Aciclovir

Aciclovir, an anti-viral drug, prevents the growth of the virus by attacking the infected cells. Aciclovir 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 Aciclovir if you allergic to the drug or any ingredients in it. Special care should be taken if you are on Aciclovir 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 Aciclovir only if it is safe for you. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should take medical advice before they start taking Aciclovir, 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, Aciclovir 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.

• Herpes Zoster Infections

  Aciclovir is used in the treatment of herpes zoster infection which is a viral infection caused by varicella-zoster virus.

• Genital Herpes

  Aciclovir is used in the treatment of genital herpes which is a sexually transmitted viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus.

• Chickenpox

  Aciclovir 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.

• Allergy

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.

• Lethargy

• Dizziness

• Seizures

• Confusion

• Agitation

• Coma

• Headache

• Rash

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Tremor

• Insomnia

• Anorexia

• Sore Throat

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Below is the list of medicines, which contains Aciclovir as ingredient

• Optiviral 200 MG Tablet

  Entod Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Zovirax 200 MG Tablet

  Glaxosmithkline Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Herpikind 800 MG Tablet

  Mankind Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Zovistar 200 MG Tablet

  Monichem Healthcare Pvt Ltd

• Acivir 400 MG Tablet DT

  Cipla Ltd

• Trikase 200 MG Tablet

  East India Pharmaceutical Works Ltd

• Rivol 200 MG Tablet

  Dial Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd

• Ocurax 200 MG Tablet

  Ipca Laboratories Pvt Ltd.

• Herperax 5% Ointment

  Micro Labs Ltd

• Ocuvir 400 MG Tablet DT

  Fdc Ltd

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.

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.

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 alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

• Interaction with Lab Test

  Information not available.

• Interaction with Medicine

  Phenytoin

  The desired effect of phenytoin may not be achieved if taken with Aciclovir. 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

  Aciclovir 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

  Aciclovir 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 probenecid

• Interaction with Food

  May be taken with food; food does not appear to affect absorption

• 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

• Ques : Will I get cured after taking Aciclovir 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 Aciclovir 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 Aciclovir?

  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 Aciclovir?

  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 Aciclovir accidentally?

  Ans : Overdoses of oral Aciclovir 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 Aciclovir treatment?

  Ans : Patients with advanced HIV disease or patients with impaired immunity have reported resistance to Aciclovir.

• Ques : Is hair loss caused due to Aciclovir permanent?

  Ans : No, hair loss is an uncommon side effect of Aciclovir. It stops when the medicine is discontinued.

• 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