What is Acyclovir?
Acyclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat herpes virus infections, such as chickenpox, shingles, or herpes simplex. It is best known as herpes ointment and can be used for both adults and children.
Acyclovir is available in tablet, cream, and ointment forms. This type of herpes ointment is generally safe for you to use under the supervision of a doctor. For pregnant or breastfeeding women, it is best to consult a doctor before using it.
Acyclovir Dosage
The dosage may vary, depending on the form of the drug, age, type of infection, and its severity.
The general dosage is as follows:
1. Tablet
- Genital herpes: The dose for adults and children over two years is around 200-400 milligrams which you can take five times a day, for 5-10 days. For children under two years, the dose is half that of adults.
- Herpes zoster: For adults and children over 12 years old the dose is 800 milligrams which you can take five times per day. You need to take this medicine for 7-10 days.
- Chickenpox: The dose for adults is 800 milligrams which you can take 4-5 times per day, for 5-7 days. For children under two years old, the dose is 20 milligrams per kilogram of body weight four times per day.
2. Cream
- Herpes simplex: The dose for adults is 4-6 times a day for 10 days. Use in children can only be determined by a doctor.
3. Ointment
- Herpes simplex: Apply herpes ointment to the affected area every three hours. Do this treatment six times a day for seven days. In children, only a doctor can determine the dosage.
Benefits of Acyclovir as a Herpes Ointment
Acyclovir is useful for treating herpes virus infections, such as herpes simplex, herpes zoster, genital herpes, and chickenpox. The herpes ointment form is often used to treat cold sores caused by the virus.
Hall you need to know, acyclovir will not eliminate the virus in the body. The virus will continue to live in the body even if the symptoms do not appear.
Acyclovir helps wounds heal faster, prevents new wounds from forming, and reduces itching.
In people with weakened immune systems, acyclovir can reduce the risk of spreading the virus to other parts of the body.
How to Use Acyclovir
Here’s how to use acyclovir based on the form of the drug:
1. Tablet
- Take this medication by mouth with water or food. Make sure you take it as directed by your doctor.
- Drink plenty of water after taking this medicine.
- Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.
- Drink at the same time every day so you can remember it easily.
- Do not use this medication more often or for longer than your doctor prescribes.
2. Ointments and creams
- Use herpes cream or ointment after feeling the first signs of infection, such as tingling, burning and redness.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying herpes cream or ointment.
- Clean and dry the affected area before applying herpes cream or ointment.
- Apply herpes cream or ointment to the affected area and rub gently.
- Apply enough herpes cream or ointment to cover all affected areas.
- Do not apply this medication to the eyes or nose, inside the mouth, or inside the vagina. If you accidentally get it in these areas, rinse immediately with water.
- Do not use this medication more often or for longer than prescribed.
Besides using medication, there are other treatments you can do to reduce herpes symptoms.
Caution in Using Acyclovir
Before using acyclovir, there are several things you need to pay attention to:
- Tell your doctor if you are allergic to herpes tablets, creams or ointments, such as acyclovir and valacyclovir. You should also tell your doctor about any other allergies you have.
- Inform your doctor about your medical history, such as immune system disorders, kidney problems or being infected with HIV.
- Acyclovir tablets can cause drowsiness. Therefore, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires alertness after taking it.
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are planning to have surgery, including dental surgery.
- Tell us about any other medicines you are taking before using herpes tablets, creams or ointments. These include supplements and herbal products.
- Postpone any immunization or vaccination against viruses while taking this medication. If you have been vaccinated, you will also need to stop taking acyclovir.
- Older adults are more susceptible to drug side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and mental changes.
- During pregnancy, you should use this medicine only if you really need it. Try to consult the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- Acyclovir tablets can pass into breast milk. That’s why, consult your doctor before using it.
Acyclovir Side Effects
Acyclovir rarely causes side effects. However, some people experience mild side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, headache and vomiting.
See a doctor if any of these symptoms persist or worsen.
Serious side effects that can also occur include:
- Dizzy.
- Sleepy.
- Changes in the amount of urine.
- Back pain.
- Mental or mood changes.
- Loss of balance.
- Difficulty speaking.
- Extreme fatigue.
- Irregular heartbeat.
- Easy bruising or bleeding.
- High fever.
- Bloody or dark urine.
- Severe stomach ache.
- Yellowing of the eyes and skin.
- Visual disturbances.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Seizures.
Drug allergic reactions are actually very rare. However, you still need to be aware of the signs.
Symptoms of drug allergies include rashes, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, and throat, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
Acyclovir Interactions
There are several drugs that can interact with acyclovir. These interactions can change how the drugs work or increase the risk of serious side effects.
Drugs that can interact with acyclovir are drugs that can cause kidney problems, for example, ibuprofen and naproxen.
Contraindications of Acyclovir
Contraindications are symptoms or conditions that make it inadvisable for someone to take a drug. Do not take this drug if you have the following conditions:
- Allergy to acyclovir and other herpes medications.
- Kidney failure.
- Weak immune system.
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome.