Acyclovir can be administered either topically or systemically, depending on the infection. Special Administration Considerations: Acyclovir use may result in nephrotoxicity. Patient Teaching & Education: Patients who are being treated with antiviral therapy should be instructed about the importance of medication compliance.
Full Answer
How often to take acyclovir?
- For treatment of genital herpes, first outbreak: Adults—1000 milligrams (mg) two times a day for ten days. ...
- For treatment of genital herpes, recurrent outbreaks: Adults—500 milligrams (mg) two times a day for three days. ...
- To prevent recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes: Adults—500 milligrams (mg) or 1000 mg once a day. ...
How long does acyclovir take to work?
Oral intake of acyclovir can take about 2 hours to start working in the patient’s body. The symptoms of acyclovir should start to ease out from the third day from the start of the treatment. However, the treatment must be continued for the prescribed duration. Also, the treatment must be started within 48 hours from the occurrence of the symptoms.
Can you take acyclovir everyday?
To prevent cold sores, valacyclovir or another antiviral drug, acyclovir (Zovirax), can be taken daily. This reduces the chance of a cold sore coming back by about one-third. It could also help if you avoid triggers, such as exposure to sun or wind, that can activate the cold sore virus.
What conditions does acyclovir treat?
Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:
- your age
- the condition being treated
- how severe your condition is
- other medical conditions you have
- how you react to the first dose
What do you monitor on acyclovir?
Consider monitoring renal function. Possible increased incidence of adverse CNS effects (coma, confusion, hallucinations, somnolence), GI effects (nausea, vomiting), or dizziness during oral acyclovir therapy compared with younger adults.
What are the side effects of aciclovir tablets?
Common side effects may include:mild skin pain;rash, itching;nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;headache; or.mouth pain while using an acyclovir buccal tablet.
Does acyclovir treat viral infections?
Acyclovir is used to treat the symptoms of chickenpox, shingles, herpes virus infections of the genitals (sex organs), the skin, the brain, and mucous membranes (lips and mouth), and widespread herpes virus infections in newborns. Acyclovir is also used to prevent recurrent genital herpes infections.
What are the contraindications of acyclovir?
The only absolute contraindication to acyclovir is hypersensitivity. Cautions include renal failure/impairment, immunocompromised host, potential risk of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)).
What are the indications for acyclovir?
ZOVIRAX® (acyclovir) is indicated for the following conditions: The treatment of initial episodes of herpes genitalis. The suppression of unusually frequent recurrences of herpes genitalis (6 or more episodes per year). The acute treatment of herpes zoster (shingles) and varicella (chickenpox).
How do you take aciclovir?
The usual dose is one 200 mg tablet taken five times a day.You should space your dose by at least four hours.Suggested times are: 7am, 11am, 3pm, 7pm and 11pm.You should take Aciclovir 400 mg Tablets for five days, or longer if your doctor tells you to.
What labs do you monitor with acyclovir?
We recommend checking U&E, LFT and FBC at baseline. If normal no further monitoring is needed. If mildy abnormal repeat but continue aciclovir. If significantly low eGFR, leucopenia or elevated LFTs either dose reduce or stop acyclovir and investigate.
How does acyclovir stop viral replication?
Acyclovir triphosphate prevents viral DNA synthesis by inhibiting the viral DNA polymerase. In vitro, acyclovir triphosphate competes with deoxyguanosine triphosphate as a substrate for viral DNA polymerase.
When is acyclovir administered?
Acyclovir is best used as soon as possible after the symptoms of herpes infection or shingles (for example, pain, burning, blisters) begin to appear.
How long do side effects of acyclovir last?
How long do acyclovir side effects last? Most side effects of acyclovir that occur usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, if you have an allergic reaction you should notify your healthcare professional immediately.
Can acyclovir make you feel sick?
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, diarrhea, headache, or vomiting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Does acyclovir weaken immune system?
Our data reveal that low dose acyclovir does indeed decrease the cytokine response of CD4+ T cells to the late viral protein pp65 and indicates a potential role of this drug as an agent to modulate CMV-specific immunity.
What happens when you stop taking acyclovir?
Take acyclovir until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking acyclovir too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated or may become more difficult to treat.
