Acyclovir belongs to the antivirals group of medication. It is used to treat viral infections caused by certain viruses. The antiviral drug is prescribed to improve symptoms and boost healing in people suffering from genital herpes, oral herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox.
Before we get into the main topic before that let us understand about theAciclovir medication.
Key Facts About Aciclovir
- Aciclovir or Acyclovir tablets come under the brand name Zovirax.
- Aciclovir is appropriate for adults and children to treat herpes viruses.
- Acyclovir works best for cold sores when the first symptom of a cold sore appears.
- It is vital to take acyclovir tablets at regular intervals as prescribed and complete the course as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
- Make sure you drink plenty of fluids while taking Aciclovir to avoid dehydration and help your kidney function well.
- The most common side effects of Aciclovir include dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, itchy rashes, and stomach ache.
- Usually, it is fine to drink alcohol in moderate amounts while you are under Aciclovir treatment.
- If your health care provider has prescribed you acyclovir for genital herpes, still it is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse while you have the blisters.
What is Aciclovir?
Aciclovir is an antiviral medication and is sold under different brand names. For example, the acyclovir brand name Sitavig is used to treat cold sores on the lips only, it is not suitable for the genital area. This drug does not cure herpes infections but significantly improves symptoms and boosts healing. It works by inhibiting the growth and spreading of the virus in the body.
Acyclovir is used to treat infections caused by certain viruses. It is also prescribed to treat herpes zoster virus which causes shingles. Aciclovir tablets do not kill the herpes zoster virus, it remains inside the body so you can not get rid of herpes zoster virus once you are exposed to it.
Aciclovir is also used to prevent initial and recurrent genital herpes outbreaks in infected people. This medication does not cure genital herpes completely. Once you are infected with the herpes virus, you can not get rid of it, it resides inside your body.
Acyclovir is also used to treat varicella which causes chickenpox. This drug inhibits herpes simplex virus type 1, type 2, and varicella-zoster virus. Acyclovir is available in several formulations including, capsule, tablet, and buccal tablet. Acyclovir suspension, cream, and injection.
The Most Significant Things To Consider Before Taking Acyclovir
Do not take acyclovir if you are allergic to acyclovir, acyclovir, or valacyclovir in order to avoid a severe allergic reaction to the medicine. You should avoid taking acyclovir buccal tablets if you are allergic to milk proteins. Talk to your doctor if you ever had kidney disease or a weak immune system.
Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding their babies should not take acyclovir or any other medicine without consulting a healthcare professional. Although this medication does not pass in breast milk still better to be conscious.
If you have a genital lesion during pregnancy, the herpes virus may be passed to your newborn during childbirth. If you are suffering from genital herpes, make sure you get rid of them during pregnancy. Take your medication as your doctor tells you and tell your doctor if you face any issues.
Living With Herpes Infections, Genital Herpes, And Cold Sores
If you have a cold sore or shingle rash, try to keep it clean and dry. Always use a separate towel or disposable tissues to make sure you do not transfer the virus to others. Wearing loose clothing can help you avoid irritation caused by the shingles rash.
Apply enough amount of acyclovir cream to cover the affected area adequately including the outer margin. Wash your hands before and after the application. Make sure the infected areas are dry before you apply the cream. Do not rub the affected areas unnecessarily to prevent aggravating the infection.
Herpes infections are extremely contagious so you should keep your rash covered and avoid initial contact with other people. Also, wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your rashes and then your eyes or any other part of your body.
If you are using Aciclovir for the treatment of herpes, remember that it will not prevent you from spreading herpes infection to your sexual partner. You should avoid sexual contact when you notice the first symptoms of an outbreak or you have lesions. Even if you have no symptoms, you may still transmit genital herpes to others.
Acyclovir Dosage
Follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare professional. The dosage of Aciclovir, the form of the drug, and how often you require to take the drug depends on your age, body weight, the condition being treated, the severity of the condition, other medical conditions you are suffering from, and the response to the first dose.
In case you forget to take the Aciclovir dose accurately, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you realize the missed dose at the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the next one. Do not take two doses together.
