What is Acyclovir?

Acyclovir (Oral)

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Acyclovir will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection.

Acyclovir is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. Illnesses caused by herpes viruses include genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox.

Acyclovir may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Acyclovir (Injection)

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Acyclovir will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection.

Acyclovir injection is used to treat severe infections caused by herpes viruses, including severe forms of genital herpes, shingles, herpes encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and herpes infections in people with other diseases that weaken the immune system.

Acyclovir may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Acyclovir?

Acyclovir (Oral)

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to acyclovir or valacyclovir (Valtrex).

Before taking acyclovir, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease. You may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Herpes virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during your pregnancy so that you do not have a genital lesion when your baby is born.

Acyclovir passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Acyclovir (Injection)

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to acyclovir or valacyclovir (Valtrex).

Before using acyclovir, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis)
• liver disease
• a brain or nervous system disorder such as Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, or tardive dyskinesia
• breathing problems; or
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low calcium , sodium, or potassium blood levels)

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use acyclovir injection.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Herpes virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during your pregnancy so that you do not have a genital lesion when your baby is born.

Acyclovir passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Acyclovir Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Acyclovir?

Acyclovir (Oral)

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• pain in your lower back
• urinating less than usual or not at all
• easy bruising or bleeding; or
• unusual weakness

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain
• headache, feeling light-headed; or
• swelling in your hands or feet

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Acyclovir (Injection)

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using acyclovir and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side

• urinating less than usual or not at all
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
• a red, blistering, peeling skin rash
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• swelling, pain, tenderness, or skin changes where the injection was given
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, weakness; or
• confusion, tremors, agitation, tiredness, hallucinations, seizure (convulsions)

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite
• muscle pain, numbness or tingling
• lack of coordination
• sleep problems (insomnia)
• headache, feeling light-headed; or
• swelling in your hands or feet

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Acyclovir Interactions

What other drugs affect Acyclovir?

Acyclovir (Oral)

Before taking acyclovir, tell your doctor if you are also taking probenecid (Benemid). If you are using probenecid, you may not be able to use acyclovir, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs that can affect acyclovir. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Acyclovir (Injection)

Before using acyclovir, tell your doctor if you are also taking probenecid (Benemid). If you are using probenecid, you may need a dose adjustments or special tests during treatment with acyclovir.

There may be other drugs that can interact with acyclovir. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Acyclovir?

Acyclovir (Oral)

Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with acyclovir. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.

Acyclovir will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to prevent spreading the virus to others.

Acyclovir (Injection)

Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with acyclovir. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.

Acyclovir will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to prevent spreading the virus to others.

Acyclovir Dosage

How should I take Acyclovir?

Acyclovir (Oral)

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Treatment with acyclovir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Drink plenty of water while you are taking acyclovir to keep your kidneys working properly.

Acyclovir can be taken with or without food. Taking acyclovir with food may decrease stomach upset.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Acyclovir will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions.

Store acyclovir at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Acyclovir (Injection)

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

This medication is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take at least 1 hour to complete.

You may be shown how to use your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used in giving the medicine.

Treatment with acyclovir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Drink plenty of water while you are taking acyclovir to keep your kidneys working properly.

Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Acyclovir will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions.

Store acyclovir at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Acyclovir?

Acyclovir (Oral)

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include seizure (convulsions), hallucinations, and urinating less than usual or not at all.

Acyclovir (Injection)

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include agitation, seizure (convulsions), hallucinations, and urinating less than usual or not at all.

What happens if I miss a dose of Acyclovir?

Acyclovir (Oral)

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Acyclovir (Injection)

Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Edited from everydayhealth.com