Acyclovir
ACYCLOVIR reg; is used to treat the symptoms of herpes virus infections, including gential herpes, chickenpox, shingles, mucous membranes (lips and mouth), as well as widespread herpes virus infections in newborns. Although Acyclovir will not cure herpes, it does help relieve the pain and discomfort and helps the sores (if any) heal faster. Acyclovir is also used to prevent recurrent genital herpes infections.
Acyclovir Usage
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
Follow the directions for using acyclovir provided by your doctor. Take acyclovir with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. To clean up your infection completely, continue taking acyclovir for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days. Do not miss any doses.
Acyclovir Side Effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or headache. If acyclovir side effects continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Precautions for Acyclovir
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor. If you are using acyclovir for genital herpes, begin using it as soon as you notice symptoms (pain, burning, blisters) of an infection. Use a condom during sexual intercourse. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using acyclovir during pregnancy. If you are or may be pregnant, check with your doctor for instructions on using acyclovir during pregnancy. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeing while you are using acyclovir, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Acyclovir Interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.
Notes
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Acyclovir Missed Dosage
If you miss a dose of acyclovir, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Acyclovir Storage
Store acyclovir at room temperature, away from light and moisture.
Acyclovir prices
Revision date: July 9, 2011
Last revised: by Sebastian Scheller, MD, ScD
Drugs & Medications
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.