What is Acivir (Acyclovir)?
Acyclovir is the generic medication of the commonly known brand Zovirax marketed by BudgetGenerics. Generic Zovitrax belongs to the class of medications called nucleoside analogs which is prescribed to treat shingles (caused by herpes zoster), chicken pox and cold sores around the mouth. Genital herpes outbreaks are treated with Acyclovir. If you get frequent outbreaks Acyclovir can reduce the number of future episodes.
Acyclovir works by inhibiting the growth of certain viruses. This medication isn't a cure for these infections. Between outbreaks these viruses continue to live in the body. The length and severity of these outbreaks is decreased by Acyclovir. It aids sores to heal faster, the pain / itch to decrease and to keep new sores from forming.
Recommendations for use of Acivir (Acyclovir)
Acyclovir is used to treat viral infections caused by a group of viruses called herpes simplex viruses. These infections include oral and genital herpes, shingles, and chickenpox.
Oral herpes causes cold sores. These are small, painful sores that you can get in or around your mouth. Cold sores can be spread by kissing or other physical contact with the infected area of the skin.
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease. Acyclovir is used to treat or prevent flare-ups of genital herpes in people with normal immune systems, or in people with HIV.
Shinglesis caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox (varicella zoster). Shingles can occur in people who have already had chickenpox.
Chickenpox causes an itchy rash of small, red bumps that can look like pimples or insect bites. Acyclovir is used to treat chickenpox in children ages 2 to 18 years who have a normal immune system.
Dosage and direction of taking Acivir (Acyclovir)
Read the Medication Guide and the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using Acyclovir and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take Acyclovir orally as prescribed by your doctor with a full glass of water with or without food usually 2 to 5 times a day.
Always try to take Acyclovir at evenly paced times. If you missed a dose take it as soon as you remember.
Your dosage will be decided upon your medical condition, age, laboratory tests, your response to the medication and other medications that you are taking.
Take Acyclovir exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take in doses which are either larger or for longer than what is recommended by your doctor.
Starting treatment at the first sign of an outbreak is when the medicine works best. Delayed treatment may not yield the same result.
At the first symptom or as soon as possible after the rash appears you must start taking Acyclovir for shingles and chicken pox.
At the first sign or as soon as you feel the first tingling itching or burning you must start taking this treatment for cold sores or genital herpes.
This is medication needs to complete the fully prescribed amount, even if the symptoms improve after a few doses.
Missed Dose of Acivir (Acyclovir)
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time to take your next dose. Do not take an dose of medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose of Acivir (Acyclovir)
If you think you have taken more than the required dose contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
How does Acivir (Acyclovir) work?
Acyclovir belongs to a class of drugs called antivirals. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.
Acyclovir works by lowering the ability of the herpes virus to multiply in your body. Thus, treats the symptoms of your infection. However, this drug doesn't cure herpes infections. Herpes infections include cold sores, chickenpox, shingles, or genital herpes. Even with this drug, the herpes virus may still live in your body. Your symptoms may occur again later even after the symptoms of your current infection go away.
Precautions before taking Acivir (Acyclovir)
You should not take Acyclovir if you are allergic to Acyclovir or to similar medicines.
To make sure it is safe for you, before taking this medicine, let your doctor know if you have or have had heart failure, heart problems, stroke, or thyroid problems.
Before taking Acyclovir, tell your doctor if you have:
any allergies to Acyclovir or similar drugs (Acyclovir) or to any other allergies
kidney problems
conditions related to weakened immune system (bone marrow transplant, kidney transplant, HIV disease)
Acyclovir may make you dizzy or drowsy. Consumption of alcohol or marijuana can increase the risk of drowsiness. Do not operate machinery, drive a car or do anything that require alertness until you can do it safely. Understand how this medication affects you.
Limit alcoholic beverages. Discuss with your doctor your options if you are taking marijuana.
If you are having surgery prior to your surgery, inform your doctor or the dentist of all the products (prescription, non- prescription medications, herbal products, vitamin and supplements) you are taking.
