Acyclovir

Acyclovir General Information

Generic Name: acyclovir

Brand Name: Zovirax

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. It shows the growth of herpes virus and its spread so that the body's immune system can fight out the infection and get rid of the same. Acyclovir can not cure herpes but it can reduce the symptoms of infections. Herpes infection is contagious and it can affect other people even while Acyclovir is being used for its treatment. Infected areas should never come in contact with other people to prevent infection. One should wash the hands frequently to avoid infections and must avoid touching eyes after touching the affected areas.

Acyclovir Uses

Acyclovir is used to treat variousinfections caused by herpes viruses like cold sores,genital herpes, chicken pox and shingles. Acyclovir can also be used for purposes other than those listed as above.

How take Acyclovir

Acyclovir should always be used as prescribed. Dose of the medication and the period of its use should be as prescribed by the Doctor. Use of Acyclovir should start as soon as the first appearance of the symptoms is noticed like burning blisters, tingling. Every dose should be taken with a glass of water. Plenty of water should be taken during the use of Acyclovir to keep the kidney working properly. Acyclovir taken with food may minimise stomach upsets but it can be taken without food also. The oral suspension should be shaken before measuring a dose. It is necessary to mark a dose with a proper dose measuring device. The medication should always be continued the full period prescribed. Acyclovir should be kept at room temperature and away from moisture or heat.

Acyclovir Warnings

Acyclovir should not be taken if the person concerned is allergic to acyclovir or polyethylene glycol viz. GlycoLax, CoLytely, MiraLax. Although this medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby, it is a must that the lady who would undergo treatment should tell the doctor if she is pregnant or intend to become pregnant during treatment period. There is a possibility that the herpes virus may pass on to the baby from the infected mother. That is why it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during pregnancy. It is not known whether acyclovir can pass into breast milk or if that can harm a nursing baby. However, the medication should never be started without telling the Doctor that the patient is breast feeding the baby.

Acyclovir Missed Dose

The missed dose should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if the next dose timing is almost coinciding,the missed dose should be skipped and the next dose should be taken as per the schedule timing. No extra dose should be taken to compensate the missed dose.

Acyclovir Side Effects

There may be signs of allergic reactions like hives, breathing difficulty, swellings of lips, tongues, throat, face and immediate medical help should be sought. There may other side effects like pain in the lower back, less or no urination, unusual weakness, easy bruising or bleeding. Some other less serious side effects are also noticed viz. swelling of feet and hands, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite.

Acyclovir Storage Advice

Acyclovir should be stored in room temperature between 59 0F to 77 0F and moisture avoided. It should be kept away from children and pets. The medicine should not be flushed or put into the drain without consulting the pharmacist or local disposal company. Outdated Acyclovir should be discarded duly.

Acyclovir Overdose

Incase overdose of Acyclovir has been taken, one should at once seek emergency medical attention. Overdose symptoms may be seizure, hallucinations, less or no urination

Acyclovir More Information

Acyclovir is an FDA approved drug, for the use in the treatment of the following ailments: herpis simplex infections that cause sores and genital herpes, herpes zoster infections (shingles) that is caused by varicella-zoster virus. Acyclovir should be taken for the entire period of time as suggested by the Doctor. Symptoms may get better even before the treatment period ends. The treatment with acyclovir should be started as early as possible after the first appearance of the symptoms. Herpes infection is contagious and one can infect others even while undergoing treatment with acyclovir. Infected areas should not come in contact with other persons. No one should touch the eyes after touching the infected areas. Washing of hands at frequent interval should be resorted to.