Treats herpes (herpes simplex), including genital herpes, shingles (varicella-zoster), and brain infections (herpes simplex encephalitis) in adults. Also treats herpes simplex infection in newborn babies.
|
|
Overview | Photos | How
To Use | Side
Effects | Precautions | Missed
Dose | Drug
Interactions | |
Acyclovir
Uses
Treats herpes (herpes simplex), including genital herpes, shingles (varicella-zoster), and brain infections (herpes simplex encephalitis) in adults. Also treats herpes simplex infection in newborn babies. Storage
- If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
- After the medicine powder in the bottle has been mixed with the liquid, store the mixture in the refrigerator in a closed container.
- Bring it to room temperature before using.
- This mixture must be used within 12 hours after mixing.
Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through.
- Keep this container away from children and pets.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
How
To Use - APPEARANCE: Injectable.
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.
- This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
- It may also be given by a home health caregiver.
This medicine must be given slowly, so the needle will stay in place for about 1 hour.
You may be taught how to give your medicine at home.
- Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection.
- Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
Never share your medicine with anyone.
Side
Effects - Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
Black, bloody, or tarry stools
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
Fever
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the upper stomach
Pain or swelling where the IV needle is placed
Seizures
Swelling of face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Yellow skin or eyes, dark-colored urine or pale stools
Precautions
- You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to acyclovir or valacyclovir (Valtrex®).
Missed
Dose - This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule.
- If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
Drug
Interactions - Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney or liver disease, a history of electrolyte problems (such as high or low amounts of potassium, calcium, or sodium in your blood), significant breathing problems, or neurologic disorders such as a history of seizures or head injury.
Avoid becoming dehydrated, because this can increase your risk of serious side effects.
- You are more likely to become dehydrated if you do not drink enough water every day or if you have vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Signs of dehydration include increased thirst, dizziness or lightheadedness, dry mouth, and hot or dry skin but little or no sweating.
- If you have any of these symptoms, tell your doctor.
|
User Medicine
Opinions for Acyclovir |
| | |
CONDITIONS
OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information
is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions
or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular
drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional
should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or
discontinuing any course of treatment. |