acyclovir (oral)

Pronunciation: a SYE klo veer

Acyclovir

slide 1 of 45, Acyclovir,

200 mg, capsule, blue, imprinted with N 940, 200

Image of Acyclovir
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Acyclovir

slide 2 of 45, Acyclovir,

400 mg, oval, blue, imprinted with N943, 400

Image of Acyclovir
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Acyclovir

slide 3 of 45, Acyclovir,

800 mg, oval, white, imprinted with N947, 800

Image of Acyclovir
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Acyclovir

slide 4 of 45, Acyclovir,

200 mg, capsule, blue/white, imprinted with APO, 042

Image of Acyclovir
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Acyclovir

slide 5 of 45, Acyclovir,

200 mg, oval, blue, imprinted with HP 146

Image of Acyclovir
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Acyclovir

slide 6 of 45, Acyclovir,

400 mg, round, white, imprinted with HP 227

Image of Acyclovir
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Acyclovir

slide 7 of 45, Acyclovir,

800 mg, oval, white, imprinted with HP 228

Image of Acyclovir
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Acyclovir

slide 8 of 45, Acyclovir,

400 mg, hexagonal, pink, imprinted with J, 49

Image of Acyclovir
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Acyclovir

slide 9 of 45, Acyclovir,

800 mg, oval, blue, imprinted with J, 50

Image of Acyclovir
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Zovirax

slide 10 of 45, Zovirax,

800 mg, oval, blue, imprinted with ZOVIRAX 800

Image of Zovirax
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Zovirax

slide 11 of 45, Zovirax,

400 mg, shield, white, imprinted with ZOVIRAX, logo triangle

Image of Zovirax
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Acyclovir

slide 12 of 45, Acyclovir,

200 mg, capsule, blue/white, imprinted with APO, 042

Image of Acyclovir
slide 12 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 13 of 45, Acyclovir,

400 mg, oval, white, imprinted with logo 5306

Image of Acyclovir
slide 13 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 14 of 45, Acyclovir,

800 mg, oval, white, imprinted with Apotex Logo 5307

Image of Acyclovir
slide 14 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 15 of 45, Acyclovir,

200 mg, capsule, blue/white, imprinted with APO, 042

Image of Acyclovir
slide 15 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 16 of 45, Acyclovir,

400 mg, oval, white, imprinted with LOGO 5306

Image of Acyclovir
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Acyclovir

slide 17 of 45, Acyclovir,

800 mg, oval, white, imprinted with AX5307

Image of Acyclovir
slide 17 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 18 of 45, Acyclovir,

200 mg, capsule, blue/white, imprinted with 200, CTI 111

Image of Acyclovir
slide 18 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 19 of 45, Acyclovir,

400 mg, oval, white, imprinted with CTI 112

Image of Acyclovir
slide 19 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 20 of 45, Acyclovir,

800 mg, oval, white, imprinted with CTI 113

Image of Acyclovir
slide 20 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 21 of 45, Acyclovir,

400 mg, oval, white, imprinted with RX504

Image of Acyclovir
slide 21 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 22 of 45, Acyclovir,

800 mg, capsule, white, imprinted with RX505

Image of Acyclovir
slide 22 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 23 of 45, Acyclovir,

200 mg, capsule, white, imprinted with RX652

Image of Acyclovir
slide 23 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 24 of 45, Acyclovir,

200 mg, capsule, blue, imprinted with CTI 114, 200

Image of Acyclovir
slide 24 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 25 of 45, Acyclovir,

200 mg, capsule, blue, imprinted with G, 0034

Image of Acyclovir
slide 25 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 26 of 45, Acyclovir,

200 mg, oval, green, imprinted with R 605

Image of Acyclovir
slide 26 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 27 of 45, Acyclovir,

200 mg, capsule, white, imprinted with RX652

Image of Acyclovir
slide 27 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 28 of 45, Acyclovir,

200 mg, capsule, white, imprinted with Zenith 4266, 200

Image of Acyclovir
slide 28 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 29 of 45, Acyclovir,

200 mg, capsule, blue, imprinted with N 940, 200

Image of Acyclovir
slide 29 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 30 of 45, Acyclovir,

200 mg, capsule, blue, imprinted with N 940, 200

Image of Acyclovir
slide 30 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 31 of 45, Acyclovir,

