Acyclovir

Drug Class and Mechanism of Action Acyclovir

Acyclovir is an antiviral medicine. It acts by preventing the replication of virus. But it can not eliminate the virus and can not cure the viral disease. It also can not prevent transmission of viral infection.

Therapeutic Uses of Acyclovir

Acyclovir is used in the treatment of chickenpox (varicella), herpes zoster (shingles), genital herpes etc. Acyclovir also can be used in other conditions.

Direction of use of Acyclovir

Acyclovir should be taken orally with or without food 4 times a day or every 6 hourly.
You should take extra fluid if you are taking Acyclovir.
Start taking Acyclovir at the earliest symptoms of genital herpes (blister, burning, and pain) and herpes zoster otherwise you may not get maximum benefit from Acyclovir.
Acyclovir works best if taken daily at the same time for suppressive therapy.
Complete the full course of Acyclovir in treating acute viral infections even there is improvement before completing the full course.
Acyclovir should be taken as directed by your doctor.

Dose of Acyclovir, if Missed

If you miss a dose of Acyclovir take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose than skip the missed dose and take the dose in normal time. Do not take 2 doses together.

How to Store Acyclovir

Acyclovir is stored in temperature between 68-77 degree Fahrenheit or 20-25 degree Celsius. But Acyclovir can be stored briefly at room temperature (59-86 degree Fahrenheit). Acyclovir has to be kept out of reach of children and away from moisture and light.

More Information About Acyclovir

Call your doctor or health care provider if you have any doubt about Acyclovir. You should also consult your doctor if there is no improvement in symptoms. Acyclovir should be used only by the patient for whom it has been prescribed.

Precautions to be Taken While Taking Acyclovir

Do not take Acyclovir if you have any of the following and contact your doctor:

Allergy to any of the ingredients of Acyclovir.
If you are pregnant, planning to have a baby or if you are breast feeding.
If you have kidney disease or lower immunity.
If you are allergic to any other medicine, food etc.
If you are taking prescription or non prescription herbal medicine or dietary supplements.

Acyclovir can interact with some health conditions. Tell your doctor or health care provider if you have any of the following:

If you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant or if you are breast feeding.
If you are allergic to any other medicine, food etc.
If you have disease in kidney or immunity is not normal.
If you are taking prescription or non prescription herbal medicine or dietary supplements.

Some medicines can also interact with Acyclovir and you should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the medicines listed below:

Medicines that have renal or kidney toxicity like aminoglycoside antibiotics (gentamicin, vancomycin), antifungal medicine (amphotericin B), NSAIDS or non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, ibuprofen). Consult your doctor if you are taking any of them.

Possible Adverse Effects of Acyclovir

Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, headache, generalized weakness are some of the common side effects of Acyclovir. Consult your doctor if you are getting any of them.
Consult your doctor or health care provider if you are having any of the problems listed below:

Allergic reaction (skin rash, swelling of lips, tongue, face and mouth, itching, tightness in chest, breathing difficulty, hives), mood alteration, confusion, aggressiveness, hallucination, seizures, reduced urine output and blood in urine. Low back ache, blister in skin, peeling of skin, redness and swelling of skin, unusual bruising or bleeding in skin also need immediate medical attention.

Desease

viral infection

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