Acyclovir (
Zovirax®) is a prescription medication used to treat the following conditions:
This article focuses on the oral forms of acyclovir.
Side Effects of Acyclovir
As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects include, but are not limited to:
(Click Acyclovir Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider. You can read about a specific acyclovir side effect by clicking Zovirax Hair Loss.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking acyclovir if you have:
- Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure)
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Shingles,
genital herpes, and
chickenpox are caused by viruses. Once a person has been infected with one of these viruses, it never goes away. It remains inactive in certain nerve cells of the body, waiting to become active again. Acyclovir is an antiviral medication that helps the body fight the infection. It does this by preventing the virus from multiplying.
Several studies have examined how well acyclovir treats shingles, genital herpes, and chickenpox.
Shingles
In studies looking at acyclovir for shingles, the drug helped shingles lesions to heal faster and helped reduce pain. It also helped to prevent nerve pain associated with shingles. Studies suggested that the medicine was more effective when started within the first 48 hours after symptoms appeared and worked better in people over 50 years old.
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 it.
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 the drug 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 it as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
The dosage 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.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much acyclovir may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Agitation
- Coma
- Seizures
- Lethargy
- Kidney damage.
If you happen to overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Acyclovir?
If you do not take your acyclovir as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Acyclovir is made by GlaxoSmithKline.
Acyclovir tablets are available in the following strengths:
- Acyclovir 400 mg
- Acyclovir 800 mg.
Acyclovir capsules are available in one strength -- Acyclovir 200 mg.
Acyclovir suspension is available in one strength -- Acyclovir Suspension 200 mg per 5 mL (200 mg per teaspoonful).
Is There a Generic Version of Acyclovir?
Currently, both brand-name and generic versions are licensed for sale
(see Generic Zovirax).
