Acyclovir
About
Acyclovir belongs to a class of antiviral medication used to treat viral infections such as cold sores (an inflamed blister in or near the mouth, caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus), genital herpes (a common sexually transmitted infection marked by genital pain and sores), and herpes zoster (a viral infection that causes a painful rash). In addition to this, it is also used to treat chickenpox. Acyclovir does not cure herpes but prevents the infection spread and treats its symptoms.
Acyclovir contains acyclovir, which is an antiviral medication. Acyclovir prevents the multiplication of viruses in human cells by acting on its DNA, resulting in decreased viral overload. Acyclovir kills or stops the growth of fungi and treats the infection.
The dose and duration will depend on your condition and how you respond to Acyclovir. In some cases, you may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Most of these side effects of Acyclovir are temporary, do not require medical attention, and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Do not take Acyclovir if you are allergic to acyclovir or any of its ingredients. Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, currently breastfeeding, or taking other prescribed or non-prescribed medicines. Use protection while having sexual intercourse to avoid the transfer of genital herpes (a sexually transmitted disease) to your partner. If you have a weak immune system, please inform your doctor before taking Acyclovir as you may require a dose adjustment.
Uses of Acyclovir
Medicinal Benefits
Acyclovir contains acyclovir, which is an antiviral medication. Acyclovir prevents the multiplication of viruses in human cells by acting on its DNA, resulting in decreased viral overload and preventing new viruses' formation. Acyclovir is used to treat viral infections such as cold sores (an inflamed blister in or near the mouth, caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus), genital herpes (a common sexually transmitted infection marked by genital pain and sores), and herpes zoster (a viral infection that causes a painful rash). In addition to this, it is also used to treat chickenpox.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Acyclovir
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Acyclovir if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. If you are 65 years of age, have kidney disease or kidney transplant, have a heart problem or history of heart problems, have HIV/AIDS, are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, Acyclovir should be taken with caution and only if a doctor prescribes you. Acyclovir may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position, especially when you start taking Acyclovir so please get up gradually. Also, do not drive a car or operate machinery requiring concentration as Acyclovir may cause dizziness. Please do not take Acyclovir if you have ever developed a rash due to a fever. If you have a weak immune system, please inform your doctor before taking Acyclovir, as a dose adjustment may be required.
Drug Interactions
Drug-drug interactions: Acyclovir may have an interaction with medication used to treat gout (e.g. probenecid), medicines used to treat stomach ulcers (e..g cimetidine), medicines used to treat asthma (aminophylline, theophylline) and immunosuppressive medicines (e.g. mycophenolate mofetil).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have or had renal dysfunction or disease, hemodialysis (a procedure where a dialysis machine and a special filter called an artificial kidney, or a dialyzer, are used to clean your blood), an organ transplant, immunodeficiency, bone marrow transplantation, and neutropenia (lower-than-normal levels of neutrophils).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol is not known to cause any unpleasant side effects if taken along with Acyclovir. But intake of alcohol with Acyclovir may damage your liver. So intake of alcohol should be avoided with Acyclovir.
Pregnancy
cautionAcyclovir is a pregnancy Category B medicine. It is unknown whether Acyclovir will affect pregnant women or fetus. Hence, the intake of Acyclovir should be only if prescribed and under medical supervision.
Breast Feeding
cautionThe safety of Acyclovir in breastfeeding women is not known. Hence, Acyclovir should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor and under medical supervision.
Driving
cautionAcyclovir can affect alertness and coordination. So, operating machinery which requires concentration should be avoided.
Liver
cautionAcyclovir to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionAcyclovir to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
safe if prescribedAcyclovir is safe if prescribed by a child specialist.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid alcoholic beverages with Acyclovir as they can make you dehydrated and may affect your sleep.
- Try to include heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid-containing food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil.
- Include turmeric or yellow mustard in your diet to avoid constipation caused by antiviral drugs and increase the intake of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Take enough Vitamin D and fresh air as it is known to improve the symptoms of herpes infection.
- Try to reduce emotional and physical stress by spending time with family or doing whatever makes you happy.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet, and make sure you sleep at least 8 hours daily for a speedy recovery.
- If you are going in strong sunlight, please wear a lip balm SPF 50 or higher, as the Acyclovir makes you sensitive to UV and sunlight.
Special Advise
- Use protection while having sexual intercourse to avoid the transfer of genital herpes (a sexually transmitted disease) to your partner.
- Drinking plenty of fluid as Acyclovir can cause dehydration and kidney damage.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Herpes zoster(shingles): It is a viral infection characterised by red skin rashes, pain and a burning sensation. The virus lives in the nervous system for years before causing Herpes. It can appear on the face, neck, torso, and one side of the body.
Genital herpes infection: It is a common sexually transmitted infection that affects the genitals. It can affect both men and women. Common symptoms include pain, irritation, itching, and sores in the genitals. It is marked by genital pain and sores.
Herpes labialis: It is a kind of viral infection that affects the lip. It is also known as cold sores. Symptoms include burning pain and small blisters. In some patients, it can also lead to fever.
Chickenpox: It is a viral infection that is highly contagious. Common symptoms include rash, small painful blisters, fever, sore throat, and body pain.
FAQs
Acyclovir works by killing or stopping the growth of the fungi. Thereby preventing the spread of infection.
No, you should not take Acyclovir if you have HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection. It can increase the risk of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (blood clot formation in small blood vessels).
No, Acyclovir should be taken in the dose and duration as advised by the doctor. If you take it in more than the recommended dose, it might cause unpleasant side effects. If you think your symptoms are not improving, please consult your doctor.
If you miss a dose of Acyclovir, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
No, Acyclovir does not cure herpes infection. Instead, it reduces pain and itching caused due to the infection and prevents a new sore formation.
Do not stop taking Acyclovir without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking Acyclovir, you may experience confusion, fever, mental state changes, or severe muscle stiffness. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually depending upon your disease condition.
No, Acyclovir is not known to affect contraception (condoms). Also, to avoid transmission of herpes infection as it is a sexually transmitted disease, please use any form of contraception.
