ACYCLOVIR belongs to a class of antiviral medication used to treat viral infections such as cold sores (an inflamed blister in or near the mouth, caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus), genital herpes (a common sexually transmitted infection marked by genital pain and sores), and herpes zoster (a viral infection that causes a painful rash). In addition to this, it is also used to treat chickenpox. ACYCLOVIR does not cure herpes but prevents the infection spread and treats its symptoms.
ACYCLOVIR contains acyclovir, which is an antiviral medication. ACYCLOVIR prevents the multiplication of viruses in human cells by acting on its DNA, resulting in decreased viral overload. ACYCLOVIR kills or stops the growth of fungi and treats the infection.
The dose and duration will depend on your condition and how you respond to ACYCLOVIR. In some cases, you may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Most of these side effects of ACYCLOVIR are temporary, do not require medical attention, and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Do not take ACYCLOVIR if you are allergic to acyclovir or any of its ingredients. Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, currently breastfeeding, or taking other prescribed or non-prescribed medicines. Use protection while having sexual intercourse to avoid the transfer of genital herpes (a sexually transmitted disease) to your partner. If you have a weak immune system, please inform your doctor before taking ACYCLOVIR as you may require a dose adjustment.
Herpes zoster (shingles), Genital herpes infection, Herpes labialis, Chicken Pox
ACYCLOVIR contains acyclovir, which is an antiviral medication. ACYCLOVIR prevents the multiplication of viruses in human cells by acting on its DNA, resulting in decreased viral overload and preventing new viruses' formation. ACYCLOVIR is used to treat viral infections such as cold sores (an inflamed blister in or near the mouth, caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus), genital herpes (a common sexually transmitted infection marked by genital pain and sores), and herpes zoster (a viral infection that causes a painful rash). In addition to this, it is also used to treat chickenpox.
Do not take ACYCLOVIR if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. If you are 65 years of age, have kidney disease or kidney transplant, have a heart problem or history of heart problems, have HIV/AIDS, are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, ACYCLOVIR should be taken with caution and only if a doctor prescribes you. ACYCLOVIR may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position, especially when you start taking ACYCLOVIR so please get up gradually. Also, do not drive a car or operate machinery requiring concentration as ACYCLOVIR may cause dizziness. Please do not take ACYCLOVIR if you have ever developed a rash due to a fever. If you have a weak immune system, please inform your doctor before taking ACYCLOVIR, as a dose adjustment may be required.
Drug-drug interactions: ACYCLOVIR may have an interaction with medication used to treat gout (e.g. probenecid), medicines used to treat stomach ulcers (e..g cimetidine), medicines used to treat asthma (aminophylline, theophylline) and immunosuppressive medicines (e.g. mycophenolate mofetil).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have or had renal dysfunction or disease, hemodialysis (a procedure where a dialysis machine and a special filter called an artificial kidney, or a dialyzer, are used to clean your blood), an organ transplant, immunodeficiency, bone marrow transplantation, and neutropenia (lower-than-normal levels of neutrophils).
Alcohol is not known to cause any unpleasant side effects if taken along with ACYCLOVIR. But intake of alcohol with ACYCLOVIR may damage your liver. So intake of alcohol should be avoided with ACYCLOVIR.
ACYCLOVIR is a pregnancy Category B medicine. It is unknown whether ACYCLOVIR will affect pregnant women or fetus. Hence, the intake of ACYCLOVIR should be only if prescribed and under medical supervision.
The safety of ACYCLOVIR in breastfeeding women is not known. Hence, ACYCLOVIR should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor and under medical supervision.
ACYCLOVIR can affect alertness and coordination. So, operating machinery which requires concentration should be avoided.
ACYCLOVIR to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
ACYCLOVIR to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
ACYCLOVIR is safe if prescribed by a child specialist.
Herpes zoster(shingles): It is a viral infection characterised by red skin rashes, pain and a burning sensation. The virus lives in the nervous system for years before causing Herpes. It can appear on the face, neck, torso, and one side of the body.
Genital herpes infection: It is a common sexually transmitted infection that affects the genitals. It can affect both men and women. Common symptoms include pain, irritation, itching, and sores in the genitals. It is marked by genital pain and sores.
Herpes labialis: It is a kind of viral infection that affects the lip. It is also known as cold sores. Symptoms include burning pain and small blisters. In some patients, it can also lead to fever.
Chickenpox: It is a viral infection that is highly contagious. Common symptoms include rash, small painful blisters, fever, sore throat, and body pain.