Acyclovir is commonly prescribed for herpes simplex virus infections treatment. It is a prescription medication that comes in various forms and strengths. Acyclovir is among the most effective medications to manage and target the symptoms of herpes infections.
Acyclovir Medication Highlights
- Acyclovir comes in different dosage forms including oral tablet (400 mg and 800 mg), oral capsule (200 mg), buccal tablet (50 mg) and oral suspension.
- Acyclovir is used for treating viral infections including genital herpes, shingles and chickenpox.
- It is also available as a cream and ointment that should be applied externally on the skin.
- Acyclovir intravenous drug is only administered by healthcare professionals.
Is Acyclovir An Antibiotic?
Acyclovir is not an antibiotic drug. Acyclovir belongs to the class of drugs called antivirals. It is an antiviral drug that treats viral infections by diminishing the growth and spread of the virus in the body. Whereas antibiotic medications are used for the treatment of bacterial infections. As Acyclovir is only effective for particular viruses and bacteria, it is not an antibiotic.
Why is Acyclovir prescribed?
Acyclovir is an antiviral medication however it does not cure genital herpes and other herpes infections. The viruses live inside the body for a lifetime and may cause future episodes. Acyclovir reduces the severity and length of outbreaks.
Acyclovir is prescribed to treat infections caused by herpes virus and other virus infections as determined by the doctors. It allows the sores to heal rapidly, prevent new sore formation and decrease associated pain and itching. It also helps reduce the pain after the sores heal.
- Herpes Simplex Virus (Genital Herpes and Cold Sores)
- Herpes zoster (Shingles)
- Varicella zoster (Chicken pox)
Acyclovir is also prescribed to treat genital herpes outbreaks. For patients with frequent outbreaks, Acyclovir is used to decrease the number of future episodes. Additionally, in patients with a weak immune system Acyclovir can diminish the chances of spreading the virus to other body parts and causing severe infections.
Moreover, Acyclovir is sometimes prescribed to treat eczema herpeticum, prevent herpes infections of the eyes, nose, mouth and skin in patients with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and treat oral hairy leukoplakia.
Is Acyclovir Effective Against Herpes Virus?
Acyclovir medication works against the herpes viruses by plummeting its ability to multiply and spread. It effectively treats the symptoms of herpes infections. Even after taking this medication, the virus stays inside your body and causes symptoms in future. Make sure you start taking the medication early as you notice the initial symptoms.
How Long Does It Take for Acyclovir to Work?
Acyclovir prescription drug starts working within 24 to 48 hours after to start taking the drug. It may take 4-5 days to reduce symptoms however you should take the medication until the prescribed amount of time. Acyclovir works to reduce the risk of recurrent episodes.
How To Use Different Forms of Acyclovir Medication Properly?
Oral Acyclovir comes in the form of a tablet, capsule and suspension which should be taken by mouth. These forms of Acyclovir are usually taken with or without food as suggested by your doctor. Start taking it as soon as you notice the first symptom.
To prevent genital herpes outbreaks your healthcare professional may ask you to take this medicine for up to 12 months. Always stick to the directions on your prescription label and talk to your doctor if do not understand anything. It is recommended to take this medicine at evenly spaced intervals.
Acyclovir is also available in the form of a delayed-release buccal tablet. Clean and dry your hands and place the buccal tablet on the upper gum area as high as it can go on your gum above one of your incisor teeth on the infected side od your mouth gently. Hold the tablet in this place until it dissolves.
Make sure not to interfere with the placement of the tablet. Do not place it inside the lip or cheek. Do not chew, suck, crush or swallow buccal tablets. If you experience dry mouth while using the delayed-release buccal tablets, drink plenty of liquids.
While using Acyclovir liquid suspension, shake the bottle well each time to use it. Always use the measuring spoon that comes with the medicine to measure the medicine. Do not use your regular kitchen spoon.
Begin with the antiviral medicine immediately as you notice the cold sore appears. Try not to skip doses. Acyclovir cream and lotion should be only applied externally. Do not apply it inside mouth, vagina or eyes.
In case you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you realize about the missed dose when it is almost the time for your next scheduled dose, skin the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
Special Precautions to Take While Using Acyclovir?
Inform your healthcare provider if you have ever experienced allergic reactions to Acyclovir, Famacyclovir, Valacyclovir, any other drugs, milk proteins or any ingredient.
Make sure your doctor knows about any prescription and non-prescription drugs, herbal products, dietary supplements and vitamins you are taking. Also inform your doctor or pharmacist if you drink alcohol, smoke or use illegal drugs.
Tell your healthcare professional if you have or ever had immune system problems, kidney disease, Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection (HIV) or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Inform your healthcare provider that you are under Acyclovir traetment before getting any vaccinations such as vaccine aginst varicella virus.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding your baby to avoid potential complications.
If you are using Acyclovir for genital herpes treatment, you can still spread genital herpes infection through sexual contact and direct skin-to-skin contact, even if you don’t have blisters or any other symptoms.
Is It Safe to Take Acyclovir for Long Term?
Usually, it is considered safe and effective to take Acyclovir for the long term. As mentioned above, Acyclovir does not cure herpes however it help the patients manage symptoms and heal faster. For some conditions including recurring genital herpes your healthcare provider may prescribe oral Acyclovir for up to 12 months.
Acyclovir has demonstrated a positive response and effectively controlled herpes virus recurrences without any considerable side effects when used in the long term. Always talk to your healthcare provider before taking this medicine for the long term.
Acyclovir Drug Interactions
Drug interactions influence the way your medicines work against the condition and increase the risk of side effects. Acyclovir can interact with other medications including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Naproxen and Ibuprofen. Do not use Valacyclovir and similar medications while you are taking acyclovir.
Acyclovir Overdose
If someone has overdosed on this medicine accidentally and experiencing serious symptoms such as trouble breathing or passing out, call the local poison control center immediately. Other symptoms of Acyclovir overdose include loss of consciousness, agitation, extreme tiredness, alterations in the amount of urine and seizures.
Possible Side Effects of Acyclovir
Like any other medication, Acyclovir may also cause side effects. Usually senior patients and patients with certain health issues such as liver or kidney problems are at higher risk of having side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms such as upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, tiredness, agitation, hair loss, pain (particularly in joints) and vision changes. Seek your doctor’s advice if these side effects last longer or if you experience an allergic reaction to this medicine. .
Some rare but serious side effects of this medication include hives, rash or blister, itching, hoarseness, fast heartbeat, weakness, pale skin, difficulty sleeping, difficulty swallowing or breathing, unusual bleeding or bruising, bloody urine, bloody diarrhoea, headache, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, numbness, signs of infection (cough, chills, fever, sore throat), swelling around the face, lips, eyes, throat hands, feet, lower legs or ankles.