What is the purpose of antiviral drugs?
antiviral drugs. -used to treat infections caused by viruses other than HIV. antiretroviral drugs. -used to treat infections caused by HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. An 82-year-old woman is unable to take the influenza vaccine because of allergies, but she has been exposed to the virus through a family reunion.
How do antiviral drugs work?
antiviral drugs (non-HIV) mechanism of action: most of the current antiviral drugs work by blocking the activity of a polymerase enzyme that normally stimulates the synthesis of new viral genomes. used to treat non-HIV viral infections: influenza viruses.
Which meds are effective against the influenza virus?
Ganciclovir (Cytovene) c. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are active against influenza virus types A and B and have been shown to reduce the duration of influenza infection by several days.
What are the therapeutic effects of AIDS?
-Effects range from delayed progression of AIDS and other viruses to a decrease in flulike symptoms, decrease in frequency of herpes-like flare-ups, or crusting over of herpetic lesions.
What is an opportunistic infection?
opportunistic infections. -occur in immunocompromised patients. -would not normally harm an immunocompetent person. -require long-term prophylaxis and antiinfective drug therapy. -can be other viruses, fungi, bacteria, or protozoa. antiviral drugs. -used to treat infections caused by viruses other than HIV.
What is RSV in medicine?
RSV. key characteristics of antiviral drugs: able to enter the cells infected with virus. interfere with viral nucleic acid synthesis, regulation, or both. some drugs interfere with ability of virus to bind to cells. some drugs stimulate the body's immune system.
What is the name of the drug that kills or suppresses a virus?
antiviral drugs. kill or suppress the virus by destroying visions or inhibiting the ability of viruses to replicate; controlled by current antiviral therapy. immunoglobulins are concentrated antibodies that can attack and destroy viruses. viruses controlled by current antiviral treatment: CMV. hepatitis. herpesviruses.
How long does it take for acyclovir to work?
Acyclovir works best when started within 48 hours of symptom onset. In herpes zoster (shingles) infections, acyclovir shortened the time it took lesions to scab over and decreased the time needed for the rash to heal and become pain-free. Adults older than 50 gained the most benefit from taking acyclovir.
What is acyclovir 2021?
1. How it works. Acyclovir is an antiviral drug that has activity against herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1), 2 (HSV-2), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Acyclovir works in several different ways to prevent these viruses from replicating.
Can acyclovir cause mouth pain?
Buccal tablets may cause mouth pain. Rarely, acyclovir may affect your kidneys or cause a bleeding disorder. May not be suitable for some people, including those with kidney problems, who are immunosuppressed, taking certain medications, or in those who are dehydrated.
Is acyclovir generic?
Generic acyclovir is available. 3. Downsides. If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and a general unwell feeling. Buccal tablets may cause mouth pain.
Can you chew gum while taking acyclovir?
Allow the tablet to slowly dissolve; eating and drinking may continue as normal while the buccal tablet is in place, but avoid brushing your teeth, chewing gum, or wearing an upper denture. If you are taking acyclovir long-term and your weight changes, let your doctor know as acyclovir dosages are based on weight.
Can you take acyclovir for genital herpes?
Also, avoid touching the rash and then your eyes. Wash hands frequently. If you are taking acyclovir for genital herpes, it will not prevent you from passing the infection to your sexual partner.
What is the mechanism of action of acyclovir?
Mechanism of Action: Acyclovir causes termination of the DNA chain during the viral replication process. Acyclovir can be administered either topically or systemically, depending on the infection. [2] Special Administration Considerations: Acyclovir use may result in nephrotoxicity.
What is the most difficult virus to treat?
Viruses with complex life cycles, such as HIV, can be more difficult to treat. These types of viruses require the use of antiretroviral medications that block viral replication. (See Figure 3.12 to view the viral replication process of HIV.) [6] Additionally, antiretrovirals fall under the class of antiviral medications.
What is the role of antiretrovirals in HIV?
Viral contents are released into the cell, where viral enzymes convert the single-stranded RNA genome into DNA and incorporate it into the host genome. Indications: Antiretrovirals are used for the treatment of illnesses like HIV. Mechanism of Action: Antiretrovirals impede virus replication.
What are the different types of antiviral medications?
