AcyclovirŽ is used to treat the symptoms of
chickenpox, shingles, herpes virus infections
of the genitals (sex organs), the skin, the brain,
and mucous membranes (lips and mouth), and widespread
herpes virus infections in newborns. Acyclovir
is also used to prevent recurrent genital herpes
infections. Although acyclovir will not cure herpes,
it does help relieve the pain and discomfort and
helps the sores (if any) heal faster.
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AcyclovirŽ
200mg and 400mg tablets
Uses
Acyclovir is also used to prevent recurrent genital
herpes infections. Although acyclovir will not cure
herpes, it does help relieve the pain and discomfort
and helps the sores heal faster.
How to take this medication
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided
by your doctor. Take this medicine with food or milk
if it upsets your stomach. Store this medicine at room
temperature, away from light and moisture. To clean
up your infection completely, continue taking this medicine
for the full course of treatment even if you feel better
in a few days. Do not miss any doses. If you miss a
dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed
dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do
not take 2 doses at once.
Side Effects
Side effects, which may go away during treatment, include
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or headache. If they continue
or are bothersome, check with your doctor. If you notice
other effects not listed above, contact your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist.
Precautions
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or
if they become worse, check with your doctor. If you
are using this medicine for genital herpes, begin using
it as soon as you notice symptoms (pain, burning, blisters)
of an infection. Use a condom during sexual intercourse.
If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your
doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine
during pregnancy. If you are or may be pregnant, check
with your doctor for instructions on using this medicine
during pregnancy. Before you begin taking any new medicine,
either prescription or over-the-counter, check with
your doctor or pharmacist. This medicine is excreted
in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding
while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor
or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects
or prevent a medicine from doing its job.
Missed Dose
Try to take each dose at the scheduled time. If you
miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take
it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead,
skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store this medication at room temperature between 59
and 77 degrees F (15 to 25 degrees C) away from heat
and light. Keep this and all medications out of the
reach of children.
Notes
This medication is most effective if it is started within
48 hours of when the rash first appears.
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