Acyclovir is an antiviral used to treat shingles, chickenpox, or genital herpes. It may also be used to treat other conditions.

What Is Acyclovir Used For?

Acyclovir is an antiviral used to treat shingles, chickenpox, or genital herpes. It may also be used to treat other conditions.

How To Take Acyclovir

Acyclovir is available in 200 mg and 800 mg tablets. The recommended dose of acyclovir will depend on the reason your doctor has prescribed the medicine. The recommended dose used to treat a first episode of genital herpes is 200 mg five times a day for 10 days. Therapy should be started as early as possible following onset of signs and symptoms. The recommended dose to prevent recurrent infections is 200 mg three times daily. This may be increased if necessary, in order to prevent the virus from multiplying. You may take Acyclovir with or without food. Swallow each caplet whole with water. Do not chew it. It is important to finish all the caplets you have been given even if you start to feel better.

Some Precautions Before Taking Acyclovir

Since acyclovir is removed from the body by your kidneys, it is important to inform your doctor if you have kidney disease prior to taking this medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have HIV, AIDS, or any kind of bone marrow disease. The safety of acyclovir has not been established during pregnancy or breast feeding. Please discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist if this is a concern.

Possible Side Effects

Like all medicines, Acyclovir can cause some side effects. Acyclovir is generally well tolerated. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, or headache may occur. If these effects occur and are bothersome, let your doctor or pharmacist know. Call your doctor immediately if you experience side effects such as unusual bruising or bleeding or if you think you have an allergic reaction (ie. rash) to acyclovir. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU KEEP YOUR REGULAR DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENTS, SO THAT YOUR PROGRESS CAN BE ASSESSED. What other precautions should you follow while using this drug ? Herpes infections cause painful blisters of the skin. The fluid in these blisters contains the virus which causes the disease. The infections can be easily spread to you or other people. If you touch your skin sores, wash your hands immediately afterwards. Avoid intimate contact with others when the disease is visible. Let your doctor know if you have had an allergic reaction or serious side effect to other antiviral agents such as valacyclovir, famciclovir or ganciclovir.

Acyclovir and Other Medicines

Acyclovir may interact with other drugs. It is important to let your doctor or pharmacist know about other drugs you are taking, even medications which you can buy without a prescription. It is especially important to let them know if you are taking probenecid (Benemid̉) before starting acyclovir.

If You Miss A Dosage

If you miss a dose of Acyclovir take it as soon as possible, then just carry on with your regular dosing schedule. If you remember your missed dose close to the time for your next dose (ie. within 2 hours), do not double your dose. Continue with your regular dosing schedule.

Storage of Acyclovir

Acyclovir should be stored at room temperature (15-30° C) in a dry place and protected from light. Do not store in the bathroom, as heat and moisture may cause the medication to lose its effectiveness. Keep this drug safely away from children. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THIS MEDICATION, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOU PHARMACIST, NURSE, OR DOCTOR. PLEASE WRITE DOWN YOUR QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS TO ENSURE THEY ARE ADDRESSED.