Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment
About Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment
Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment, an anti-viral drug, prevents the growth of the virus by attacking the infected cells. Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment is used to treat a number of viral infections such as-
- Herpes- In case of treatment, a dosage of 200mg is given to be taken 5 time daily, at an interval of 4 hours for a period of 5 days. For prevention of herpes, 200mg is prescribed to be taken 4 times a daily, after every 6 hours for a period of 6 to 12 months.
- Chicken pox
- Shingles- In case of treatment, a dosage of 800mg is given to be taken 5 time daily, at an interval of 4 hours daily for a week.
It is best that you avoid taking Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment if you allergic to the drug or any ingredients in it. Special care should be taken if you are on Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment and suffer from other health issues like kidney problems, abnormalities of the nervous system or taking various other drugs.
Inform you doctor if you are on medication that treats:
- Gout
- Asthma
- Peptic ulcers
- Taking an immunosuppressant.
In this case he will prescribe Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment only if it is safe for you. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should take medical advice before they start taking Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment, to ensure if the drug is safe for their child or not.
Take the drug as per specific directions of your medical practitioner. Available in tablet form, Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment can be taken before or with a meal. If you cannot swallow the tablet whole, disperse it in water, stir and drink.
You should be aware of some of the side effects that you may suffer from while taking this medicine. Dizziness, diarrhea, rashes, headache, weakness and light sensitivity are some common side effects and gradually disappear. Some of the more serious side effects are- allergic reactions, hives, and loss of hair and development of hepatitis. Get in touch with your doctor if your side effects do not go away.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the uses of Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment
Herpes Zoster Infections
Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment is used in the treatment of herpes zoster infection which is a viral infection caused by varicella-zoster virus.
Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment is used in the treatment of genital herpes which is a sexually transmitted viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus.
Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment is used in the treatment of chicken pox which is a viral infection caused by varicella-zoster virus.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the contraindications of Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment ?
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the side effects of Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment ?
Lethargy
Confusion
Agitation
Headache
Rash
Thrombocytopenia
Anaphylaxis
Urticaria
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
Key highlights of Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment
How long is the duration of effect?
The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 9 to 12 hours.
What is the onset of action?
The peak effect of this medicine can be observed in 1.5 to 2 hours after an oral dose and 2 hours after an intravenous dose.
Are there any pregnancy warnings?
This medicine is recommended for pregnant women. Discuss with your doctor about the potential benefits and risks before deciding to take this medicine.
Is it habit forming?
No habit tendencies have been reported.
Are there any breast-feeding warnings?
This medicine is excreted through the breastmilk. Discuss with your doctor about the potential benefits and risks before deciding to take this medicine. Monitoring of any undesired effects is necessary.
Does this affect kidney function?
Caution must be taken in patients with kidney disease. Adjustment of dose is needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Does this affect liver function?
Limited information is available regarding its use in patients with liver disease. Adjustment of dose might not be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the dosage instructions?
Missed Dose instructions
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Are there any overdose instructions?
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
Where is the Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment approved?
India
United States
Japan
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
How does this medication work?
It works by inhibiting the viral DNA synthesis by inhibiting the DNA polymerase enzyme and thus inhibits the multiplication of the virus.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the interactions of Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment ?
Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.
- test
Interaction with Alcohol
Interaction with Lab Test
Interaction with Medicine
Phenytoin
The desired effect of phenytoin may not be achieved if taken with Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment. Inform the doctor if you are receiving phenytoin or if you have a history of seizures. Suitable dose adjustments or an alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition.Tacrolimus
Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment may increase the risk of kidney injury when taken with tacrolimus or any other medicines that cause kidney injury. Close monitoring of kidney function is necessary. Inform the doctor if you experience any symptoms such as sudden weight gain, changes in the frequency of the urination. Dose adjustments or an alternate treatment is considered based on the clinical condition.Sulfasalazine
Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment may increase the risk of kidney injury when taken with sulfasalazine or any other medicines that cause kidney injury. Close monitoring of kidney function is necessary. Inform the doctor if you experience any symptoms such as sudden weight gain, changes in the frequency of the urination. Dose adjustments or an alternate treatment is considered based on the clinical condition.Others
Increased CNS side effects with zidovudine and probenecidInteraction with Food
Interaction with Disease
- Use with caution in patients with pre-existing renal disease or in those receiving other nephrotoxic drugs concurrently. Maintain adequate urine output during the first 2 hours after I.V. infusion.
- Use with caution in patients with underlying neurologic abnormalities, serious hepatic or electrolyte abnormalities, or substantial hypoxia.
- Use with caution in immunocompromised patients; thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP/HUS) has been reported
FAQs about Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment
Ques : Will I get cured after taking Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment for shingles?
Ans : It is an antiviral medicine that is effective against herpes simplex and varicella-zoster viruses. It does not cure infections caused by these viruses but helps to minimize the symptoms and shorten the duration of infection.
Ques : Does Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment prevent transmission of infection to others?
Ans : No, you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with this medication.
Ques : What are the serious side effects of Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment?
Ans : Side effects include hives, blistering or peeling rash, yellow skin or eyes, unusual bruising or bleeding, loss of consciousness, fits, difficulty in breathing, hallucinations and swelling of the face, tongue, lips or throat.
Ques : Do elderly patients need to be more careful while taking Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment?
Ans : Older adults (over age 65 years) tend to experience more side effects when taking this drug. It is advised that elderly patients should drink plenty of water while taking Acyclovir, and their kidney function should be monitored.
Ques : What can happen if somebody takes more than the recommended dose of Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment accidentally?
Ans : Overdoses of oral Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment over several days may cause nausea, vomiting, confusion, and headache. You are advised to consult your doctor in case of an overdose.
Ques : Can I get resistant to Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment treatment?
Ans : Patients with advanced HIV disease or patients with impaired immunity have reported resistance to Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment.
Ques : Is hair loss caused due to Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment permanent?
Ans : No, hair loss is an uncommon side effect of Acyclovir 500 MG Ointment. It stops when the medicine is discontinued.
References
Acyclovir- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [Cited 3 December 2021]. Available from:
https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/aciclovir
ACYCLOVIR- acyclovir tablet- Daily Med [Internet]. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. [Cited 3 December 2021]. Available from:
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=0910335b-6796-459f-b97e-d7ef5439a060
Aciclovir 800 mg Tablets- EMC [Internet]. www.medicines.org.uk. 2018 [Cited 23 Nov 2021]. Available from:
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/4336/smpc
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