Drug Name: ACYCLOVIR
IMPORTANT ACYCLOVIR NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING 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 USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR YOU.
CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING ACYCLOVIR.
ACYCLOVIR - ORAL (ay-SYE-klo-veer)
COMMON ACYCLOVIR BRAND NAME(S):
Zovirax
ACYCLOVIR USES:
Acyclovir is used to treat herpes infections of the skin, mouth,
mucous membranes, genital herpes, herpes zoster (shingles), and
chickenpox in some individuals. Acyclovir does not cure herpes,
but relieves the pain and may make the infection clear faster.
HOW TO USE ACYCLOVIR:
Begin taking Acyclovir as soon as symptoms appear. Take Acyclovir
as directed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions
about Acyclovir. Try to take Acyclovir at evenly spaced intervals
throughout the day and night. This will ensure a constant blood
level of Acyclovir and is most effective.
ACYCLOVIR SIDE EFFECTS:
Acyclovir may cause stomach upset, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, headache, dizziness or weakness. These effects of Acyclovir
should disappear in a few days as your body adjusts to Acyclovir.
If they persist or become worse, inform your doctor. Notify your
doctor if you experience: numbness or tingling of the hands or feet,
leg pain, sore throat, skin rash, change in the amount of urine.
An allergic reaction to Acyclovir is unlikely, but seek immediate
medical attention if it occurs. Acyclovir symptoms of an allergic
reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects after taking Acyclovir not listed above,
contact your doctor or pharmacist.
ACYCLOVIR PRECAUTIONS:
Acyclovir should be used cautiously during pregnancy only if clearly
needed. It is not known if Acyclovir appears in breast milk. Consult
with your doctor before breast-feeding.
ACYCLOVIR DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use (both prescription
and nonprescription). Do not start or stop Acyclovir or any medicine
without doctor or pharmacist approval.
ACYCLOVIR OVERDOSE:
If Acyclovir overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control
center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of Acyclovir overdose
may include sluggishness, change in amount of urine, loss of consciousness,
or seizures.
ACYCLOVIR NOTES:
Avoid sexual activity while signs and symptoms of genital herpes
are present to prevent infecting your partner. Inform your doctor
if Acyclovir does not appear to decrease the frequency or severity
of recurrent infections.
MISSED ACYCLOVIR DOSE:
If you miss a Acyclovir dose, take as soon as remembered; do not
take if it is almost time for the next Acyclovir dose, instead,
skip the missed dose and resume your usual Acyclovir dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the Acyclovir dose to catch up.
ACYCLOVIR STORAGE:
Store Acyclovir at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F
(15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store Acyclovir
in a moist bathroom. Keep Acyclovir and all medications out of the
reach of children. |