Drug Uses

Acyclovir is a drug that is prescribed to treat herpes infections by decreasing pain and itching. Although it does not cure the infection, it promotes healing and can be taken to prevent infection returning. Infections can be found in the skin, lip, genitals and in the form of chickenpox and shingles. Acyclovir can also be used for other uses.

How Taken

As with any other drug, Acyclovir should be taken exactly as prescribed. The course should be fully completed even if your conditions get better. Do not stop taking it unless advised by your pediatrician or health professional. The tablets are to be swallowed whole with a glass of water, exactly as prescribed, with or without food.

Warnings/Precautions

Patients must consult with their health care professional if they are considering becoming pregnant, or are pregnant, or if they intend to breast feed. Furthermore, patients should exercise caution if they suffer from renal impairment or if they receive potentially nephrotoxic agents (the possibility of reversible central nervous system symptoms is possible and the risk of renal dysfunction is increased) Herpes Zoster: After the diagnosis of Herpes Zoster, patients should receive treatment immediately. Genital Herpes Infections: Acyclovir is not a cure for genital herpes. Chickenpox: Children with chickenpox can suffer from a mild to severe case depending on the person. However adolescents and adults are inclined to suffer more severely. In controlled studies, treatment was begun with 24 hours of the classic case. No data is available concerning the effects of treatment that proceed later in the disease course.

Missed Dose

Do not double or take extra doses if you accidentally miss a dose. Take it as soon as you remember however if it is time for your next dose, take only that amount.

Possible Side Effects

Depending on the dose and infection, side effects can vary. If any of the following occur, tell your health care professional or prescriber immediately: unusual weakness or tiredness, tremor, skin rash, hives, stomach pain, confusion, hallucinations, redness, blistering, increased thirst, seizures, reduced amount of urine passed, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth. Other side effects that are usually mild and do not require medical attention (unless it continues or is worrisome) are: vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, increased sensitivity to the sun.

Storage

Acyclovir must be protected from light and moisture and stored at a room temperature between 15 degrees and 25 degrees Celsius. Any unused medicine must be thrown out after the expiration date and it must be kept out of reach of children.

Overdose

If Acyclovir is overdosed, a coma, lethargy, seizures or agitation may occur. When patients have high doses, follow bolus injections or whose fluid and electrolyte balance is not monitored, over dosage transpires. When this occurs, BUN and serum creatinine is elevated and renal failure is the subsequent result. Hemodialysis will help restore renal function.

More information

It is important to discuss with your prescriber or health care professional about your lifestyle and all medicines you are consuming. These may affect the way your medicine works. Tell him or her if you smoke, drink caffeine or alcohol or use illegal drugs. Also mention if you take non-prescription medicine, herbal or nutritional supplements.