Acyclovir is used for the treatment of skin, lip, and genital herpes infections; herpes zoster (shingles); and chickenpox. Acyclovir is used for relief of the pain and itching associated with herpes infections but does not cure them. It may also be prescribed in order to prevent the recurrence of infection. Acyclovir may be used to treat other conditions. For more detailed information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acyclovir is administered orally in the form of tablets or capsules. Follow strictly prescription instructions. Take Acyclovir with a full glass of liquid, with or without food. Take this medication at regular intervals and do not overdose. Even if your condition improves, do not terminate the treatment with Acyclovir unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. If the medicine has been prescribed to children, exercise caution and ask your doctor for clarifications.
Warnings Precautions
Dosage adjustment might be required in the case of patients with renal damage. Patients receiving potentially nephrotoxic agents (these have been reported to increase the risk of renal dysfunction and/or reversible central nervous system symptoms normally associated with patients treated with intravenous acyclovir) need to exercise caution during the treatment with Acyclovir. If you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant during treatment, or you are breast-feeding during the therapy, consult your doctor before using Acyclovir. In case of adverse side effects, contact your doctor.
Herpes Zoster: No data has been collected with respect to patients who started administering Acyclovir after more than 72 hours of the onset of the zoster rash. Treatment should start as soon as possible after the patient has been diagnosed with herpes zoster.
Genital Herpes Infections: Acyclovir does not cure genital herpes.
Chickenpox: The symptoms of chickenpox in otherwise healthy children are normally mild to moderate. Adolescents and adults tend to experience more severe symptoms. In controlled clinical studies, treatment has been started within 24 hours of the typical chickenpox rash. No data has been collected regarding the effects of treatment begun later than 24 hours of the onset of the disease.
Missing a Dose
In case of a missed dose, take it as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule if it is almost time for your next dose. Never take two doses at the same time.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects may differ depending on the dosage and the type of infection being treated. In case you experience confusion or hallucinations, increased thirst, redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth, decreased urination, seizures, skin rash or hives, stomach pain, tremor, unusual weakness or fatigue, notify your doctor immediately. In case you experience diarrhea, dizziness, headache, increased sensitivity to light, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, inform your doctor if these become particularly irritating or persist. Normally such symptoms subside overtime.
Storage
Store at room temperature of between 15?° and 25?°C (59?° and 77?°F). Do not expose to light and moisture. Dispose of Acyclovir after its expiration date or if no longer used. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
An Acyclovir overdose may result in agitation, coma, seizures, and lethargy. Normally, an overdose is caused by bolus injections or inappropriately high doses and in patients whose fluid and electrolyte balance has not been monitored properly. An overdose is associated with increased BUN and serum creatinine and subsequent renal failure. Hemodialysis has to be applied in the case of acute renal failure and anuria and until renal function is restored
More Information
Notify your doctor or pharmacist about any other medicines that you might be taking during the treatment with Acyclovir, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. If you smoke, take drugs, or consume alcoholic or caffeine beverages on a regular basis, inform your doctor. These may distort the effect of Acyclovir. Follow carefully your doctor’s instructions and do not start or terminate the treatment with any other medicines without consulting him first.
Acyclovir resources
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/acyclo.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/acyclovir/article.htm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a681045.html
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