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How should this medicine be used?
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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What special precautions should I follow?
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For acyclovir, the following should be con
sidered:
Allergies¡XTell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to acyclovir. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, s
ch as preservatives or dyes.
Pregnancy¡XTopical acyclovir has not been studied in pregnant women. However, this medicine has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in animal
tudies using mice, rats, or rabbits, except when given in very high doses in a study using rats.
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Precautions while Using this Medicine
Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This medicine is excreted in breast milk.
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What Is It
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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Drug Interactions
Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
- Lithium (e.g., Lithane) or
- Methotrexate or
- Other medicine for infection or
- Penicillamine (e.g., Cuprimine)
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Overdosage
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include sluggishness, change in amount of urine, loss of consciousness, or se
izures.
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