Acyclovir

Acyclovir is a medication used to treat viral infections such as herpes simplex, chickenpox, or shingles. Acyclovir works by interfering with viral DNA synthesis. Acyclovir is a generic medication also sold under the trade names Valtrex and Zorivax. Acyclovir was discovered in the mid-1970s. In the treatment of some viral infections, acyclovir use is very common.

• Zovirax

• Acyclovir
• Acyclovir Sodium
• Acyclovir Sodium-NaCl
• Famciclovir
• Famvir
• Sitavig
• valACYclovir HCl
• Valtrex
• Zovirax

• Capsule
• Tablet
• Liquid

• By mouth

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

Take this medicine at the first sign of a herpes breakout, or as soon as possible after you are diagnosed with herpes zoster. The medicine may not work if you wait longer than 3 days to start using it.

Oral routeYou may take this medicine with or without food.

Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems.

Shake the oral liquid thoroughly before each use. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to acyclovir or to similar medicines such as famciclovir (Famvir®), ganciclovir (Cytovene®, Vitrasert®), valacyclovir (Valtrex®), or valganciclovir (Valcyte„¢).

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or a weak immune system. Some things that cause a weak immune system are cancer chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS, recent infection, or recent bone marrow or kidney transplant.

Acyclovir will not stop the spread of herpes during sex. Avoid having sex while you have herpes sores.

Even if you have no signs of a herpes infection, it is still possible to spread the virus to others during sex. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep from spreading the virus.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Fainting or extreme weakness, problems with walking or coordination.

Pinpoint red spots on your skin.

Unexplained fever.

Unusual bleeding or bruising, blood in your urine or stools.

Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Tell your doctor if you are receiving any medicines that weaken the immune system (such as steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation).

Acyclovir will not stop the spread of herpes during sex. Avoid having sex while you have herpes sores.

Even if you have no signs of a herpes infection, it is still possible to spread the virus to others during sex. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep from spreading the virus.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

• Pinpoint red spots on your skin.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
• Fainting or extreme weakness, problems with walking or coordination.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising, blood in your urine or stools.
• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
• Confusion, agitation, behavior changes.
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
• Unexplained fever.
• Problems with vision.
• Nervousness or tired feeling.
• Headache, muscle pain.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or upset stomach.