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Drug Uses
Acyclovir is used to treat herpes infections of the
skin, lip, and genitals; herpes zoster (shingles); and
chickenpox. It does not cure herpes infections but decreases
pain and itching and promotes healing. Topical Acyclovir
does not prevent the recurrence of sores but may decrease
pain and itching if applied when the earliest symptoms
first appear. Oral Acyclovir decreases the frequency
and severity of recurrent sores, but it is used only
by people with severe herpes infections because of possible
adverse effects. This medication is sometimes prescribed
for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more
information.
How Taken
Treatment with Acyclovir topical should be started as
soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms
(e.g. tingling, burning, blisters). Wash your hands
before and after applying Acyclovir topical. Wear a
glove or a finger cot or use an applicator (e.g. cotton
swab) when applying Acyclovir topical to avoid spreading
the virus to other body parts and to other people. Apply
enough ointment to cover the lesion(s) completely. A
one-half inch ribbon of ointment should cover approximately
4 square inches of surface area. Avoid getting this
medication in the eyes. Acyclovir topical is usually
applied every 3 hours, six times a day for seven days.
Follow your doctor's instructions. Use Acyclovir topical
for the full amount of time prescribed, even if you
begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve
before the infection is completely treated. 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. Warnings/Precautions
Before using Acyclovir topical, tell your doctor if
you have any other medical conditions or if you use
any other medications. Acyclovir topical is in the FDA
pregnancy category C, which means that it is not known
whether it will harm an unborn baby. Do not use Acyclovir
topical without first talking to your doctor if you
are pregnant. It is not known whether Acyclovir topical
passes into breast milk. Do not use Acyclovir topical
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast
feeding a baby. Missed Dose
Apply it as soon as you remember and apply further doses
at your regular interval (e.g., every 3 hours) until
you go to bed. However, if it is almost time for the
next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular
dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up
for a missed one. Possible Side Effects
No serious side effects are expected during treatment
with Acyclovir topical. If you suspect an allergic reaction
(difficulty breathing; rash; hives; itching; swelling
of your lips, tongue, or face) seek emergency medical
attention. Other less serious side effects may be more
likely to occur. Continue to use Acyclovir topical and
talk to your doctor if you experience itching, stinging,
burning, or a rash. These side effects should resolve
quickly. Side effects other than those listed here may
also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect
that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Storage
Store below 25oC. Do not refrigerate. Overdose
An overdose of this medication is not likely to occur.
If you suspect an overdose or ingestion of Acyclovir
topical, call an emergency room or poison control left
for advice. More Information
Acyclovir Cream is contra-indicated in patients known
to be hypersensitive to acyclovir or propylene glycol.
Acyclovir is most effective if it is started within
48 hours of when the rash first appears. Follow the
directions for using Acyclovir provided by your doctor.
Disclaimer
This drug information is for your information purposes
only, it is not intended that this information covers
all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions,
or adverse effects of your medication. This is only
general information, and should not be relied on for
any purpose. It should not be construed as containing
specific instructions for any particular patient. We
disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability
of this information, and/or any consequences arising
from the use of this information, including damage or
adverse consequences to persons or property, however
such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either
expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.
Complete information about Acyclovir
200 mg - 30 Capsules
Complete information about Acyclovir
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400 mg - 30 Pills
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800 mg - 30 Tablets
Complete information about Acyclovir
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