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Why is this medication prescribed?
Patient information about the treatment of herpes, chickenpox, or shingles is available with this medicine. Read it carefully before using this medicine.
Acyclovir is best used as soon as pos
sible after the symptoms of herpes infection or shingles (for example, pain, burning, blisters) begin to appear.
If you are taking acyclovir for the treatment of chickenpox , it is best to st
art taking acyclovir as soon as possible after the first sign of the chickenpox rash, usually within one day.
Acyclovir capsules, tablets, and oral suspension may be taken with meals or on an
empty stomach.
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Proper Use of This Medicine
This medication is used to treat herpes infections of the skin, mouth, mucous membranes, genital herpes, herpes zoster (shingles), and chickenpox in some individuals. This medication does not cure her
pes, but relieves the pain and may make the infection clear faster.
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Overdosage
Symptoms of overdose may include sluggishness, change in amount of urine, loss of consciousness ¡K
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What side effects may occur?
Although side effects from acyclovir are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- burning, stinging, itching, or rash when ointme
nt is applied
- headache
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- diarrhea or loose stools
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- sever
e rash
- severe itching
- fever
- confusion
- yellowness of the skin or eyes
- blood in the urine
- stomach pain
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Special warnings about this medication
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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What special precautions should I follow?
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
The areas affected by herpes, chickenpox, or shingles should be kept as clean and dry as po
ssible. Also, wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritating the sores (blisters).
It is important to remember that acyclovir will not keep you from spreading herpes to others.
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