Drug Uses

Acyclovir is a medicine used for treatment of herpes infections of the skin, lip, and genitals; herpes zoster (shingles); and chickenpox. The medicine does not cure these conditions but reduces the pain and the itching. Acyclovir is also used to treat shingles and chickenpox infections. The drug may also be used for treatment of other conditions.

How Taken

Acyclovir comes in the form of tablets and capsules and should be taken orally with water. You should follow the instructions; take the doses at even intervals. The medicine may be taken with or without water. Do not stop using Acyclovir even if you feel well. Consult your doctor before you stop taking the medicine. If children use the medicine, special care may be needed.

Warnings/Precautions

If you have renal impairment your Acyclovir dosage should be specially adjusted. People who receive potential nephrotoxic agents should be very cautious because this may enhance the risk of renal dysfunction and risk of reversible central nervous systems symptoms like the symptoms reported in people treated with intravenous acyclovir. Consult your doctor in case you experience any side effects, if you are pregnant or if you are breast feeding. The treatment of herpes zoster should start as soon as possible after the diagnosis is set. There is no information on the results of the treatment if it starts more than 72 hours after the outset of the disease. Acyclovir cannot treat genital herpes infections. Acyclovir may be used to treat chickenpox. In children this disease is mild to moderate, while adults experience its symptoms more severe. The treatment should begin within 24 hours of the rash. There is no information about the results from the treatment if it starts later.

Missed Dose

In case you miss a dose, take the drug as soon as you remember. If it is already time for your next dose, skip the missed one and take the scheduled one. Do no take a double dose.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects depend on the dosage you take and the treated infection. The following side effects require medical care and attention: 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. These side effects do not require special medical care or attention: diarrhea, dizziness, headache, increased sensitivity to the sun, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting. Consult your doctor if they worsen or continue. 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

Acyclovir should be stored at a temperature of 15� and 25�C (59� and 77�F), away from light and moisture. Keep the medicine away from children. Do not use it after the expiration date.

Overdose

Overdoses have occurred after bolus injections and inappropriately high doses, and in patients whose fluid and electrolyte balance was not monitored. These resulted in elevated BUN and serum creatinine, and subsequent renal failure. In this case, hemodialysis may be efficient. An overdose of Acyclovir may result in agitation, coma, seizures, and lethargy.

More Information

Inform your doctor about all other medicines, supplements and herbal products you are using. Also, inform your doctor if you consume alcohol, caffeine, or if you smoke. All these may affect the efficiency of Acyclovir. Do not stop taking the medicine without a consultation with your doctor.

Disclaimer

These instructions are for your information only. Be aware that the directions don't cover all uses, medicine interactions, precautions, or unfavorable effects. These prescriptions are only informative and shouldn't be relied on for any further actions. Don't accept the instructions as directions for application for any specific complaint. We deny all responsibility for the preciseness and trustiness of the information displayed and/or any results proceeding from it inclusive of harms or undesirable consequences to people or possessions if such occur. No warranty, either expressed or referred to, is made in connection to the above information.