Acyclovir Uses

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What is Acyclovir?

Acyclovir belongs to the family of medicines called antivirals, which are used to treat infections caused by viruses. Usually these medicines work for only one kind or group of virus infections.

Acyclovir is used to treat the symptoms of chickenpox, shingles, herpes virus infections of the genitals (sex organs), the skin, the brain, and mucous membranes (lips and mouth), and widespread herpes virus infections in newborns. Acyclovir is also used to prevent recurrent genital herpes infections. Although Acyclovir will not cure herpes, it does help relieve the pain and discomfort and helps the sores (if any) heal faster.

Acyclovir may also be used for other virus infections as determined by your doctor. However, it does not work in treating certain virus infections, such as the common cold.

Acyclovir is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although not specifically included in product labeling, Acyclovir by injection is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:

Acyclovir indications

An indication is a term used for the list of condition or symptom or illness for which the medicine is prescribed or used by the patient. For example, acetaminophen or paracetamol is used for fever by the patient, or the doctor prescribes it for a headache or body pains. Now fever, headache and body pains are the indications of paracetamol. A patient should be aware of the indications of medications used for common conditions because they can be taken over the counter in the pharmacy meaning without prescription by the Physician.
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Tablet: Acyclovir oral formulations are indicated for the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections of the skin and mucous membranes including initial and recurrent genital herpes.

Acyclovir oral formulations are indicated for the suppression (prevention of recurrences) of recurrent herpes simplex infections in immune-competent patients. Acyclovir oral formulations are indicated for the prophylaxis of herpes simplex infections in immune-compromised patients.

Acyclovir oral formulations are indicated for the treatment of varicella infections (chicken-pox) and herpes zoster (shingles).

Studies have shown that early treatment of shingles with Acyclovir has a beneficial effect on pain and can reduce the incidence of post-herpetic neuralgia (zoster-associated pain).

Acyclovir oral formulations are indicated for the management of certain severely immunocompromised patients, namely those with advanced HIV disease (CD4+ counts <200/mm3, including patients with AIDS or severe ARC) or following bone marrow transplantation.

Studies have shown that oral Acyclovir given in conjunction with antiretroviral therapy (mainly oral RETROVIR) reduced mortality in patients with advanced HIV disease and that oral Acyclovir preceded by one month's treatment with intravenous Acyclovir reduced mortality in bone marrow transplant recipients. In addition, oral Acyclovir provided effective prophylaxis for herpes virus disease.

Injection: Acyclovir IV for infusion is indicated for the treatment of herpes simplex infections, prophylaxis of herpes simplex infections in immune-compromised patients, treatment of varicella zoster infections, herpes simplex infections in the neonate.

How should I use Acyclovir?

Use Acyclovir tablets as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Acyclovir tablets.

Uses of Acyclovir in details

There are specific as well as general uses of a drug or medicine. A medicine can be used to prevent a disease, treat a disease over a period or cure a disease. It can also be used to treat the particular symptom of the disease. The drug use depends on the form the patient takes it. It may be more useful in injection form or sometimes in tablet form. The drug can be used for a single troubling symptom or a life-threatening condition. While some medications can be stopped after few days, some drugs need to be continued for prolonged period to get the benefit from it.
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This medication is used to treat cold sores around the mouth (caused by herpes virus) that keep coming back.

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. However, it is not a cure for the infection. The virus that causes infection continues to live in the body between outbreaks. Acyclovir makes outbreaks shorter and less severe. It helps the sores heal faster, keeps new sores from forming, and decreases pain/itching. This medication may also help reduce how long pain lasts after the sores heal.

How to use Acyclovir buccal

Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using Acyclovir buccal tablets and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Apply one tablet within one hour after you have the first symptom of a cold sore, and before a cold sore appears. Symptoms may include itching, redness, burning, or tingling. Apply the tablet on the same side of your mouth as the cold sore symptoms.

Before applying the tablet, find the area in your mouth in which to place the tablet. It should be placed on the upper gum, just above the left or right incisor tooth. The incisors are the teeth just to the left and right of your two front teeth. With dry hands, remove one tablet from the blister pack and place it in your mouth with the round side facing against your gum and gently push it into place. Remove your hand from inside your mouth and gently press your finger on the outside of your upper lip for 30 seconds. This will make the tablet stick to your gum. The tablet will slowly dissolve over time and should be left in place. You may eat and drink while using this medication. Do not crush, chew, suck, or swallow the tablet.

