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What side effects can this medication cause?
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.
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Other medical problems
Dehydration or
Kidney disease¡XDehydration or kidney disease may increase blood levels of acyclovir, increasing the chance of side effects
Nervous system problems¡XAcyclovir may make these p
blems worse
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Other Medicines
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
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Missing Dose
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to
catch up.
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What Is It
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although not specifically included in product labeling, acyclo
vir by injection is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:
Herpes simplex (for prevention of repeated infections) in people with a weak immune system
Herpes zos
ter infections of the eye
Shingles (for prevention of repeated infections) in people with a weak immune system
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How to Use
Take acyclovir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Use this medication as soon as possible after symptoms appear.
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