Drug Name

Acyclovir

Drug Uses

Acyclovir Capsules is used for treating chickenpox (varicella) or shingles (herpes zoster) and treating or suppressing genital herpes infections. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Acyclovir as directed by your doctor.

• Take Acyclovir by mouth with or without food.
• Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Acyclovir is recommended.
• Start therapy with Acyclovir at the earliest sign or symptom of shingles or genital herpes (pain, burning, blisters).
• If treating an acute outbreak, continue using Acyclovir for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days.
• For suppressive therapy, Acyclovir works best if it is taken at the same times each day.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Acyclovir.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Acyclovir is an antiviral. It works by stopping viral replication. However, Acyclovir does not eliminate the virus, is not a cure, and does not prevent transmission to others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Acyclovir and are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Acyclovir between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Acyclovir out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Acyclovir if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Acyclovir;
• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding;
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement;
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances;
• if you have kidney problems or a weakened immune system.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Acyclovir Capsules. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have kidney problems or a weakened immune system

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Acyclovir Capsules. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Medicines that may harm the kidney (eg, aminoglycoside antibiotics [eg, gentamicin], amphotericin B, cyclosporine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] [eg, ibuprofen], tacrolimus, vancomycin) because the risk of kidney side effects may be increased. Ask your doctor if you are unsure if any of your medicines might harm the kidney

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• diarrhea; general body discomfort; headache; nausea/vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); aggressive behavior; blood in the urine; confusion; decreased consciousness; decreased urination; hallucinations; lower back pain; mental or mood changes; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; unusual bruising or bleeding.

More Information

If you have any questions about Acyclovir Capsules, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Acyclovir Capsules is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.