There are several subclasses of antiviral medications: antiherpes, antiinfluenza, anti-hepatitis, and antiretrovirals. Each subclass will be discussed in more detail below. See Figure 3.10 [1] for images of viruses.
What is the purpose of tamiflu?
Subclass: AntiInfluenza. Indications: Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is used to target the influenza virus by blocking the release of the virus from the infected cells. Mechanism of Action: Tamiflu prevents the release of virus from infected cells.
Can HIV drugs cure renal impairment?
Use cautiously in patients with renal impairment. Inform patient that drug doesn’t cure HIV infection, that opportunistic infections and other complications of HIV infection may still occur, and that transmission of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination is still possible.
Does a special administration medication cure the flu?
Special Administration Considerations: This medication does not cure influenza, but can decrease flu symptoms and shorten the duration of illness if taken in a timely manner. Patients are prescribed the medication for prophylaxis against infection, known exposure, or to lesson the course of the illness.
What is the most important information I should know about acyclovir?
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
What is acyclovir?
Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus in the body. Acyclovir will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acyclovir?
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.
How should I take acyclovir?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
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. Drink plenty of liquids to prevent dry mouth.
How It Works
Upsides
- Acyclovir may be used in the treatment of herpes zoster virus (shingles). Acyclovir does not completely rid the body of the herpes zoster virus.
- Acyclovir may be used to treat initial and recurrent episodes of genital herpes. Acyclovir does not cure genital herpes or completely rid the body of the herpes virus.
- Acyclovir may be used in the treatment of varicella (chickenpox).
- Acyclovir may be used in the treatment of herpes zoster virus (shingles). Acyclovir does not completely rid the body of the herpes zoster virus.
- Acyclovir may be used to treat initial and recurrent episodes of genital herpes. Acyclovir does not cure genital herpes or completely rid the body of the herpes virus.
- Acyclovir may be used in the treatment of varicella (chickenpox).
- Inhibits herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1), 2 (HSV-2), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV).
Downsides
- If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and a general unwell feeling. Buccal tablets may cause mouth pain. Rarely, acyclovir may affect your kidneys or cause a bleeding disorder. 2. May not be suitable for some people, in…
Bottom Line
- Acyclovir is an antiviral drug that treats infections caused by HSV-1, HSV-2, and varicella-zoster viruses such as chickenpox, genital herpes, and shingles. It is most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
Tips
- Acyclovir treatment is best started within 72 hours of symptom onset (ie, rash, blisters, tingling, burning) and most effective if started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
- Take acyclovir for the exact time prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms improve. Although acyclovir treats viruses, it is not effective against the flu or the common cold.
- Shake acyclovir oral suspension well before using. Use a proper dosing syringe or medicine c…
- Acyclovir treatment is best started within 72 hours of symptom onset (ie, rash, blisters, tingling, burning) and most effective if started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
- Take acyclovir for the exact time prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms improve. Although acyclovir treats viruses, it is not effective against the flu or the common cold.
- Shake acyclovir oral suspension well before using. Use a proper dosing syringe or medicine cup to correctly measure dosage, not a kitchen teaspoon.
- If you have been prescribed buccal tablets to treat a cold sore, place the flat side of the buccal tablet against your upper gum, behind your lip, and in front of your canine tooth on the same side...
Response and Effectiveness
- May take up to two hours to reach peak plasma concentrations after oral acyclovir administration.
- May take up to three days for symptom reduction; however, acyclovir should be taken until the course prescribed is completed. Acyclovir works best when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
- May take up to two hours to reach peak plasma concentrations after oral acyclovir administration.
- May take up to three days for symptom reduction; however, acyclovir should be taken until the course prescribed is completed. Acyclovir works best when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
- In herpes zoster (shingles) infections, acyclovir shortened the time it took lesions to scab over and decreased the time needed for the rash to heal and become pain-free. Adults older than 50 gaine...
- In varicella infections (chickenpox), acyclovir shortened the time to 50% healing, reduced the number of lesions and vesicles, and decreased rates of fever and tiredness by day 2.
Interactions
- Medicines that interact with acyclovir may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with acyclovir. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be mana…
Further Information
- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use acyclovir only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Copyright 1996-2022 Drugs.com. Revision date: May 25, 2022. Medical Disclaimer