Patient's Guide to Acyclovir or Aciclovir Risks and Side-effects

Acyclovir or Aciclovir ( abbreviated as ACV), is a prominent antiviral drug, marketed under trade names such as Cyclovir, Herpex, Acivir, Acivirax, Zovirax, Aciclovir, Telviran, Zovir.

As one of the most commonly-used antiviral drugs, it is primarily used for the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections, as well as in the treatment of herpes zoster (chicken pox and shingles). Aciclovir has a few advantages as it is extremely selective and low in cytotoxicity. It has also been used in the treatment of HIV-1 infections.

Oral acyclovir is used to treat initial genital herpes infections and to treat patients with recurrent (6 episodes per year) severe genital herpes.

Acyclovir reduces the pain and the number of lesions in those infected for the first time, and also decreases the frequency and severity in those with recurrent infections.

n the treatment of shingles, acyclovir reduces pain, shortens the healing time, and limits the spread of virus and the formation of new lesions.

Acyclovir can be used to treat chicken pox and acts to reduce healing time, limit the number of lesions, and reduce fever if used within the first 24 hours after the onset of the disease.

Acyclovir ointment is used topically to treat initial genital herpes where it has been shown to decrease pain, reduce healing time, and limit the spread of the infection.

Acyclovir may be taken with or without food. Acyclovir is excreted mainly by the kidney and dosages need to be reduced in patients with kidney dysfunction.

Acyclovir Drug interactions:

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease and patients should avoid intercourse when they have visible lesions. Resistance to acyclovir can develop, especially with overuse.

Therefore, acyclovir should be used only for severe cases and only as long as needed. Long-term suppression for recurrent genital herpes should include periodic re-evaluations and trials without the drug or intermittent short-term treatments.

Acyclovir Side effects: 

Rare side effects in patients treated short-term with acyclovir are nausea, vomiting, and headache. Long-term treatment has the additional potential for rash and diarrhea.

Acyclovir should be stored at room temperature in a tight container.

Caution! Before starting to take this medicine, it is vital that you should consult your doctor! Do not use it on your own initiative, without medical advice.

Key items: acyclovir effects, acyclovir side effects, acyclovir mg, zovirax acyclovir

Acyclovir notes:

Acyclovir that is prescribed along with 5 % Zovirax cream is an oral medication that is highly effective in treating herpes infection starting from the very initial to severe genital herpes infections. zovirax acyclovir helps in reducing the pain and lesions formed from the initial case, while decreasing the severity and frequency in developing persistent infections.

The acyclovir effects benefits for herpes patients in reducing the healing time and preventing the spread of virus and the development of new lesions. Acyclovir also helps in treating chicken pox by cutting down the healing time and curing the lesions along with fever if used within the first 24 hours after the disease is diagnosed. Application of Zovirax ointment helps in treating initial genital herpes, thereby reducing pain, healing time, and spread of the infection.

From 2 g to 800 mg, the dosage of taking Acyclovir defers in people to people and it is important to follow the prescription and Acyclovir mg while taking the medication to avoid over dosage. People with kidney dysfunction are required to take only mild doses of Acyclovir as it can worsen the disease. Always avoid the overuse of Acyclovir and remember to take it only for critical cases of herpes that requires treatment.

Some rare side effects in people using Acyclovir for short term include headache, vomiting, nausea etc. rash and diarrhea are some rare side effects of Acyclovir found in patients treated with Acyclovir for long-term. However, always consult your medical expert before taking the medicine.