How long should I take acyclovir for?
Adults are usually prescribed 200 mg of acyclovir 5 times a day, at 4-hour intervals, for up to 5 days. Your healthcare provider may suggest you take the medication for longer if symptoms persist.
What is “suppressive treatment”?
This is known as “suppressive treatment.” The medication you have been prescribed is Acyclovir, which you are to take 1/2 Tablet 2 times each day (morning and evening). If you notice the initial signs of an outbreak while taking this medication, you are to double your dose (to 1 Tablet 2 times a day) for 5 days (only).
Is acyclovir resistant to suppressant therapy?
suppressive therapy with acyclovir is 400mg 2x/day. the rates of acyclovir resistance are still the same as they were when the medication was first discovered for use with herpes over 25 years ago. No worries about resistance.
How long does it take for IV therapy to treat HSV-1 to work?
-The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 21 days of IV therapy to treat HSV encephalitis. Use: For the treatment of HSV encephalitis.
How long does it take for acyclovir to suppress?
With the initiation of valacyclovir or acyclovir, 5 days of therapy were needed to achieve suppression of genital HSV shedding. After the discontinuation of therapy, viral shedding consistently reappeared in 5 days.
How much acyclovir should I take for suppressive therapy?
Suppressive antiviral therapy does not delay HIV disease progression and is not associated with decreased risk for HIV-related inflammation among persons taking ART (506). For severe HSV disease, initiating therapy with acyclovir 5–10 mg/kg IV every 8 hours might be necessary.
How long does acyclovir take to work to prevent transmission?
When taken as soon as you notice a herpes outbreak, valacyclovir can provide relief in as little as two to three days, minimizing symptoms and reducing the risk of you passing genital herpes to sexual partners.
How do you take acyclovir for suppressive therapy?
Acyclovir† 400 mg orally 3 times/day for 7–10 days.OR.Famciclovir 250 mg orally 3 times/day for 7–10 days.OR.Valacyclovir 1 g orally 2 times/day for 7–10 days.* Treatment can be extended if healing is incomplete after 10 days of therapy.More items...•
Can I take acyclovir as a preventative?
Your doctor may prescribe aciclovir to prevent you getting these infections if you have had them before or you have a weak immune system. It's also used to treat chickenpox and shingles. Aciclovir is available on prescription.
Can I take acyclovir forever?
It is concluded that long-term suppression with acyclovir is safe and effective for patients with recurrent genital herpes.
Does acyclovir reduce viral shedding?
Three antiviral drugs are approved to treat or suppress outbreaks of genital herpes: acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir. Most clinically apparent outbreaks can be prevented by taking one of these drugs daily. In addition, daily acyclovir reduces asymptomatic viral shedding by 95%.
How do you stop asymptomatic shedding?
Treatment with oral acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir significantly reduced the frequency of asymptomatic shedding [12, 16, 19], and daily suppressive therapy with valacyclovir decreased both the frequency of asymptomatic shedding and the risk of transmission of genital HSV infection [17].
Does suppressive therapy reduce transmission?
Suppressive therapy — Suppressive therapy is antiviral treatment that is taken every day to prevent outbreaks. The advantage of suppressive therapy is that it decreases the frequency and duration of recurrences, and can reduce the risk of transmitting HSV to an uninfected sex partner.
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to acyclovir or valacyclovir (Valtrex). You should not take acyclovir buccal tablets (Sitavig...
How Should I Take Acyclovir?
Take acyclovir exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or small...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to...
What Happens If I Overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.Overdose symptoms may include agitation, seizure (convulsions), or...
What Should I Avoid While Taking Acyclovir?
Avoid brushing your teeth, chewing gum, or wearing an upper denture while you have a buccal tablet in your mouth. You may rinse your mouth gently....
What Other Drugs Will Affect Acyclovir?
Acyclovir can harm your kidneys. This effect is increased when you also use certain other medicines, including: probenecid, antivirals, chemotherap...
Herpes Outbreak & Cold Sore Management - Suppressive Treatment
This treatment plan reviews the risks and benefits of the treatment we are recommending. Please make sure to read it and the manufacturer's pamphlet that comes with the medicine.
Instructions
You have stated that you wish to take medication every day in order to reduce your risk of having herpes outbreaks and spreading the virus (to your sexual partners). This is known as “suppressive treatment.” The medication you have been prescribed is Acyclovir, which you are to take 1/2 Tablet 2 times each day (morning and evening).
Active Ingredients
This medicine contains the following active ingredients. If you are allergic to any of these components, similar components, or any of the others components listed in the manufacturer's pamphlet do not take it and call or message us immediately.
