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How should you take this medication?
Begin taking this medication as soon as symptoms appear. Take this medication as directed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Try to take the medication at evenly spaced interval
s throughout the day and night. This will ensure a constant blood level of the medication and is most effective.
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Missing Dose
If you are using tablets, capsules, or liquid, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals.
If you are using ointment,
apply it as soon as you remember and apply further doses at your regular interval (e.g., every 3 hours) until you go to bed.
However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of either the ointment or oral medication to make up for a missed one.
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What is this medicine
Acyclovir (ay-SYE-kloe-veer) belongs to the family of medicines called antivirals. Antivirals are used to treat infections caused by viruses. Usually they work for only one kind or group of virus infe
ctions.
Topical acyclovir is used to treat the symptoms of herpes simplex virus infections of the skin, mucous membranes, and genitals (sex organs). Although topical acyclovir will not cure
herpes simplex, it may help relieve the pain and discomfort and may help the sores (if any) heal faster. Topical acyclovir may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Acyclovir is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:
Topical
Cream (Canada)
Ointment (U.S. and Canada)
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Precautions
If you are or will be breast-feeing while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
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Other Medicines
It is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:
- Carmustine (e.g., BiCNU) or
- Cisplatin (e.g., Platinol) or
- Combination pa
in medicine containing acetaminophen and aspirin (e.g., Excedrin) or other salicylates or
- Cyclosporine (e.g., Sandimmune) or
- Deferoxamine (e.g., Desferal) (with long-term use) or
-
Gold salts (medicine for arthritis) or
- Inflammation or pain medicine, except narcotics, or
- Lithium (e.g., Lithane) or
- Methotrexate (Mexate) or
- Other medicine for infection
or
- Penicillamine (e.g., Cuprimine) or
- Plicamycin (e.g., Mithracin) or
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Symptoms of overdose may include:
Symptoms of overdose may include sluggishness, change in amount of urine, loss of consciousness ¡K
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