How to Use

To guarantee the safe use of Acyclovir, let your doctor know if you suffer or have a history of any of these conditions:

• Kidney disease
• Weak immune system caused by a disease or certain medicines

Acyclovir should be taken exactly as directed. Follow the instructions on the prescription label carefully.

For the oral suspension, shake it well before measuring the recommended dose. A pharmacist will help find the right dose measuring cup or spoon.

With the Acyclovir buccal tablet, do not remove the tablet from its pack until it is time for taking it. Make sure your hands are dry before unpacking the tablet. Place the tablet in the mouth and don’t chew. Place it in the same side of your mouth as the cold sore. Hold the tablet in place for at least 30 seconds with your tongue and allow it to dissolve. The tablet will stick in the mouth and you can eat and drink normally. If the tablet does not stick well during the first 6 hours, you can replace it with a new one. If you swallow the tablet by mistake, take a glass of water and replace it with another one.

During treatment, let your doctor know if you have a change in weight. In children, the dosage is based on weight and any change can affect the prescribed dose. Take plenty of water when being treated with Acyclovir.

FDA Pregnancy Classification

Category B

Acyclovir is not expected to cause any harm to the unborn baby. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant. Herpes can be passed to a baby during childbirth if a woman has genital lesion. Let your doctor know if you have genital lesions so as to prevent infections to the baby.

Acyclovir will pass into breast milk. It can harm a breastfeeding baby. Don’t use the medication when nursing an infant.

Storage

Store at room temperature and away from heat and moisture.

Side Effects

Serious

• Easy bleeding or bruising, red or purple pinpoint spots under the skin
• Signs of kidney problem

Common

• Diarrhea
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Headache
• General feeling of being ill
• Mouth pain when using the tablet

Safety

The symptoms may improve before the dose is complete. Take the acyclovir for the full length prescribed to avoid reinfections. Treatment should start as soon as the first symptoms are noticed (burning, tingling, blisters).

The herpes infections are contagious. Infected persons can infect other people even when being treated with acyclovir. Don’t get into contact with the infected areas. Do not touch the infected area and then scratch your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to avoid spreading the infection.

Don’t use Acyclovir if you are allergic to acyclovir or to valacyclovir. You should also not take the acyclovir buccal tablets if you are allergic to milk proteins.

Interactions

Acyclovir has interactions with 50 drugs.