Basic Information
- Habit forming? No
- Prescription needed? Yes
- Available as generic? No
- Drug class: Antiviral
Uses
- Treatment and prevention of severe herpes infections of
genitals occurring for first time in special cases.
- Treatment of severe herpes infections on mucous membrane
of mouth and lips in special cases.
- Used for shingles (herpes zoster) and chicken pox (varicella)
in special cases.
Dosage & Usage Information
How to take:
Capsule--Swallow with liquid. If you can't swallow whole,
open capsule and take with liquid or food.
Tablet--Swallow with liquid. If you can't swallow whole, crumble
tablet and take with liquid or food.
Suspension--Swallow with liquid.
Ointment--Apply to skin and mucous membranes every 3 hours
(6 times a day) for 7 days. Use rubber glove when applying.
Apply 1/2-inch strip to each sore or blister. Wash before
using.
When to use:
As directed on label.
If you forget a dose:
Oral--Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If
more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double
this dose).
Ointment--Apply as soon as you remember.
What drug does:
Inhibits reproduction of virus in cells without killing normal
cells.
Does not cure. Herpes may recur.
Time lapse before drug works:
2 hours.
Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Overdose
SYMPTOMS:
Hallucinations, seizures, kidney shutdown.
WHAT TO DO:
- Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance
or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
- See EMERGENCY Information.
Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects
Life-threatening:
In case of overdose, see Overdose section.
Common:
Rash, hives, itch, mild pain, burning or stinging of skin,
lightheadedness, headache, joint pain, diarrhea.
Infrequent:
Confusion, hallucinations, trembling, dizziness.
Rare:
Abdominal pain, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, breathing
difficulty, blood in urine, decreased urine volume, acne,
insomnia.
Warnings & Precautions
Don't take if:
You are allergic to acyclovir.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
- If pregnant or plan pregnancy.
- If breast-feeding.
- If you have kidney disease.
- If you have any nerve disorder.
Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and
severe than in younger persons.
Pregnancy:
Studies inconclusive on harm to unborn child. Decide with
you doctor whether drug benefits justify risk to unborn child.
Breast-feeding:
- Oral--Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue
nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice
on maintaining milk supply.
- Ointment--No special problems expected. Consult doctor.
Infants & children:
Use only under special medical supervision by experienced
clinician.
Prolonged use:
- Don't use longer than prescribed time.
- Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical
examinations or laboratory studies to check pap smear, kidney
function.
Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.
Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No problems expected.
Discontinuing:
May be unnecessary to finish medicine. Follow doctor's instructions.
Others:
- Women: Get Pap smear every 6 months because those with
herpes infections are more likely to develop cancer of the
cervix. Avoid sexual activity until all blisters or sores
heal.
- Don't get medicine in eyes.
- Protect from freezing.
- Check with doctor if no improvement in 1 week.
- May interfere with the accuracy of some medical tests.
Possible Interaction with Other Drugs
