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More Information
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| Prescription Acyclovir Drug Information |
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Acyclovir Uses? |
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Acyclovir is used to treat the symptoms of chickenpox, shingles, herpes virus infections of the genitals (sex organs), the skin, the brain, and mucous membranes (lips and mouth), and widespread herpes virus infections in newborns.
Acyclovir is also used to prevent recurrent genital herpes infections. Although Acyclovir will not cure herpes, it does help relieve the pain and discomfort and helps the sores (if any) heal faster. Acyclovir may also be used for other virus infections as determined by your doctor. However, it does not work in treating certain virus infections, such as the common cold. |
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Acyclovir Directions? |
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The active ingredients in Acyclovir are used to treat herpes simplex virus symptoms. |
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Acyclovir Side Effects? |
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When taking Acyclovir, it may interact with other drugs. In some cases, you can take two interacting medicines, but it may require a change in doses or other testing or observation. If you especially want to take Acyclovir, tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines:
Cyclosporine (e.g., Sandimmune), Combination pain medicine containing acetaminophen and aspirin (e.g., Excedrin), other salicylates, Gold salts (medicine for arthritis), Lithium (e.g., Lithane), Methotrexate (Mexate), other medicine for infection, Penicillamine (e.g., Cuprimine) or Plicamycin (e.g., Mithracin), Deferoxamine (e.g., Desferal) (with long-term use), Carmustine (e.g., BiCNU), Cisplatin (e.g., Platinol), Streptozocin (e.g., Zanosar), or Tiopronin (Thiola). Using any of these medications in addition to Acyclovir may increase your risk of experiencing side effects, especially if you also have kidney disease.
If you have other physical problems, it may affect your success in using Acyclovir.
Your doctor needs to know if you have any problems with dehydration or kidney disease. These both will increase your risk of negative side effects.
Other potential side effects include changes in facial skin color; confusion; blistering, peeling, or loosening of skin; convulsions (seizures); sores, ulcers, or white spots in mouth or on lips; coughing; difficulty in breathing or swallowing; dizziness or feeling faint; changes in vision; fast heartbeat; nausea or vomiting; red or irritated eyes; seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there; sense of agitation or uneasiness; muscle cramps, pain, or weakness; skin rash, itching, or hives; sore throat, fever, or chills; swollen, painful, or tender lymph nodes (glands) in neck, armpit, or groin; swelling of eyelids, face, feet, hands, lower legs or lips. |
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Acyclovir Warnings? |
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Carefully consider the risks and benefits of Acyclovir before you begin taking it. There are several aspects to discuss with your doctor.
If you've ever had an allergic reaction to ganciclovir, valAcyclovir, or Acyclovir, tell your doctor. You should also tell them about any other allergies, including food allergies, dyes, preservatives, or sulfites.
If you are pregnant or likely to become pregnant, make sure your doctor is aware of this. There have been no tests using Acyclovir on pregnant women, but studies among rabbits have shown that it may keep the fetus from implanting on the uterus. It does not seem to cause birth defects, however.
If you are breastfeeding, your doctor should know this as well. The drug is excreted in breast milk, but does not seem to cause any problems.
Using Acyclovir with children does not seem to cause any problems other than effects already seen among adults. However, there are few studies in this area.
If you are a senior adult, Acyclovir does not seem to cause any additional side effects. However, effects in the central nervous system may be more likely, including dizziness, agitation, confusion, or drowsiness. |
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Acyclovir Drug Interactions? |
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In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For Acyclovir, the following should be considered:
Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to Acyclovir, ganciclovir, or valAcyclovir. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, sulfites or other preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy - Acyclovir has been used in pregnant women and has not been reported to cause birth defects or other problems. However, studies have not been done in humans. Studies in rabbits have shown that Acyclovir given by injection may keep the fetus from becoming attached to the lining of the uterus (womb). However, Acyclovir has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in mice given many times the usual human dose, or in rats or rabbits given several times the usual human dose.
Breast-feeding - Acyclovir passes into breast milk. However, it has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.
Children - A limited number of studies have been done using oral Acyclovir in children, and it has not caused different effects or problems in children than it does in adults.
Older adults - Acyclovir has been used in the elderly and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults. However, some of the side effects involving the central nervous system, for example, agitation, confusion, dizziness, and drowsiness, may be more severe in older adults. |
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Acyclovir Missed Dose? |
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Acyclovir doses should be taken on schedule. If you miss a dose, take it right away unless it's close to the next regularly scheduled dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and go back to the regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. |
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Acyclovir Storage? |
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Acyclovir must be stored in a place that is cool, dark, and dry. Moisture can cause the active ingredients to break down, so avoid wet areas such as bathrooms or near kitchen sinks. Never keep medication that has expired, and make sure to discard it in a place that is safe from children. |
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Anything Else I Should Know About Acyclovir? |
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Taking Acyclovir should help improve your symptoms in a matter of days. Speak to your doctor if it does not help you.
If you have active sores from shingles, chicken pox, or herpes, keep them clean and dry. Wearing loose clothing will keep them from becoming irritated.
Taking Acyclovir will not prevent you from spreading the herpes virus.
Whether or not you have active herpes sores, you can still pass the herpes virus. It is easily passed from active sores, and can still be spread until the sores are totally healed and the scab is gone. Do not engage in any sexual activity if you have herpes sores. If you use a latex condom, it's possible to reduce your risk of herpes infection, but using a diaphragm or spermicidal jelly will not affect your risk. |
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Other Prescription Drugs |
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NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product. |
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