Allergies
This medicine may cause an allergic reaction if you are allergic to similar medicines or components. If you are allergic to any of the following please stop the medicine and call or message us or see your doctor in-person.
Conditions
We have evaluated your health history and the specific health information you provided us, however if anything changes and you develop or discover that one of these conditions applies to you please stop taking this medicine and call or message us immediately.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
While Acyclovir is safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding, if you become pregnant or are breastfeeding you should stop taking this medicine, call or message us immediately, and talk to a doctor in-person.
Emergency Side Effects
This medicine can cause dangerous and potentially life threatening side effects. If any of the emergency side effects listed in the manufacturer's pamphlet or those below happen to you please stop taking the medicine and call 911 or seek immediate medical help in-person.
How to take acyclovir?
Take acyclovir exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Start taking acyclovir as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).
How to dissolve a buccal tablet?
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions. Do not crush, chew, suck on, or swallow a buccal tablet. Place the flat side of the tablet against your upper gum, on the same side of the mouth as your cold sore. Allow the tablet to dissolve in your mouth throughout the day.
What is the difference between Sitavig and Acyclovir?
Acyclovir is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, such as genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chickenpox. Sitavig (acyclovir tablet, delayed release) is only for use in treating cold sores on the lips. Sitavig will not treat genital herpes.
What are the side effects of acyclovir?
Common acyclovir side effects may include: mild skin pain; rash, itching; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; headache; or.
Can acyclovir cause nausea?
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; headache; or. mouth pain while using an acyclovir buccal tablet. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Can you take acyclovir if you are allergic to milk?
You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to acyclovir or valacyclovir ( Valtrex ). You should not take acyclovir buccal tablets (Sitavig) if you are allergic to milk proteins.
Does acyclovir affect kidneys?
Acyclovir can harm your kidneys , especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve ).
How long does acyclovir stay in your system?
When taken as an oral tablet, acyclovir has a half-life of 2.5 to 3.3 hours in healthy adults. In newborns and the elderly, the medicine usually stays in the system for longer because their metabolism is slower.
How much is Acyclovir for cold sores?
Order safe and effective treatment for cold sores. Acyclovir from $18.00. View all treatments. Acyclovir is used for the treatment of cold sores (fever blisters), genital herpes, and Bell’s palsy. It is not used to remedy canker sores because they are not caused by HSV.
How often do blisters recur?
Recurrence of blisters varies from person to person. Genital herpes caused by HSV-2 usually returns multiple times a year. A study of 457 patients conducted by the University of Washington found that more than 35% of patients had at least 6 outbreaks of genital blisters in a single year whilst 20% had 10+ outbreaks in a year.
How often should I use Zovirax for cold sores?
Zovirax is a cream used to treat cold sores. It contains 50 mg of acyclovir as its active ingredient and can be applied 2 to 5 times per day. Although researchers have shown that Zovirax does promote faster recovery from fever blisters, the exact duration it takes for sores to heal is not known.
How long after blisters heal can you kiss?
Avoid sexual intercourse, oral sex, kissing, sharing toothbrushes or cutlery with others or partners for at least 3 days after your blisters have completely healed.
How long does it take for a blister to heal?
It can take from 10 days to 2 weeks for blisters to heal completely. But the infection may linger longer if your immune system is very weak. Make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions when taking prescription antiviral drugs.
How often should I take 800 mg of a sulfate supplement?
One study found that a higher dose of 800 mg taken orally 3 times per day for 2 days provided quick relief and lower viral shedding for recurring genital herpes. This may be a more convenient option for patients than taking the standard dose 5 times a day.
How long does valacyclovir last?
800 mg orally every 4 hours 5 times a day for 7 to 10 days#N#Immunocompromised host:#N#10 mg/kg IV every 8 hours for 7 days#N#Concomitant HIV infection:#N#-Localized Dermatomal: 800 mg orally 5 times a day for 7 to 10 days (alternative therapy; oral valacyclovir or famciclovir are preferred therapy)#N#-Extensive Cutaneous Lesion or Visceral Involvement: 10 to 15 mg/kg IV every 8 hours until clinical improvement (i.e. no new vesicle formation or improvement of signs and symptoms of visceral disease), then switch to oral therapy#N#Duration of therapy: 7 to 14-day course (oral plus IV)#N#Comments:#N#-Treatment should be initiated as soon as possible after a diagnosis of herpes zoster; parenteral dosing is based on ideal body weight (IBW).#N#-Oral acyclovir therapy should be considered an alternative therapy to treat acute localized dermatomal herpes zoster in HIV-infected adults according to the Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in HIV-Infected Adults and Adolescents; IV acyclovir is preferred therapy with extensive cutaneous lesion or visceral involvement.#N#Use: For the acute treatment of herpes zoster (shingles).
