ACYCLOVIR DRUG INFO
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following
information is intended to supplement, not substitute for,
the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or
other healthcare professional. It should not be construed
to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or
effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
using this drug.
ACYCLOVIR - ORAL (ay-SYE-klo-veer)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zovirax
USES: This medication is used to treat herpes infections
of the skin, mouth, mucous membranes, genital herpes, herpes
zoster (shingles), and chickenpox in some individuals. This
medication does not cure herpes, but relieves the pain and
may make the infection clear faster.
HOW TO USE: Begin taking this medication as soon as
symptoms appear. Take this medication as directed. Ask your
doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Try to take
the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day
and night. This will ensure a constant blood level of the
medication and is most effective.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset,
loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness
or weakness. These effects should disappear in a few days
as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist or
become worse, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you
experience: numbness or tingling of the hands or feet, leg
pain, sore throat, skin rash, change in the amount of urine.
An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate
medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction
include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your
doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication should be used cautiously
during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is not known if
this medication appears in breast milk. Consult with your
doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor about all the
medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription).
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local
poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms
of overdose may include sluggishness, change in amount of
urine, loss of consciousness, or seizures.
NOTES: Avoid sexual activity while signs and symptoms
of genital herpes are present to prevent infecting your partner.
Inform your doctor if this medication does not appear to decrease
the frequency or severity of recurrent infections.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered;
do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead,
skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from sunlight
and moisture. |
