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| Pronunciation |
|
 (ay
SYE kloe
veer) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Zovirax® |
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| Foreign Brand
Names |
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| Acifur (Mexico); Avirax®
(Canada) |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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|
Antiviral Agent |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any other part
of the medicine.
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
- This medicine is used for the treatment and prevention of herpes
infections.
- If treating herpes zoster, acyclovir should be started as soon as
possible; no later than 3 days after rash
appears.
|
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| How does it work? |
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|
- Acyclovir prevents this virus from functioning normally. Virus
reproduction is stopped.
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| How is it best taken? |
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- Oral:
- Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an
upset stomach.
- Take with a full glass of water.
- Drink 8 tall glasses of liquid everyday unless told to drink less
liquid by healthcare provider.
- A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those
who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before
and after medicine is given. Shake well first.
- If you are treating a repeat infection start medicine as soon as
possible.
- Use entire prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
- Skin:
- Do not take by mouth. For skin only. Keep out of mouth, nose, and eyes
(may burn).
- Wash hands before and after use.
- Clean affected area before use.
- Use a small amount over the area affected as a light film. Rub in
gently.
- Use a rubber glove to apply ointment. This prevents spread of
infection.
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra
doses.
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
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|
- You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities
until you see how this medicine affects you.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
- Oral:
- Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
- Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking
hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
- Diarrhea.
- Skin:
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| What should I monitor? |
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- If you are taking this medicine for repeat infections, watch for signs
of another infection. Start medicine as soon as possible after a sign of
infection.
- Follow up with healthcare
provider.
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
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- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Severe burning and itching.
- Any rash.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
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- Store in a tight container at room temperature.
- Protect tablets or capsules from
moisture.
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| General statements |
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- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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