Aciclovir is used to treat certain viral infections such as chickenpox, shingles, and genital herpes.
This medicine may also help prevent the recurrence of herpes.
Aciclovir may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Aciclovir exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Aciclovir is available as a conventional tablet, dispersible tablet, capsule, or oral suspension.
If you are taking the conventional tablet or capsule, swallow it whole with a glass of water.
If you are taking the dispersible tablet, you may swallow the tablet whole with a little water or place the tablet into a glass of water (at least 50 mL). Stir to disperse the tablet evenly in the water, then drink the solution immediately.
If you are taking the oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take the medicine to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection.
Take Aciclovir at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Aciclovir if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar medicines such as valaciclovir.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- weak immune system
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Aciclovir to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Maintain adequate hydration. Make sure you drink plenty of water while taking this medicine.
Aciclovir does not reduce your risk of passing herpes infections. Ensure that you use proper precautions to avoid spreading the infection to others.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, complete blood count) may be done while you are being treated with Aciclovir. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Aciclovir may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, fever, muscle pain, and skin sensitivity to light.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth or throat
- unusual bleeding or bruising, severe tiredness, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
- pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
- confusion, feeling agitated, seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not existent
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- theophylline (asthma medicine)
- probenecid (medicine for gout or high uric acid level in the blood)
- cimetidine (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Aciclovir.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Tablets and capsules should be protected from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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