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acyclovir (oral) |
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Pronunciation: ay
SYE kloe veerBrand:
Zovirax
| What is the most
important information I should know about acyclovir? |
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Take all of the acyclovir that
has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better.
Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is
completely treated. |
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Treatment with acyclovir should
be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of
symptoms (e.g. tingling, burning, blisters). |
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Herpes infections are contagious
and you can infect other people, even during treatment. Avoid
letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Wash
your hands frequently to prevent transmission. |
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Acyclovir is an antiviral drug.
It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the
body can fight off the infection. Acyclovir lessens the symptoms
of these infections and shortens the length of time you are
sick. |
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Acyclovir is used to treat
infections caused by herpes viruses. Illnesses caused by herpes
viruses include genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and
chicken pox. |
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Acyclovir may also be used for
purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. |
| What should I discuss
with my healthcare provider before taking acyclovir? |
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Do not take acyclovir without
first talking to your doctor if you are allergic to valacyclovir
(Valtrex). |
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Before taking this medication,
tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. You may need a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment. |
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Acyclovir is in the FDA
pregnancy category B. This means that acyclovir is not likely to
harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first
talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. |
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Acyclovir passes into breast
milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take this
medication without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. |
| How should I take
acyclovir? |
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Take acyclovir exactly as
directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain
them to you. |
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Treatment with acyclovir should
be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of
symptoms (e.g. tingling, burning, blisters). |
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Take each dose with a full glass
of water. |
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Acyclovir can be taken with or
without food. Taking acyclovir with food may decrease stomach
upset. |
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Shake the suspension well before
measuring a dose. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure
the suspension with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not
with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring
device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. |
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Take all of the acyclovir that
has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better.
Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is
completely treated. |
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Lesions caused by herpes viruses
should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose
clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions. |
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Store acyclovir at room
temperature away from moisture and heat. |
| What happens if I miss a
dose? |
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Take the missed dose as soon as
you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next
regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next
one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this
medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. |
| What happens if I
overdose? |
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Seek emergency medical
attention. |
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Symptoms of an acyclovir
overdose include seizures, hallucinations, and kidney damage
(decreased urine production). |
| What should I avoid
while taking acyclovir? |
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Herpes infections are contagious
and you can infect other people, even during treatment. Avoid
letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Wash
your hands frequently to prevent transmission. |
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Acyclovir will not prevent the
spread of genital herpes. Avoid sexual intercourse or use a
latex condom to prevent spreading the virus to others. |
| What are the possible
side effects of acyclovir? |
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Stop taking acyclovir and seek
emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately
if you experience any of the following serious side effects: |
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an allergic reaction (difficulty
breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips,
tongue, or face; or hives); |
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little or no urine production;
or |
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unusual bleeding or bruising. |
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Other, less serious side effects
may be more likely to occur. Continue to take acyclovir and talk
to your doctor if you experience |
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nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
decreased appetite, or abdominal pain; |
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a headache or lightheadedness;
or |
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Side effects other than those
listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side
effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. |
| What other drugs will
affect acyclovir? |
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Probenecid (Benemid) may
increase the effects of acyclovir and lead to dangerous side
effects. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring
during treatment if you are taking probenecid. |
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Drugs other than those listed
here may also interact with acyclovir. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines, including herbal products. |
| Where can I get more
information? |
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Your pharmacist has additional
information about acyclovir written for health professionals
that you may read. |
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Remember, keep this and all
other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines
with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to
ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum')
is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that
effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and
consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant
that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless
specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not
endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug
information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed
healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve
consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute
for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare
practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug
combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or
drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given
patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of
healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The
information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses,
directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic
reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you
are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2007 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.01. Revision date:
7/14/04. |
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