Brand Names: Sitavig, Zovirax
Generic Name: Acyclovir
Belonging to a group of antiviral treatments, Acyclovir decreases the development and spreading of the herpes virus within the organism. The drug cannot cure the condition, but it can significantly improve the symptoms. Acyclovir is commonly prescribed to treat various infections provoked by the herpes viruses.
The most frequently occurring are cold sores, chicken pox, genital herpes and shingles. Additionally, the medication can be administered in other instances not mentioned in the safety guide, though only after doctor’s recommendations.
Talk to your medical professional to ensure high safety of Acyclovir in your individual case. Provide your doctor with detailed information about the treatments you are taking and other diseases and health issues you have. Certain medications may interact with Acyclovir triggering undesirable and harmful reactions.
Prevent the combination of this powerful antiviral drug with other antivirals, osteoporosis treatments, Probenecid, chemotherapy, antibiotics, bowel disorders medication and others. Besides, a range of medical complications may change the action of Acyclovir. Your healthcare provider should be aware of the following problems, if any:
Do not even start Acyclovir course in case you are sensitive to the active ingredients of the pharmaceutical, mild proteins and other products. The drug should not be administered by pregnant and breastfeeding women in order to avoid irreversible impacts on unborn and nursing children. Acyclovir should not be given to kids without doctor’s permission.
Acyclovir is a powerful medication that promotes a rather strong influence on the organism, so it should be accurately administered following all the safety directions and instructions. The intake should be started after first infection symptoms have appeared.
The medication can be used with or without food, but with much water. It will help the kidneys to function properly. Keep using Acyclovir for the whole duration of the medication course, even if the signs have disappeared.
The dose will be different in each case, though an average strength is 400 mg Acyclovir taken each 8 hours during 7-14 days. Your healthcare specialist may occasionally change the adjusted dose based on certain health peculiarities.
As any other treatment, Acyclovir misuse will lead to severe complications and side effects occurrence. Seek medical help if any of the following complications have appeared: