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Acyclovir

(other types of Acyclovir)
brand name(s): Zovirax (learn more about brand vs. generic drugs)

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Information on Acyclovir

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Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects of Acyclovir.

Tablets
Chemical Name: ACYCLOVIR (ay-SYE-kloe-veer)

Common uses for Acyclovir
Acyclovir 800mg is an antiviral used to treat shingles, chickenpox, or genital herpes. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using Acyclovir
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Acyclovir 800mg. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT START OR STOP ANY MEDICINE without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including kidney problems, weakened immune system, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking Acyclovir 800mg.

Directions for Acyclovir
Follow the directions for using Acyclovir 800mg provided by your doctor. TAKE ACYCLOVIR 800mg with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. DRINKING EXTRA FLUIDS while you are taking Acyclovir 800mg is recommended. Check with your doctor or nurse for instructions. STORE ACYCLOVIR 800mg at room temperature, away from light and moisture. TO CLEAR UP YOUR INFECTION COMPLETELY, continue taking Acyclovir 800mg for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF ACYCLOVIR 800mg, 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.

Cautions for Acyclovir
DO NOT TAKE ACYCLOVIR 800mg if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product or to valacyclovir. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including kidney function may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking Acyclovir 800mg. IF YOUR SYMPTOMS DO NOT IMPROVE WITHIN A FEW DAYS or if they become worse, check with your doctor. IF YOU ARE USING ACYCLOVIR 800mg FOR GENITAL HERPES, begin using it as soon as you notice symptoms (pain, burning, blisters) of an infection. Use a condom during sexual intercourse. Acyclovir 800mg may cause dizziness or drowsiness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to Acyclovir 800mg. Using Acyclovir 800mg alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING ACYCLOVIR 800mg IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine especially confusion, drowsiness, and hallucinations. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Acyclovir 800mg during pregnancy. If you are or may be pregnant, check with your doctor for instructions on using Acyclovir 800mg during pregnancy. ACYCLOVIR 800mg IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using Acyclovir 800mg, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Acyclovir
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking Acyclovir 800mg include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or headache. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience confusion, mood or mental changes, blood in the urine, weakness or fatigue, or unusual bruising or bleeding. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; symptoms of kidney problems (such as decrease in the amount of urine, lower back pain); or seizures. An allergic reaction to Acyclovir 800mg is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Drug interactions for Acyclovir
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions for Acyclovir

If you take too much Acyclovir
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information for Acyclovir
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE ACYCLOVIR 800mg with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE ACYCLOVIR 800mg for other health conditions. KEEP ACYCLOVIR 800mg out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING ACYCLOVIR 800mg FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2012. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.
The name and strength of the drug discussed above has been provided for clarity by drugstore.com, inc. and without the express permission of Medi-Span, and Medi-Span makes no representation as to the accuracy of such additional information.