Acyclovir is an antiviral drug, a synthetic nucleoside analogue, which is used by the doctors to treat infections caused by herpes viruses such as cold sores, chicken pox, genital herpes and shingles. It is one of the oldest drugs used to treat herpes simplex viruses. Though it doesn’t cure herpes, it lessens the pain and symptoms caused by the infection. This drug heals sores faster and relives the patient from itching or pain. This drug is also proved to be useful in treating herpes virus infections in people with HIV.
This drug had been approved by Australian Food and Drug Administration in 1980. Acyclovir comes as a generic medicine while Zovirax, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline is the brand name for this medicine.
Dosage: It comes in tablet, capsule, and liquid form. Blindly follow the instruction of your doctor and complete the entire course. Do not take this drug in larger or smaller quantity or for longer time than prescribed by the doctor. This medicine works best when the patient starts taking it as soon as after the rash appears, that means approximately 72hours of shingles rash and within one day of a chicken pox rash.
The medicine is usually taken with or without food two to five times a day for 5 to 10 days. In case of high doses, hallucinations, loss of consciousness, swelling of the hands and legs, less urination have been reported.
Side effects:
Common side effect of this medicine are vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, drowsiness, pain, especially in the joints, fatigue etc. Some severe side effects of Acyclovir include kidney dysfunction and low platelets count. These problems are more likely to occur if you have a poor immune system. It is safe for pregnant women also and don’t affect the growth of new born anyhow.
Things to keep in mind:
If you are allergic to Acyclovir or to valacyclovir; or if you have any other allergies, tell your doctor beforehand. Drink lots of fluid and limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages while you are on this medicine.
If you are having herpes genital infection, seek the doctor’s advice on practicing safe sex as genital herpes spreads through sexual activity. This drug cannot prevent the spread of genital virus to other people. If you miss a dose of this drug, have as soon as you remember but don’t take double dose to make up for the missed one. Try to take this medicine at around same times every day.
If any serious side effects happen, don’t waste time, take the patient to hospital.
This drug is proved to be very useful treating the infections caused by herpes viruses. But if any case severe side effects happen, don’t waste time and rush to the nearest hospital.
I am General practitioner (GP) in Melbourne since 2006.