Although most herpes infections can be treated with Aciclovir ointments, creams, and tablets. Your healthcare professional may give Aciclovir by drip into a vein in case of severe infections.
It is safe to take Aciclovir on an empty stomach?
The best way to ensure your safety while taking Aciclovir antiviral medicine is to stick to your doctor’s instructions. Generally, you can take Aciclovir tablets, capsules, and acyclovir oral suspension with or without food. It is safe to take oral acyclovir without regard to meals.
Swallow the tablets with a glass full of water. Drink plenty of water and fluids while taking this medicine to help your kidneys work well. If you are someone who finds it tough to swallow the tablets, you can dissolve the tablets in water. Simply add a tablet to a small glass of water and stir it to help the tablet dissolve. Drink it to make sure you get the complete dose.
Some people may experience nausea, vomiting, or malaise while taking Aciclovir on an empty stomach, for them it’s better to take this drug after a meal. Taking acyclovir medication with food may help avoid an upset stomach.
How To Take Acyclovir Oral Suspension
In order to attain the best results, you should start acyclovir treatment within 72 hours of symptom onset such as burning, tingling, blisters, or rash. Aciclovir treatment is most effective when taken within 48 hours of symptoms begin.
If your health care professional has prescribed you Aciclovir oral suspension, take it exactly as prescribed, even if you feel that your symptoms are improving. Shake the oral suspension well before using it. Use the measuring spoon provided with the Aciclovir oral suspension to ensure the correctly measured dosage. Do not use your kitchen spoons.
How To Use Aciclovir Buccal Tablets
If your doctor has prescribed you buccal tablets to treat cold sores. Use the buccal tablet as soon as you notice the first symptom of having a cold sore such as redness, tingling, burning, or itching. Do not swallow or chew these tablets. Put the flat side of the buccal tablet against your upper gum, behind your lip, and in front of your canine tooth on the same side of your mouth as the cold sore.
Once you place the tablet, close your mouth and gently press on the outside of your lip to hold the tablet in place for 30 seconds. Let the tablet dissolve slowly. You can drink and eat normally while the buccal tablet is inside your mouth. Avoid brushing your teeth, chewing gum, or wearing an upper denture.
If the tablet does not stick to your upper gum properly or falls off within the first few hours after you placed it, place the same tablet back in the same place. Mildly rinse your mouth with water in order to clean your teeth when the tablet is in your mouth. Drink plenty of liquids if you feel dry mouth while using the buccal tablet.
If you swallow the tablet within the initial 6 hours of placing it, drink a glass full of water and place the new tablet in the same way.
Vital Instructions To Follow While Taking Aciclovir
Make sure you complete your acyclovir treatment as directed by your health care professional even if you feel that your symptoms are improving after a few days.
Consult your health care professional before buying any kind of medication over the counter to ensure that it is compatible with Acyclovir, including herbal products or vitamins.
Aciclovir may make sure the skin more sensitive to the sun and more likely to burn during skin exposure. Make sure you wear good sunblock and sun-protective clothes while going out.
If your doctor has prescribed a different dose, do not alter it unless your doctor or pharmacist asks you to do so.
Does Acyclovir interfere with other medications?
Ensure your doctor knows about the medicines you are taking, including prescription, and non-prescription drugs, and herbal products. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medications when you are taking Aciclovir in order to make sure that the combination of these medications is safe.
There may be an increased risk of adverse effects on your kidneys if you take drugs that can impact your kidneys when taken in combination with Aciclovir. These medications include Cephalosporin antibiotics (eg. Cefalexin), and Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (eg. Diclofenac and Celecoxib).
Aciclovir Side Effects
Like other medicines, acyclovir also comes with the risk of side effects. Common side effects which are mild and get better easily include mild skin pain, itching, rash, headache, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and mouth pain while taking acyclovir buccal tablets.
Rare side effects of Aciclovir medicine such as kidney problems, kidney failure, and a decrease in red blood cells affect fewer people. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, get medical help immediately. These signs include difficulty breathing, hive, and swelling around your face, throat, lips, and tongue.
