Acyclovir
Generic Name:
Acyclovir
Acyclovir Description:
Acyclovir is an antiviral medication used in the treatment of sores and blisters caused by different types of the herpes virus. Acyclovir is intended to treat the symptoms of oral herpes, genital herpes, chickenpox and shingles, all of which are caused by viruses that belong in the viral family known as herpesviridae. While acyclovir may help treat the symptoms of these conditions, it will not necessary preclude patients from passing on the viruses to others.
Acyclovir belongs to a class of drugs known as synthetic nucleoside analogues and works by preventing herpes viruses from progressing inside the body.
Acyclovir Side Effects:
Common side effects of oral and injectable versions of acyclovir include:
Patients taking a topical version of acyclovir may experience the following common side effects:
- Dry or cracked lips
- Shedding or flaky skin
- Burning, stinging or itching sensations
For more information, see our acyclovir side effects page.
Acyclovir Uses:
Acyclovir is used to treat a variety of conditions caused by herpes viruses including:
- Cold sores (herpes labialis)
- Genital herpes (herpes simplex)
- Shingles (herpes zoster)
- Chickenpox (herpes varicella)
Acyclovir may be used to treat these conditions in newborn infants, children and adults. Acyclovir will help treat skin lesions and other symptoms caused by these conditions but will not necessarily prevent patients from transmitting the viruses to others.
Acyclovir may also be used to treat the following additional conditions caused by herpes viruses:
- Eczema herpeticum, a skin infection
- Oral hairy leukoplakia
Additionally, acyclovir may be used to prevent outbreaks of herpes infections in patients with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Acyclovir Interactions:
Patients should talk with their doctor about the use of any other medications, vitamins, supplements, lotions or ointments before beginning treatment with acyclovir.
Acyclovir may interact with the following medications:
- Amphotericin B (Fungizone)
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g. Amikin, Garamycin, Kantrex)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
- Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
- Interferon
- HIV/AIDS medications
- Methotrexate
- Pentamidine (NebuPent)
- Probenecid (Benemid)
- Sulfonamides (e.g. Bactrim)
- Tacrolimus (Prograf)
- Vancomycin (Vancocin)
Acyclovir Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Acyclovir dosages may vary among patients. Your doctor will establish the size and frequency of your dosage according to your individual needs. It is important to follow the dosage guidelines set by your doctor.
Acyclovir is available in the form of a topical cream, an oral tablet, an oral capsule, an oral liquid or a solution for injectable infusion. Patients should begin treatment with acyclovir at the earliest sign of symptoms in order to receive the fullest benefits of treatment.
Patients undergoing treatment with an oral version of acyclovir usually take two to five doses of the medication a day for five to 10 days. Patients receiving intravenous infusions of acyclovir typically receive an infusion of the medication every eight hours for five to 10 days. Acyclovir infusions are usually administered over a one-hour period or longer. Patients undergoing treatment with a topical version of acyclovir usually apply the medication to the affected area approximately six times a day for seven days.
Missing a Dose of Acyclovir
If you forget to take or apply a dose of acyclovir, do so as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosage schedule. Do not administer a double dose of this medication to compensate for a missed dose.
Acyclovir Overdose
An overdose of acyclovir may result in agitation, severe fatigue, seizures, loss of consciousness or other serious complications. Seek immediate medical attention if you believe you have taken too much of this medication.
Acyclovir FDA Approval:
October 22, 1982
Acyclovir Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
In 2004, Par Pharmaceutical recalled lots of acyclovir tablets due to mistaken labeling that incorrectly identified the products as sotalol hydrochloride. In 2004, IVAX Pharmaceuticals also recalled lots of acyclovir tablets due to product deficiencies that caused the tablets to crumble.
Acyclovir does not carry any black box warnings.
Other Warnings
While acyclovir may help treat the symptoms of conditions caused by herpes viruses, the medication will not necessarily prevent patients from transmitting the viruses to others. Patients should avoid situations which may increase the likelihood of passing the virus on to others.
-
September 7, 2010, 9:59 am
-
September 2, 2010, 12:51 pm
-
September 1, 2010, 3:16 pm
-
August 31, 2010, 2:01 pm