Consult your doctor prior to taking certain immunizations / vaccinations (such as vaccines against varicella virus).
Side effects of this medication especially dizziness, confusion, drowsiness and change in the amount of urine (kidney problems) may affect older adults as they may be more sensitive to those.
Cold sores are contagious. During an outbreak avoid close physical contact with others (eg : kissing) until cold sores have completely healed. Cold sores should not be touched and if you do touch wash your hands well.
Acyclovir does not protect against the spread of genital herpes. Do not have sexual contact during an outbreak or if you have symptoms to lower the chance of giving herpes to your partner. Even if you don't have symptoms you can spread genital herpes.
During all sexual activities always use an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condoms/ dental dams). Consult your doctor for more details.
Acyclovir should only be used if it is absolutely necessary during pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor the risks and the benefits involved.
Consult your doctor before nursing as Acyclovir passes into breast milk. However the effects on a nursing infant are unknown.
About other prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Taking Acyclovir together with certain medicines or products may cause serious, life-threatening side effects.
Side Effects of Acivir (Acyclovir)
Acyclovir may have unwanted side effects in some people. All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.
Tell your pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Acyclovir.
headache
nausea
vomiting
dizziness
Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the serious side effects mentioned below.
trouble speaking
dizziness
drowsiness
signs of kidney problems (change in the amount of urine)
mental/mood changes (confusion, hallucinations, agitation )
unusual back/side pain
shaky / unsteady movements
Life threating disorder that affects the blood cells, kidneys and other parts of the body can be rarely caused by Acyclovir.
If you have a weakened immune system (bone marrow transplant, HIV disease, kidney transplant) it is more likely for this disease to occur.
Seek medical help if you have any of the serious side effects including: slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, extreme tiredness, easy bruising/bleeding, bloody / dark urine, new fever, seizures, yellowing eyes/skin, sudden vision changes, loss of consciousness, severe stomach / abdominal pain/p>
A very serious allergic reaction is extremely rare with Acyclovir. In case you show any of the following symptoms get to the emergency clinic
itching
trouble breathing
swelling in the face, throat, tongue, throat
rash
severe dizziness
The above list includes very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. These side effects are very rare. Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed above may occur in some patients. Do not be alarmed by the lists of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions.
Interaction with Acivir (Acyclovir)
Inform your doctor about any medications that you are taking including prescription medications, over the counter medications, vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies. Do not start, stop and change the dosage of any medicine without your doctor's permission.
Acyclovir can be harmful to the kidneys, and these effects are increased when it is used together with other medicines that can harm the kidneys.
You should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. This drug can harm your kidneys if you don't stay well hydrated.
Acyclovir can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. This increases your risk of sunburn. Avoid the sun if you can. If you can't, be sure to wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen.
Before taking Acyclovir, tell your doctor if you are also using
lithium
methotrexate
pain or arthritis medicines such as aspirin, acetaminophen, diclofenac, etodolac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen, and others
medicines used to treat ulcerative colitis, such as mesalamine or sulfasalazine
medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection, such as sirolimus or tacrolimus
IV antibiotics such as amphotericin B, amikacin, bacitracin, capreomycin, gentamicin, kanamycin, streptomycin, or vancomycin
antiviral medicines such as adefovir, cidofovir, or foscarnet
cancer medicine such as aldesleukin, carmustine, cisplatin, ifosfamide, oxaliplatin, plicamycin, streptozocin, or tretinoin
This list is not complete and there are many other medicines that can interact with Acyclovir. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.
Storage of Acivir (Acyclovir)
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Store at 15°C - 30°C (59°F - 77°F); protect drug from excessive light, humidity, and temperature over 30°C (86°F)
Keep Acyclovir tablets in the container that they came in and keep the container tightly closed.
Throw away capsules that are no longer needed or expired (out of date).
Medicines should not be disposed of via waste water or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. This will help to protect the environment.
Acyclovir should not be used after the given expiration date.
Scientific Information about Acyclovir or Generic Zovirax
Formula: Acyclovir | C8H11N5O3
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