Acyclovir is an antiviral medication commonly used to treat viral infections such as genital herpes, shingles, and chickenpox. It comes in the form of tablets, capsules, Acyclovir suspension, and buccal tablets. Intravenous Acyclovir (Acyclovir sodium injection) is also available and should be only administered by a healthcare professional. Acyclovir prescription drug is considered as category B pregnancy drug. Prescription drugs can not be bought over the counter as you need a prescription from your healthcare provider to get it.
Mechanism of Acyclovir
How does it work?
Acyclovir medication works by pulling down the ability of the herpes virus to reproduce and make its copies inside your body. It eases the infection-associated symptoms. However, Acyclovir medication does not cure genital herpes or cure herpes infections including shingles, cold sores, genital herpes, and chickenpox. Even after taking this medicine, the herpes virus still resides inside your body. You may experience symptoms again in the future after your existing infection goes away.
Common Side Effects Associated with Acyclovir
Like any other antiviral drug, Acyclovir may cause some side effects in certain patients. Usually, these side effects are mild to normal and go away within a few days without any treatment. In case the side effects become worse, last longer or symptoms feel life threatening talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Allergy warning Acyclovir:
Acyclovir may cause an allergic reaction if you are allergic to Acyclovir or any of its inactive ingredients. allergic reactions include itching, skin rash (allergic skin reaction) , hives or swelling around the facial area. Drug interactions may also increase the likelihood of side effects so be carefull about the drug combination.
Common side effects include:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Weakness
Risks of Dehydration While Taking Acyclovir
Potential for kidney damage
Inform your healthcare provider if you are suffering from any other medical health issues particularly if you have kidney disease or dehydration. These health problems can raise the blood levels of Acyclovir increasing the possibility of developing side effects.
Your doctor may advise you to drink at least 8 glasses of water or liquids every day while taking Acyclovir. It helps prevent the occurrence of side effects. It is essential to maintain suitable hydration otherwise this medication can swift in the renal tubules if its solubility is outstripped in the intratubular fluids.
Risk of crystallization in the kidneys
Acyclovir may lead to kidney problems because of crystal creation in the renal tubules. This medication can cause acute kidney injury, particularly when given intravenously. It happens because Acyclovir is quite insoluble in the urine and can swift crystals in the renal tubules.
Risk factors for Acyclovir-associated acute kidney injury are:
- Older age
- Obesity
- Higher concentrations of baseline creatinine
- Higher dosage and using Acyclovir for a longer duration
- Metabolic instabilities
- Dangerous volume depletion
- Underlying renal damage
- Concomitant nephrotoxic drug therapy
Impact on drug efficacy and metabolism
If you have a history of kidney problems or you are currently suffering from any kind of kidney disease, your body may not be able to properly eliminate this medicine from your body. It can lead to increased levels of Acyclovir in your body and cause side effects.
This drug may reduce your kidney function which means your existing kidney problems may become worse. Your healthcare provider needs to adjust your drug dosage based on how efficiently your kidneys are working.
Moreover, in older adults, their kidneys may not function as well as they should. It can make your body process this medication more gradually allowing the medication to stay in your body for a longer period. It raises the risk of developing side effects.
Importance of Hydration: Why Do You Need to Drink Lots of Water With Acyclovir Oral Tablet?
If your healthcare provider has asked you to take Acyclovir tablets, capsules, or oral suspension, make sure you avoid becoming dehydrated and drink plenty of water and liquids.
Being water deficient for a longer period or being severely dehydrated can cause medical health issues such as:
Blood thickening-
Dehydration leads to blood thickening making it difficult for the heart to pump throughout the body. It can also cause higher blood pressure.
Organ damage-
A dehydrated body can cause your body organs to not get adequate oxygen and nutrients leading to organ damage.
Brain shrinking-
Water deficiency can make your brain shrink causing frequent headaches.
Skin-related problems-
Lack of fluids can make your skin feel dry and lose its elasticity.
Digestion related issues-
Dehydration can make it tough for your body to produce stomach acid and saliva leading to constipation.
Kidney problems-
Lack of water and moisture in the body makes it difficult for your kidneys to filter toxins from the blood causing certain infections.
Electrolyte imbalances-
Dehydration can cause electrolyte imbalances like potassium and sodium leading to irregular heartbeats and cramps.
