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What is Acyclovir? |
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Drug Uses
Acyclovir is an oral medication with antiviral properties. It can inhibit the development and spreading of the herpes viral strain (in order to help the body deal with the infection). The drug does not necessarily cure herpes, but it does reduce the symptoms of infection. Acyclovir is administered for treating infections due to the herpes virus; it lessens the indications of the conditions caused by such, including chicken pox, herpes on the genital area, shingles, and cold sores.
How to Take Acyclovir
Take Acyclovir orally as soon as the initial symptoms of an infection are experienced (like tingling or burning sensations, or blisters). Take the dose with water, and keep yourself hydrated during the treatment in order to maintain your kidneys’ normal functioning. Taking the medication with food can reduce symptoms of a stomach upset, although you may also take it on an empty stomach. If you bear lesions as a result of the infection, always keep them clean and dry; wear loose clothes to avoid further irritation.
Drug Precautions
Thoroughly finish your treatment course with Acyclovir before you stop taking it, even if you feel the symptoms dissipate prior to the full treatment of the infection. Even if you are taking the medication, the infection is still transmissible to other people. Do not let the infected parts come into contact with other individuals; do not contaminate your eyes by touching it after you have touched an infected area. Make sure that your hands are always clean to avoid spreading the infection. The medication can pass through breast milk, causing harm to a breastfeeding infant; if you are nursing, take Acyclovir under your doctor’s instructions.
Drug Interactions
Before you take on a treatment which involves Acyclovir, make sure that your doctor knows if you are taking other drugs, especially probenecid. If you are taking the latter medication, you may not be allowed to take Acyclovir, or you may be given an adjusted dose; you may also undergo routine examinations during treatment in order to ascertain your current health condition. You may also be taking other drugs besides probenecid, and they may have potencies which can interact with that of Acyclovir. These include supplements and OTC drugs; herbal supplements and products are included as well.
Side Effects
You may experience serious conditions resulting from an intake of Acyclovir. If you incur these symptoms, call for emergency aid at once: unusual feebleness; infrequent urination, or an inability to urinate; a tendency to bruise and bleed easily; pain in the lower back; and an allergic reaction.
Missed Dose
Take a missed dose of Acyclovir immediately, provided that you make up for it within the hour; skip over the dose otherwise, and take the next one.
Overdose
If you experience seizures and hallucinations after an excessive intake of Acyclovir, seek medical attention immediately. You may be showing the initial symptoms of an overdose.
Storage
Keep the medication within temperatures of 15 and 25C. Protect it from excessive heat and moisture sources.
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