Acyclovir Drug Information - Uses, Side Effects for Acyclovir Medication

How to Take Acyclovir

Take Acyclovir exactly as prescribed by health care provider. Use with caution because of the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and concomitant diseases or other drug therapy.Capsules, tablets, and suspension are interchangeable on a mg to mg basis.Shake suspension well before measuring dose. Measure and administer prescribed dose using dosing syringe, dosing dropper, or medicine cup.

Dosage Instructions for Acyclovir Drug

Parenteral: Treatment of initial or recurrent mucosal and cutaneous herpes simplex viruses (HSV) and varicella zoster (shingles) infections in immunocompromised patients; treatment of herpes simplex encephalitis; treatment of severe initial clinical episodes of genital herpes; treatment of neonatal herpes infections.
Oral: Treatment of initial and recurrent episodes of genital herpes in certain patients; acute treatment of shingles and chickenpox.
Topical: Treatment of initial episodes of herpes genitalis and nonlife-threatening mucotaneous HSV infections in immunocompromised patients (ointment); recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) (cream).
Contraindications of Acyclovir

Hypersensitivity to acyclovir or valacyclovir.

Interactions of Acyclovir with other drugs

Probenecid: IV acyclovir plasma levels may be increased, and the duration of action prolonged, while the urinary excretion and renal Cl may be reduced.
Zidovudine: Increased propensity for lethargy.

What are the Side Effects of Acyclovir -

Like other medicines, Acyclovir can cause side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Acyclovir include

* Headache, agitation, coma, confusion, delirium, dizziness, hallucinations, obtundation, psychosis, seizure, somnolence
* Itching, rash, hives (2%); alopecia, erythema multiforme, photosensitive rash, pruritus, rash
* Nausea, vomiting (7%); diarrhea, GI distress, abdominal pain
* Transient elevations of serum creatinine or BUN (5% to 10%); renal failure, elevated blood urea nitrogen, elevated creatinine.
* Anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytosis, leukocytosis, neutrophilia (less than 1%); leukopenia
* Disseminated intravascular coagulation, hemolysis, lymphadenopathy
* Anaphylaxis, fever, pain, peripheral edema

Warnings and precautions before taking Acyclovir :

* Advise patient before using Acyclovir with genital herpes that this drug is not a cure for genital herpes and does not prevent transmission of virus. Instruct patient to avoid sexual intercourse when lesions and/or symptoms are present to avoid infecting partner.
* The safety and efficay of Acyclovir medicine have not been studied in children and adolescents.
* Remind patient before using Acyclovir for recurrent episodes of genital herpes to initiate therapy at the first sign or symptom or recurrence and that medication may not be effective if started more than 6 hr after onset of signs or symptoms of recurrence.
* Instruct patient before using Acyclovir not to take any prescription or OTC medications, dietary supplements, or herbal preparations unless advised by health care provider.
* Advise women before using Acyclovir to inform health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Acyclovir. Insulin is recommended to maintain blood glucose levels during pregnancy. Prolonged severe neonatal hypoglycemia can occur if sulfonylureas are administered at time of delivery.

What if Overdose of Acyclovir ?

If you think you or anyone else taken overdose of Acyclovir , immediately telephone your doctor or contact your local or regional Poisons Information Centre Seek medical attention immediately. You may need urgent medical attention. Increased BUN and serum creatinine, renal failure, convulsions, lethargy, acyclovir precipitation, renal tubules, agitation, coma are mey be the overdose symptoms of Acyclovir.

What if Missed Dose of Acyclovir ?

If you miss a dose of Acyclovir medicine and you remember within an hour or so, take the dose immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage Conditions for Acyclovir :

Store tablets, capsules, and suspension at controlled room temperature (59° to 77°F). Protect from moisture.

By: ashu