Acyclovir (Cont.)

 
Genital Herpes
For people who took acyclovir to treat their first genital herpes infection, the lesions healed more quickly and were painful for a shorter period of time, compared to those who did not take acyclovir.
 
Studies also showed that acyclovir helps prevent outbreaks in people with frequent recurrences (six or more outbreaks per year). In these people, the drug reduced the frequency and severity of genital herpes outbreaks.
 
Chickenpox
In studies, acyclovir helped chickenpox lesions to heal 50 percent faster, reduced the number of lesions, and decreased the chance of fever or loss of appetite. In these studies, the drug was used within 24 hours after the appearance of chickenpox in children.
 

When and How to Take Acyclovir

General considerations for when and how to take acyclovir include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in the form of tablets, capsules, and a suspension (oral liquid). Acyclovir injection (used for more serious herpes infections), cream, and ointment are also available.
     
  • Acyclovir can be taken with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Be sure to shake the liquid form of acyclovir thoroughly before each dose.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Make sure to take acyclovir as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
     

Dosing Information for Acyclovir

The dose of acyclovir that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age and weight
  • The condition being treated
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Acyclovir Dosing for more information.)
 
(Acyclovir Continued: Page 3)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;