specific instructions for any particular patient. CompletePills
disclaims all responsibility for the accuracy of, and
reliability of this information, and or any consequences
arising from the use of this information, including
damage or adverse consequences to persons or property,
however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty,
either expressed or implied, is made in regards to the
contents of this material.