200 mg, capsule, blue/turquoise, imprinted with WATSON, Acyclovir 200

Image of Acyclovir
slide 31 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 32 of 45, Acyclovir,

200 mg, capsule, white, imprinted with Zenith 4266, 200

Image of Acyclovir
slide 32 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 33 of 45, Acyclovir,

400 mg, oblong, blue, imprinted with N943, 400

Image of Acyclovir
slide 33 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 34 of 45, Acyclovir,

400 mg, pentagonal, white, imprinted with G 0036

Image of Acyclovir
slide 34 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 35 of 45, Acyclovir,

400 mg, round, white, imprinted with 606, R

Image of Acyclovir
slide 35 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 36 of 45, Acyclovir,

400 mg, oval, white, imprinted with RX504

Image of Acyclovir
slide 36 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 37 of 45, Acyclovir,

400 mg, oblong, blue, imprinted with N943, 400

Image of Acyclovir
slide 37 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 38 of 45, Acyclovir,

400 mg, oblong, white, imprinted with WATSON 335

Image of Acyclovir
slide 38 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 39 of 45, Acyclovir,

400 mg, round, white, imprinted with Hourglass Logo 4267, 400

Image of Acyclovir
slide 39 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 40 of 45, Acyclovir,

800 mg, oval, green, imprinted with R607

Image of Acyclovir
slide 40 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 41 of 45, Acyclovir,

800 mg, oblong, white, imprinted with ACY 800

Image of Acyclovir
slide 41 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 42 of 45, Acyclovir,

800 mg, oblong, white, imprinted with N947, 800

Image of Acyclovir
slide 42 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 43 of 45, Acyclovir,

800 mg, oblong, white, imprinted with WATSON 336

Image of Acyclovir
slide 43 of 45

Acyclovir

slide 44 of 45, Acyclovir,

800 mg, oval, white, imprinted with Hourglass Logo 4268, 800

Image of Acyclovir
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Zovirax

slide 45 of 45, Zovirax,

400 mg, shield, white, imprinted with ZOVIRAX, LOGO

Image of Zovirax
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What is the most important information I should know about acyclovir?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is acyclovir?

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus in the body. Acyclovir will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection.

Acyclovir is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, such as genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox.

Sitavig is for use in treating only cold sores on the lips. Sitavig will not treat genital herpes.

Acyclovir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acyclovir?

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to acyclovir or valacyclovir (Valtrex). You should not take acyclovir buccal tablets (Sitavig) if you are allergic to milk proteins.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • kidney disease; or
  • a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Herpes can be passed to your baby during childbirth if you have a genital lesion when your baby is born. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during pregnancy. Take your medicine as directed to best control your infection.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Acyclovir should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.

How should I take acyclovir?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Start taking acyclovir as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters). Start taking Sitavig within 1 hour after you first notice sold core symptoms, before the cold sore appears.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Do not crush, chew, suck on, or swallow a buccal tablet. Place the flat side of the tablet against your upper gum, on the same side of the mouth as your cold sore. Allow the tablet to dissolve in your mouth throughout the day. You may eat and drink normally while the buccal tablet is in place.

Do not give an acyclovir buccal tablet to a young child or choking could occur.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Acyclovir doses are based on weight (especially in children and teenagers). Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight.

Drink plenty of water while you are taking acyclovir to keep your kidneys working properly.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses may increase the risk of your virus becoming resistant to medication.

Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking acyclovir?

Avoid brushing your teeth, chewing gum, or wearing an upper denture while you have a buccal tablet in your mouth. You may rinse your mouth gently. Drink plenty of liquids to prevent dry mouth.

Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with acyclovir. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.

Taking this medicine will not prevent you from passing genital herpes to your sexual partner. Avoid sexual intercourse while you have active lesions or the first symptoms of an outbreak. Genital herpes may still be contagious through "viral shedding" from your skin, even if you have no symptoms.

What are the possible side effects of acyclovir?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • easy bruising or bleeding, purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
  • changes in behavior;
  • confusion, hallucinations; or
  • signs of a kidney problem --little or no urinating; painful or difficult urination; swelling in your feet or ankles; feeling tired or short of breath.

Common side effects may include:

  • mild skin pain;
  • rash, itching;
  • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
  • headache; or
  • mouth pain while using an acyclovir buccal tablet.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect acyclovir?

Acyclovir can harm your kidneys, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Other drugs may affect acyclovir, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about acyclovir.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.