What is Aciclovir 400mg?
Aciclovir 400mg is an effective antiviral medication that treats viral infections such as herpes simplex, genital herpes infection, labialis, shingles, and chickenpox.
It also avoids the multiplication of viruses in human cells, helping in clearing the infection in less time. This medicine contains an active ingredient called Acyclovir that is effective in treating outbreaks of genital herpes.
Intake of this medication decreases the number of future episodes in people experiencing frequent outbreaks. Aciclovir 400mg is not a permanent cure for these infections.
The viruses that are responsible for causing these infections to continue to live in your body even during the outbreaks. Intake of this tablet help in decreasing the harshness and length of these outbreaks.
Acyclovir heals the sores faster, decreases pain/itching, and keeps new sores from forming. This medicine also decreases how long pain remains after the sores are healed. On the other hand, in people with a weak immune system, this drug can decrease the risk of the virus that spread to other parts of your body and cause serious infections.
Uses of Aciclovir 400mg
This anti-viral medicine is used for treating different conditions including:
Genital herpes infection
Chickenpox
Herpes simplex virus infections
Shingles
Herpes labialis
Working mechanism of Aciclovir 400mg
As an effective antiviral medicine, Aciclovir stops the multiplication of viruses in human cells. The medicine is converted in its active form, i.e., Acyclovir Monophosphate which is an enzyme present in the Thymidine Kinase virus.
This further helps in stopping the virus from making new viruses and clears up the infection completely. Aciclovir 400mg offers amazing results when it is consumed on a regular basis every 2-3 hours.
What is the dosage of Aciclovir 400mg?
Aciclovir 400mg tablet must be taken in the dose and duration exactly in the same way as directed by the doctor.
Even if you start feeling better, you must not skip any doses and complete the full course of treatment. Before taking the tablet, dissolve it in a glass of plain water. You can take this medicine with or without food but try taking it at a fixed time.
The dosage of Aciclovir is recommended depending upon the type of infection as well as the degree of recovery. The doctor might also consider other factors like age and body volume. In children, the dosage depends upon their weight.
This medicine will work best when started at the first sign of an outbreak or as prescribed by the doctor. If the treatment is delayed, Aciclovir 400mg might not work well.
Avoid skipping the dose of this pill from your schedule because the infection might return. Also, do not overdose as it can lead to serious side effects like skin reactions, dizziness, headache, and much more.
While on treatment with this medication, you must drink plenty of water because this will help in preventing dehydration as well as kidney damage.
Can anyone take Aciclovir 400mg?
People above the age of 65 years, diagnosed with kidney disorders, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding mothers must not take this medicine. Aciclovir is not recommended for people below the age of 18 years.
How to get the most from the treatment of Aciclovir 400mg?
Aciclovir might cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than usual. Due to this, it is recommended to avoid going in strong sunlight and sunbeds. For high sun protection, you must use proper sun cream after consulting the doctor.
In case, the doctor has prescribed you an Aciclovir pill for treating genital herpes then do not indulge in sexual activity while you have blisters or sores.
Even after these blisters or sores have healed, there is still a chance to pass on the virus while you involve in sexual activity. However, by using a condom you can decrease the risk.
In case, you need to undergo an operation or medical treatment then inform the doctor beforehand about using Aciclovir 400mg tablet.
Precautions and warnings
Before taking acyclovir, you must inform the doctor if you are allergic to it or similar medicines or have any other allergies. This medicine can contain some inactive ingredients, causing you allergic reactions and other problems.
Inform the doctor well in advance about your medical history like kidney problems and conditions related to a weakened immune system. Intake of this medicine can make you feel dizzy or drowsy. So avoid the consumption of alcohol or cannabis because they can make you feel more dizzy.
Also avoid driving, using machinery, or doing anything that involves alertness unless you can do it safely with clear vision. Without the consent of the doctor, you must not go for certain immunizations or vaccinations.
Side effects of Aciclovir 400mg
Most side effects do not need any medical attention and even decrease as the body adjusts to this pill. Some of the common side effects of acyclovir 400mg include:
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Fatigue
Get emergency medical help, if any of these side effects persist or turn out to be worse.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
After taking Aciclovir 400mg tablet, my problem with shingles will be cured?
Aciclovir tablet is an antiviral medication that is effective against varicella zoster and herpes simplex viruses. This medicine will not cure the infection of these viruses but decrease the symptoms of infection effectively.
Is hair loss caused due to Aciclovir tablet permanent?
Hair loss is considered an uncommon side effect of this medicine. However, when the medicine is discontinued, your problem of hair loss will be stopped.
While taking the Aciclovir tablet, do elderly patients need to be more careful?
Older adults (above the age of 65 years) might experience more side effects while taking this anti-viral tablet. The reason is kidneys of elderly people are not able to flush the medicine quickly when compared to younger person’s kidneys. It is recommended to drink plenty of water.
Therefore, Aciclovir is one of the best and safest medicine for people suffering from viral infections.
