|
|
Side Effects of This Medicine
Parenteral:
1. Renal toxicity; precipitation of acyclovir crystals can occur in renal tubules if the maximum solubility of free acyclovir (2.5mg/ml at 37?C in water) is exceeded or if the drug is
given by bolus injection. Serum creatinine and BUN rise and creatinine clearance decreases.
2. Encephalopathic changes: Approximately 1% of patients receiving IV acyclovir manifested encephalopath
ic changes characterized by lethargy, obtundation, tremors, confusion, hallucinations, agitation, seizures or coma.
3. Other: transient elevation of serum creatinine; rash or hives; diaphoresis; h
ematuria; hypotension; headache and nausea; thrombocytosis.
|
Special warnings about this medication
Use a condom during sexual intercourse. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy.
|
What is this Drug
Acyclovir is used to treat herpes infections of the skin, lip, and genitals; herpes zoster (shingles); and chickenpox. It does not cure herpes infections but decreases pain and itching and promotes he
aling.
Topical acyclovir does not prevent the recurrence of sores but may decrease pain and itching if applied when the earliest symptoms first appear. Oral acyclovir decreases the frequency
and severity of recurrent sores, but it is used only by people with severe herpes infections because of possible adverse effects.
|
|
|
|
Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
Tell you doctor if you are taking any of the following:
- Deferoxamine (e.g., Desferal) (with long-term use) or
- Gold salts (medicine for arthritis) or
- Inflammation or pain medicine
|
What special precautions should I follow?
Herpes infection of the genitals can be caught from or spread to your partner during any sexual activity. Even though you may get herpes if your partner has no symptoms, the infection is more likely t
o be spread if sores are present. This is true until the sores are completely healed and the scabs have fallen off. Therefore, it is best to avoid any sexual activity if either you or your sexual part
ner has any symptoms of herpes. The use of a latex condom (¡§rubber¡¨') may help prevent the spread of herpes. However, spermicidal (sperm-killing) jelly or a diaphragm will probably not help.
|
What should I do if I forget a 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.
|
|
