General Information
Uses
What should I know before taking this drug
Precautions
Dosage information
Adverse reactions
Storage
Acivir tab (Cipla)
Zovirax tab (GSK)
Acyclovir is a prescription drug available from your pharmacy store only with the prescription of a qualified medical practitioner.
Acyclovir is pronounced as: a SY klo veer.
Acyclovir is an anti infective / anti viral drug.
Acyclovir is an antiviral drug used in the treatment of
- Herpes simplex infection,
- And in the prophylaxis of herpes in immune compromised individuals
Take acyclovir exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions ask your pharmacist, nurse or doctor to explain them to you.
Take oral dose with one full glass of water. Take plenty of oral fluids when on acyclovir medication.
Do not take larger dose or longer than prescribed by your doctor.
Do not skip any doses. Continue to take it even when you feel better. You must complete the entire course of medication. If you don't, the infection will not clear completely and may cause recurrence.
- Always remember to inform your health expert if you are currently taking any prescription like probenecid(antigout drug) or OTC
- Inform your doctor if you have following medical conditions as Acyclovir should be used cautiously in the below mentioned conditions
- Renal impairment
- Patient on dialysis
- Liver disease
- Electrolyte imbalance
Do not take acyclovir if you are hypersensitive to it or any of its ingredients.
Pregnant woman: Acyclovir belongs to FDA pregnancy category B. This means that acyclovir is safe during pregnancy and is not expected to cause any harm to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning for conception.
Lactating women: acyclovir belongs to FDA pregnancy category B. This means that acyclovir is safe during pregnancy and is not expected to cause any harm to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning for conception.
Other:
Take plenty of oral fluids when on acyclovir medication.
Acyclovir is available as tablet, injection, suspension, ointment and cream, your doctor will prescribe it depending on the condition and severity of the disease.
Use as directed by your physician, your physician prescribes depending on the severity of disease.
Use the complete course of medication as prescribed by your physician even though you feel better after one or two days of usage of medication.
For detailed dosage information consult your doctor, as your doctor will prescribe depending on the condition and severity of the disease.
If it is almost the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at same time to cover up the missed dose
In case of overdose contact your nearest poison control center or emergency center immediately for immediate care of physician.
You may experience following symptoms like
- Passage of Decreased quantity of urine or no urine at all.
Acyclovir is well tolerated orally. However you may experience following side effects like
- Swelling in your hands or feet
Acyclovir should be given as a slow infusion under the supervision of medical practitioner. Rapid intravenous injection may cause confusion, lethargy, convulsions etc.
Consult your doctor immediately if you notice following symptoms
- Allergic reactions characterized by swollen lips, difficulty in breathing, rashes, etc.
- Decrease in the quantity of urine
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Jaundice( yellowing of the skin and sclera)
Store acyclovir at room temp (15 – 30 degrees C). Avoid excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight, never store in the bathroom.
Keep it out of reach of children. Make sure that any left over portion is disposed off safely.
Herpes infection is very contagious. It is very important to avoid contact with the affected area to prevent infection from spreading to other. In case you touch the affected area wash your hands immediately with a disinfectant solution.
Acyclovir medication does not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Therefore avoid contact with affected individual or use barrier contraceptives like condom, diaphragm.
Your doctor may advise you to take renal function test like serum creatinine, BUN, blood urea to monitor your kidney function before and after the treatment.
It is imp to read manufacturing packaging instruction carefully if available and always do not hesitate to consult pharmacist or physician for any information.
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last modified: July 8, 2011