Acyclovir Tablets - A Comprehensive Overview

Q: Does Acyclovir speed up healing?

Acyclovir improves the healing of sores and reduces tingling, pain, burning, and itching. However, it does not prevent future occurrences.

Q: What happens when you stop taking Acyclovir?

If you suddenly stop taking the medication or do not take it at all, the effects of your infection may not improve or may even worsen.

Q: What are the long term side effects of Acyclovir?

Long-term side effects can include hair loss, reduction in the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, coma, weakness, anemia, and kidney issues.

Q: Is it safe to take Acyclovir daily?

Before taking Acyclovir on a regular basis, consult a doctor. Generally, a single dose is between 200 mg and 800 mg and may be lower for infants. Acyclovir is typically administered 2 to 5 times a day for up to 12 months. Try spacing the doses consistently throughout the day.

Q: Does Acyclovir weaken the immune system?

A life-threatening disease that affects blood cells, kidneys, and other parts of the body may rarely be triggered by Acyclovir. This disease is more likely to occur if you have a compromised immune system (such as HIV disease, bone marrow transplant, or kidney transplant).

Q: Does Acyclovir cause hair thinning?

Yes, Acyclovir can lead to hair loss issues, and if used for a long period of time, it might cause hair thinning.

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug which slows the development and spread of the herpes virus. It won't cure herpes, but the symptoms of the infection can be diminished.

Acyclovir is used to treat diseases such as

Genital herpes
Cold sores
Shingles
Chickenpox caused by herpes viruses

Secure your health with a second opinion. Make informed decisions and book your appointment today!

Get A Second Opinion

Acyclovir Uses

It is used for the treatment of chronic or extensive oral and esophageal herpes.
Herpetic kerato-uveitis therapy.
Prevention of herpes in the genitals.
Secondary herpes prophylaxis in patients with recurrences that are recurrent and/or severe.
Treatment of extreme types of zoster: facial or ophthalmic zoster, necrotic or extensive forms.

Acyclovir Cream

It is used to treat the face or lips with cold sores (fever blisters; blisters caused by a virus called herpes simplex).

Acyclovir ointment is used to treat early outbreaks of genital herpes (an infection of the herpes virus that sometimes causes sores to develop around the genitals and rectum) and to treat some forms of herpes simplex virus-induced sores in people with poor immune systems.

Acyclovir belongs to a class of antiviral drugs called ana-synthetic nucleosides.

How to Use Acyclovir Cream

Clean your hands.
Clean and dry the region of the skin where the cream is being applied.
To protect the skin where the cold sore has formed or appears likely to form, add a coat of cream.
When it disappears, massage the cream onto the skin.
Leave the skin exposed where you have applied the drug. Unless your doctor advises you that you should, do not apply a bandage or dressing.
To remove any cream left on your hands, wash your hands with soap and water.
Remember not to wash away the cream from your skin. Right after applying acyclovir cream, do not bathe, shower, or swim.
When using acyclovir cream, avoid the discomfort of the cold sore area.

Acyclovir Tablet Side Effects

Side effects can be caused by topical Acyclovir. If any of these symptoms are there or do not go away, tell your doctor:

Cracked or dry lips
Skin that is flaky, peeling, or dry
Skin that is burning or stinging
Redness, swelling, or pain at the place where the drug was applied

Serious Acyclovir Side Effects:

Hives
Rashes
Itching
Breathing or swallowing problems
Swelling of the face, throat, mouth, eyes, hands, feet, lower legs, or ankles
Hoarseness

Common Acyclovir Side Effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

Headache
Feeling dizzy
Feeling or being diseased
Diarrhea
Pains in the stomach
Skin reaction after light exposure (photosensitivity)
Feeling tired easily
Unexplained fever and feeling faint (high temperature),Some unusual side effect (which may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

Rare Acyclovir Side Effects (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 individuals)

Decrease red blood cell numbers (anemia)
Reduced white blood cell numbers (leukopenia)
Reduced blood platelet numbers (cells that clots blood-thrombocytopenia)
Feeling dizzy and weak
Feeling restless or confused
Tremors or trembling
Hallucinations (seeing things that are not there or hearing them)
Feeling unusually drowsy or sleepy
Unsteadiness while walking and absence of coordination
Difficulties with speaking
Coma
Paralysis of the whole or portion of your body
Stiff neck and light sensitivity
Hepatitis
Renal Pain

Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!

Book an Appointment

How to Take Acyclovir: Dosage Instructions

Renal clearance-based dose change and standard dosage regimen -200 mg per four hrs.

10 mL/min/73 m2: q12hr of 200 mg
10 mL/min/73 m2: q12hr of 200 mg

Per 12 hrs. 400 mg

10 mL/min/73 m2: q12hr of 200 mg
10 mL/min/73 m2: q12hr of 200 mg

Per 4 hrs, 800 mg

10 mL/min/73 m2: q12hr 800 mg
10-25 mL/min/73 m2: q8hr 800 mg
25 mL/min/73 m2: q4hr 800 mg (five times daily)

Considerations for Adjusting Dosage

Renal Impairment

-10-25 mL/min/73 m2 CrCl: Administer the recommended dose of q24hr
-CrCl < 10 mL/min/73 m2: 50% of the recommended dose of q24hr is given.

Renal Impairment (PO)

Standard dosage of 200 mg q4hr or 400 mg q12hr and < 10 mL/min/73 m2 CrCl: reduction to 200 mg q12hr: reduction to 200 mg q12hr
800 mg q4hr and CrCl 10-25 mL/min/73 m2 standard dosage: reduction to 800 mg q8hr
-800 mg q4hr and CrCl < 10 mL/min/73 m2 standard dosage: reduction to 800 mg q12hr

Important Precautions and Warnings

Before taking Aciclovir, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have kidney disorders
If you are 65 years or more
If you have abnormalities in the nervous system, please inform them.

Precautions for Pregnancy and Fertility related:

Ask your doctor if you are pregnant or hoping to have a baby.

Acyclovir Storage

Keep this drug away from children.
Store it in a temperature below 25 ° C.

Citations

Cocrystallization and amorphization induced by drug–excipient interaction improves the physical properties of acyclovir

Book Doctor Appointment

Name*

Mobile Number*

I agree to the Medicover Privacy Policy

International Patient Services

Make an appointment just in few minutes - Call Us Now

040-68334455

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Acyclovir speed up healing?

Acyclovir improves the healing of sores and reduces tingling, pain, burning, and itching. However, it does not prevent future occurrences.

2. What happens when you stop taking acyclovir?

If you suddenly stop taking the medication or do not take it at all, the effects of your infection may not improve or may even worsen.

3. What are the long term side effects of acyclovir?

Long-term side effects can include hair loss, reduction in the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, coma, weakness, anemia, and kidney issues.

4. Is it safe to take acyclovir daily?

Before taking Acyclovir on a regular basis, consult a doctor. Generally, a single dose is between 200 mg and 800 mg and may be lower for infants. Acyclovir is typically administered 2 to 5 times a day for up to 12 months. Try spacing the doses consistently throughout the day.

5. Does acyclovir weaken the immune system?

A life-threatening disease that affects blood cells, kidneys, and other parts of the body may rarely be triggered by Acyclovir. This disease is more likely to occur if you have a compromised immune system (such as HIV disease, bone marrow transplant, or kidney transplant).

6. Does Acyclovir cause hair thinning?

Yes, Acyclovir can lead to hair loss issues, and if used for a long period of time, it might cause hair thinning

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.