How drinking water helps dilute the medication in the urine
Drinking a suitable amount of water significantly helps dilute Acyclovir in the urine by increasing urine production and diminishing the concentration of toxic elements in the urine. Drinking sufficient water increases the release of urine which dilutes the drug in the urine. Better urine frequency decreases the amount of time that urothelial cells are exposed to harmful elements.
Role of hydration in supporting kidney function
Adequate intake of water helps with kidney function which is vital for processing and releasing waste from medication. Make sure you strictly follow your healthcare professional’s guidelines regarding fluid and water intake.
Benefits of proper hydration in reducing side effects
Usually, it is recommended to drink normal clean water while taking this medication unless your healthcare provider provides you with particular instructions. Maintaining sufficient hydration while taking Acyclovir can efficiently help reduce the chances of developing side effects as it:
Improves digestion:
Suitable hydration aids in better digestion and prevents the occurrence of side effects such as dry mouth and constipation.
Allows better drug absorption:
Water helps the drug move from the mouth to the stomach and then into the small intestines where the body absorbs medication. So more intake of water improves drug absorption in the body.
Clears toxins from the body:
Maintaining sufficient hydration helps eliminate toxins from the body reducing the risk of side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and weakness.
Prevents headaches:
In some people, even mild fluid loss can cause migraines and headaches. Staying well-hydrated helps avoid headaches.
Recommended Fluid Intake
General guidelines for water intake while taking Acyclovir
In order to maintain adequate hydration while you are on Acyclovir, make sure you drink 8-10 glasses of water. It will help you avoid the risk of possible side effects along with other benefits.
Signs of dehydration to watch for
Dehydration may be mild to severe based on the amount of fluid your body has lost. Some common signs of dehydration you should be careful about are:
- If you are feeling thirsty that means your body is asking for water intake.
- Dark-colored urine indicates that your body needs water.
- If you are having dry mouth that is a common symptom of dehydration.
- Decreased urination, if you have noticed that you are urinating less frequently or passing a Smaller amount of urine that means your body is lacking water.
- If your skin is feeling dry and shriveled, it indicates that you are water deficient.
- Unusual headaches may be a sign of a dehydrated body.
- Muscle cramps particularly during exercise or in hot weather may be because of water deficiency.
- Sunken eyes are a classic symptom of a dehydrated body.
- Tiredness, dizziness, or lightheadedness points towards dehydration.
Tips for Staying Hydrated
Practical strategies for increasing water consumption:
- Consume water before you feel thirsty, and keep your water bottle handle so that you can sip it more frequently.
- Have water throughout the day. For that, you can set daily goals for your water intake such as drinking immediately as you wake up and drinking water before each meal.
- Don’t miss your water bottle while you are out to stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities.
- Add flavors to your water such as you can add herbs or fruits including lemon, mint, lime, or cucumber.
- Alternate other beverages with plain water such as if you drink soda, or caffeinated beverages replace them with water.
- Add water-filled fruits to your daily diet such as cucumber, watermelon, etc. These will help you reach your water intake goals.
- The most important thing to stay hydrated is to keep your water bottle with you always no matter if you are driving, working, or engaged in any activity.
Importance of avoiding dehydrating substances (e.g. alcohol and caffeine)
- Caffeine and alcohol both drinks are diuretics. It means these drinks will make you urinate more and lose body fluids more rapidly. Thus, avoiding alcohol and caffeine can help you avoid dehydration.
- Try to drink alcohol, caffeine, and other energy drinks in moderate amounts.
- Combine caffeinated and alcoholic drinks with a lot of water.
- Drink more water, herbal teas, and electrolyte sports drinks to avoid the effects of caffeine and alcohol.
- Replenish water and fluids if you exercise regularly.
Conclusion
Dehydration might be dangerous sometimes and may lead to a wide range of health problems. It is extremely important to maintain adequate hydration and drink 8-10 glasses of water throughout the day while taking Acyclovir. If you are experiencing severe dehydration make sure you seek immediate medical help. Make sure you consistently follow the recommendations provided by your healthcare provider.
References
Typically, renal insufficiency is asymptomatic however it may be associated with vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain that comes within 24-48 hours of administering Acyclovir medication. As per three large series of studies, the incidence of Acyclovir-associated crystalline frenal failure was 12 to 48%. Acyclovir—associated renal side effects have been well documented and reversible ARF with or without oliguria in 12-48% of the patients who were given this drug.
