Acyclovir ®
200mg and 400mg tablets
Uses
Acyclovir is also used to prevent recurrent genital herpes infections.
Although acyclovir will not cure herpes, it does help relieve the
pain and discomfort and helps the sores heal faster.
How to take this medication
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor.
Take Acyclovir with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. Store
this medicine at room temperature, away from light and moisture.
To clean up your infection completely, continue taking this medicine
for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few
days. Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of Acyclovir, take
it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Do not take 2 doses at once.
Side Effects
Side effects, which may go away during treatment, include nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, or headache. If they continue or are bothersome,
check with your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Precautions
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become
worse, check with your doctor. If you are using this medicine for
genital herpes, begin using it as soon as you notice symptoms (pain,
burning, blisters) of an infection. Use a condom during sexual intercourse.
If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits
and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. If you are or
may be pregnant, check with your doctor for instructions on using
Acyclovir during pregnancy. Before you begin taking any new medicine,
either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor
or pharmacist. Acyclovir is excreted in breast milk. If you are
or will be breast-feeding while you are using Acyclovir, check with
your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent
Acyclovir from doing its job.
Missed Dose
Try to take each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose,
take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the
time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume
your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch
up.
Storage
Store Acyclovir at room temperature between 59 and 77 degrees F
(15 to 25 degrees C) away from heat and light. Keep this and all
medications out of the reach of children.
Notes
Acyclovir is most effective if it is started within 48 hours of
when the rash first appears.
Acyclovir
info @ MedLinePlus