How long does it take to take a 20 mg med?
-Mild disease with no or moderate immune suppression (CDC immunologic category 1 and 2): 20 mg/kg orally 4 times a day for 7 to 10 days and until no new lesions for 48 hours. Maximum dose: 800 mg.
What is the best treatment for herpes simplex?
-Acyclovir is the drug of choice for local and disseminated herpes simplex in HIV-infected and exposed infants and children; children with severe immunosuppression and moderate to severe lesions should be treated initially with IV therapy and may require longer therapy.
How long does it take to get rid of herpes?
Treatment of First Episode of Genital Herpes: Less than 12 years: 40 to 80 mg/kg/day orally in divided doses 3 to 4 times a day for 5 to 10 days. Maximum dose: 1000 mg/day. 12 years or older: 200 mg orally every 4 hours 5 times a day OR 400 mg orally 3 times a day. Duration of therapy: 7 to 10 days.
How long does it take for genital herpes to heal?
Concomitant HIV infection:#N#-Treatment of First Episode of Genital Herpes:#N#400 mg orally 3 times a day for 5 to 10 days (guideline recommendation)#N#Duration of therapy: 5 to 10 days#N#-Severe Disease:#N#5 mg/kg IV every 8 hours after lesions begin to regress, may change to oral therapy; continue treatment until lesions have completely healed (guideline recommendation)#N#Episodic (Intermittent) Therapy: Effective treatment requires therapy initiation within 1 day of lesion onset or during the prodrome preceding an episode/recurrence#N#400 mg orally 3 times a day for 5 to 14 days#N#Comments:#N#-Immunocompromised patients can have prolonged or severe episodes of genital, perianal, or oral herpes.#N#-Clinical manifestations of genital herpes may worsen during immune reconstitution early after initiation of antiretroviral therapy.#N#-Suppressive or episodic therapy with oral antiviral agents is effective in decreasing the clinical manifestations of HSV in persons with HIV infection.#N#-Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections Among HIV- Infected Adults and Adolescents may be consulted for additional guidance.#N#Use: For the treatment of initial and recurrent mucosal and cutaneous herpes simplex (HSV-1 and HSV-2) in immunocompromised patients.
How long does acyclovir last?
The usual dose is 5 to 10 mg of acyclovir per kg (2.3 to 4.5 mg per pound) of body weight, injected slowly into a vein over at least a one-hour period, and repeated every eight hours for five to ten days. Children up to 12 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by the doctor.
When to start taking acyclovir?
If you are taking acyclovir for the treatment of chickenpox, it is best to start taking acyclovir as soon as possible after the first sign of the chickenpox rash, usually within one day.
How long does a child have to take a syringe?
Children up to 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor. Adults and children 12 years of age and older—800 mg five times a day for seven to ten days. Children up to 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
Can you miss acyclovir?
Do not miss any doses. However, do not use this medicine more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If you are taking acyclovir capsules, tablets, or oral suspension, you should drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated.
How often should you take suppressive therapy for herpes?
You should always consult your doctor to determine what’s right for your health. 1. Effectiveness. If you experience frequent herpes outbreaks (six or more per year) that interfere with day-to-day life, suppressive therapy may be worthwhile.
How does suppressive therapy reduce outbreaks?
Suppressive therapy can reduce outbreaks by 70% to 80%, and in some cases completely eliminate them. In couples where one partner had HSV-2 and the other did not, a study showed that suppressive therapy reduced the risk of overall acquisition by almost 50%.
Why do you take Valtrex every day?
However, doctors sometimes prescribe Valtrex to be taken every day in order to prevent outbreaks and lower transmission rates. Using antiviral medications like Valtrex every day is known as herpes suppressive therapy. ✔️ Medically reviewed by Gerard Sison, PharmD on Nov. 26, 2018. Depending on the severity of a case of herpes, ...
How to reduce herpes transmission?
Transmission Rates. Taking extra precautions such as using condoms and abstaining from sex during outbreaks can reduce the chances of herpes being transmitted to your partner. Take a look at the following points from a study on the effect of suppressive therapy on transmission.
What is intermittent treatment?
Intermittent treatment consists of taking an antiviral drug when you experience an outbreak to lessen the severity of symptoms and shorten their duration. Suppressive therapy consists of taking a regular dose of antivirals every day whether you have an outbreak or not.
Is suppressive therapy safe?
Side effects of any drug can always be a concern. Generally, suppressive therapy is considered safe in the long run and side effects are mild for most people. Other possible side effects include diarrhea, agitation, joint pain, confusion, constipation, edema, sore throat, and/or weakness.
