acyclovir
Used for Shingles
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Manufactured by various FDA-approved generic manufacturers.
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acyclovir Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Warnings & Dosing
What dosages is acyclovir available in?
acyclovir is available as a 200 mg oral capsule and tablet, a 200 mg/5 ml oral suspension, and a 5% topical cream and ointment.
What is acyclovir used for?
acyclovir is an antiviral that is used as follows:
- Oral capsule, tablet, and suspension:
- Genital herpes
- Shingles (herpes zoster)
- Chickenpox (varicella) in people 2 years and older
- Ointment:
- Genital herpes in adults
- HSV infections in adults with a weakened immune system
- Cream
- Cold sores (herpes labialis) that keep coming back in people 12 years and older
How does acyclovir work?
acyclovir is an antiviral medication that stops a protein (an enzyme called DNA polymerase) in the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Without this enzyme, the virus can’t make copies of itself.
How do I take acyclovir?
acyclovir is dosed as follows:
- Oral capsule, tablet, and suspension
- Shingles: The typical dose is 800 mg by mouth 5 times a day (about every 4 hours) for 7 to 10 days
- Genital herpes: The typical dose is 200 mg by mouth 5 times a day (about every 4 hours) for 5 to 10 days.
- Suppressive/daily therapy: The typical dose is 400 mg by mouth twice a day for up to a year
- Chickenpox: Children (ages 2 to 18 years old and up to 40 kg): Your child’s provider will determine their dose is based on your child’s body weight. The typical dose is 20 mg/kg body weight by mouth 4 times a day for 5 days
- Adults and children over 40 kg: The typical dose is 800 mg by mouth 4 times a day for 5 days
- Ointment
- Genital herpes and HSV infections in people with a weakened immune system: Apply to the affected area(s) every 3 hours (6 times per day) for 7 days. Make sure to use enough to cover all lesions (use one-half inch ribbon of medication per 4 square inches of area). It’s recommended to use a rubber glove when applying to help prevent spreading the infection
- Cream
- Cold Sores: Apply to the affected area(s) 5 times a day for 4 days
- Your dose might differ if you have kidney problems
Is it safe for me to take acyclovir?
acyclovir is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
acyclovir Common Side Effects
Common side effects of acyclovir:
- Oral capsules, tablets, and suspension
- Feeling unwell
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Cream
- Application site reaction
- Ointment
- Burning and stinging at application site
acyclovir Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with acyclovir.
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on acyclovir
The following medications may interact with acyclovir:
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines:
- Dichlorphenamide
- Foscarnet
- Leflunomide
- Nitisinone
- Teriflunomide
Who makes acyclovir?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is acyclovir safe in pregnancy?
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with acyclovir in pregnant women. acyclovir should be used during
pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
What to do if you missed your acyclovir dose
The FDA's medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients and consumers.
Learn more about reporting side effectsDrug Savings Tips
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Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
Things to know
What is acyclovir mainly used for?
What viruses does acyclovir fight?
What drugs should not be taken with acyclovir?
Is it safe to take acyclovir every day?
Can I buy acyclovir over the counter?
How long does it take acyclovir ointment to work?
When should you use acyclovir?
Does acyclovir help healing?
What is aciclovir Tablets used for?
What viruses does acyclovir cover?
What should I avoid while taking acyclovir?
Why was aciclovir discontinued?
What's the difference between valacyclovir and acyclovir?
Can acyclovir treat bacterial infection?
Does acyclovir have bad side effects?
Is it bad to take acyclovir every day?
Is acyclovir hard on the kidneys?
How do I protect my kidneys with acyclovir?
Can oral acyclovir damage kidneys?
Is acyclovir hard on the liver?
Are antivirals bad for you?
Is acyclovir an antibiotic or steroid?
Is acyclovir same as amoxicillin?
Is acyclovir the same as hydrocortisone?
Can acyclovir cause nerve damage?
What is acyclovir 400 mg pills used for?
What does acyclovir compete with?
What does acyclovir mimic?
For which virus is acyclovir the drug of choice?
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