If the tablet does not stick to your upper gum or falls off within the first 6 hours after you apply it, the same tablet should be placed back onto your upper gum right away. If it still does not stay in place, apply another Acyclovir tablet to your upper gum.

If you accidentally swallow the tablet within the first 6 hours after placement, drink a glass of water and apply a new dose to your gum. However, if the tablet has been in place 6 hours or longer and it falls out or you swallow it, do not re-apply the tablet.

Avoid doing things that may keep the buccal tablet from sticking to your gum, including touching or pressing the tablet after placement, wearing an upper denture that interferes with tablet placement, chewing gum, and brushing your teeth while the tablet is in place. You may gently rinse your mouth with water to clean your teeth while the tablet is in place. Drink plenty of liquids if you have dry mouth.

This medication works best when started at the first sign of a cold sore, as directed by your doctor. It may not work as well if you delay treatment.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Acyclovir description

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Acyclovir IV contains Acyclovir as the sodium salt. Each 250-mg vial contains sodium ion approximately 26 mg. When reconstituted as directed, Acyclovir IV for infusion has a pH of approximately 11.

Acyclovir dosage

Basic Dosing Information

One Acyclovir 50 mg buccal tablet should be applied as a single dose to the upper gum region (canine fossa).

Administration Instructions

Acyclovir should be applied within one hour after the onset of prodromal symptoms and before the appearance of any signs of herpes labialis lesions. The tablet should be applied with a dry finger immediately after taking it out of the blister. The tablet should be placed to the upper gum just above the incisor tooth (canine fossa) and held in place with a slight pressure over the upper lip for 30 seconds to ensure adhesion. For comfort the rounded side should be placed to the upper gum, but either side of the tablet can be applied. Tablet should be applied on the same side of the mouth as the herpes labialis symptoms.

Once applied, Acyclovir stays in position and gradually dissolves during the day.. In addition,

How supplied

Dosage Forms And Strengths

Acyclovir is a buccal tablet containing 50 mg of Acyclovir. Acyclovir tablets are round, off-white tablets, with a rounded side and a flat side. The tablets are marked with an “AL21” on the flat side.

Storage And Handling

Acyclovir 50 mg buccal tablets are supplied as off-white tablets containing 50 mg of Acyclovir. Acyclovir tablets have a rounded side and a flat side. Acyclovir tablets are packaged in blisters (NDC XXXXXX).

Acyclovir should be stored at 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F); excursions between 15 and 30°C (59-86°F) permitted at room temperature. Protect from moisture, and keep out of reach of children.

Manufactured By: Farméa, 10 rue Bouché Thomas, ZAC d'orgemont, 49 000 Angers -France. Issue: April/2013

Acyclovir interactions

See also:
What other drugs will affect Acyclovir?

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Cladribine: Agents that Undergo Intracellular Phosphorylation may diminish the therapeutic effect of Cladribine. Avoid combination

CloZAPine: CYP1A2 Inhibitors (Weak) may increase the serum concentration of CloZAPine. Management: Drugs listed as exceptions to this monograph are discussed in further detail in separate drug interaction monographs. Monitor therapy

Foscarnet: May enhance the nephrotoxic effect of Acyclovir-Valacyclovir. Avoid combination

Mycophenolate: Acyclovir-Valacyclovir may increase the serum concentration of Mycophenolate. Mycophenolate may increase the serum concentration of Acyclovir-Valacyclovir. Monitor therapy

Talimogene Laherparepvec: Antiherpetic Antivirals may diminish the therapeutic effect of Talimogene Laherparepvec. Monitor therapy

Tenofovir Products: Acyclovir-Valacyclovir may increase the serum concentration of Tenofovir Products. Tenofovir Products may increase the serum concentration of Acyclovir-Valacyclovir. Monitor therapy

Theophylline Derivatives: CYP1A2 Inhibitors (Weak) may increase the serum concentration of Theophylline Derivatives. Exceptions: Dyphylline. Monitor therapy

TiZANidine: CYP1A2 Inhibitors (Weak) may increase the serum concentration of TiZANidine. Management: Avoid these combinations when possible. If combined use is necessary, initiate tizanidine at an adult dose of 2 mg and increase in 2 to 4 mg increments based on patient response. Monitor for increased effects of tizanidine, including adverse reactions. Consider therapy modification

Varicella Virus Vaccine: Acyclovir-Valacyclovir may diminish the therapeutic effect of Varicella Virus Vaccine. Management: When possible, avoid use of Acyclovir or valacyclovir within the 24 hours prior to administration of the varicella vaccine, and avoid use of these antiviral agents for 14 days after vaccination. Avoid combination

Zidovudine: Acyclovir-Valacyclovir may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Zidovudine. Monitor therapy

Zoster Vaccine (Live/Attenuated): Acyclovir-Valacyclovir may diminish the therapeutic effect of Zoster Vaccine (Live/Attenuated). Avoid combination

Acyclovir side effects

See also:
What are the possible side effects of Acyclovir?

Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug, and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

In five double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, 1,124 patients were treated with Acyclovir Cream and 1,161 with placebo (vehicle) cream. Local application site reactions were reported by 5% of patients receiving Acyclovir Cream and 4% of patients receiving placebo. The most common adverse reactions at the site of topical application were dry lips, desquamation, dryness of skin, cracked lips, burning skin, pruritus, flakiness of skin, and stinging on skin; each adverse reaction occurred in less than 1% of patients receiving Acyclovir Cream and placebo. Three patients on Acyclovir Cream and one patient on placebo discontinued treatment due to an adverse event.

An additional study, enrolling 22 healthy adults, was conducted to evaluate the dermal tolerance of Acyclovir Cream compared with vehicle using single occluded and semi-occluded patch testing methodology. Both Acyclovir Cream and placebo showed a high and cumulative irritation potential. Another study, enrolling 251 healthy adults, was conducted to evaluate the contact sensitization potential of Acyclovir Cream using repeat insult patch testing methodology. Of 202 evaluable subjects, possible cutaneous sensitization reactions were observed in the same 4 (2%) subjects with both Acyclovir Cream and placebo, and these reactions to both Acyclovir Cream and placebo were confirmed in 3 subjects upon rechallenge. The sensitizing ingredient(s) has not been identified.

The safety profile in patients 12 to 17 years of age was similar to that observed in adults.

Postmarketing Experience

In addition to adverse events reported from clinical trials, the following events have been identified during post-approval use of Acyclovir Cream. Because they are reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, estimates of frequency cannot be made. These events have been chosen for inclusion due to a combination of their seriousness, frequency of reporting, or potential causal connection to Acyclovir Cream.

General: Angioedema, anaphylaxis.

Skin: Contact dermatitis, eczema.

Acyclovir contraindications

See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Acyclovir?

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Acyclovir will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Treatment with Acyclovir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).

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.

Acyclovir will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to prevent spreading the virus to others.

Active ingredient matches for Acyclovir:

Acyclovir


Unit description / dosage (Manufacturer)Price, USD
Injectable; Injection; Acyclovir Sodium 250 mg
Tablet; Oral; Acyclovir 200 mg
Tablet; Oral; Acyclovir 400 mg
Tablet; Oral; Acyclovir 800 mg
Capsule; Oral; Acyclovir 200 mg
Injectable; Injection; Acyclovir Sodium 50 mg / ml
Injectable; Injection; Acyclovir Sodium 500 mg
Injectable; Injection; Acyclovir Sodium 1 g
Cream; Topical; Acyclovir 5%
Injectable; Injection; Acyclovir Sodium 25 mg / ml
Suspension; Oral; Acyclovir 200 mg / 5 ml
Acyclovir 200mg - 20 Tablets$ 16.70
Acyclovir 5%/5g - 1 Cream$ 16.70
Aciclovir 200 mg - 20 Capsule$ 10.40
Acyclovir / U-CHU 50 mg/1 g x 1 g
Acyclovir / U-CHU 50 mg/1 g x 5 g
Acyclovir / U-CHU 50 mg/1 g x 10 g
Acyclovir / U-CHU 50 mg/1 g x 100 g
Acyclovir / U-CHU 50 mg/1 g x 250 g
Acyclovir / U-CHU 50 mg/1 g x 500 g
Tablets; Oral; Acyclovir 200 mg
Tablets; Oral; Acyclovir 400 mg
Tablets; Oral; Acyclovir 800 mg
Capsules; Oral; Acyclovir 200 mg
Tablets, Dispersible; Oral; Acyclovir 200 mg
Tablets, Dispersible; Oral; Acyclovir 400 mg
Tablets, Dispersible; Oral; Acyclovir 800 mg
Acyclovir 500 mg Injection$ 13.49
Acyclovir 250 mg Injection$ 7.86
ACYCLOVIR 5% W/W EYE OINTMENT 1 tube / 30 GM eye ointment each (Cipla Ltd)$ 1.07
ACYCLOVIR 5GM EYE OINTMENT 1 tube / 5 GM eye ointment each (Jan Aushadhi)$ 0.26
ACYCLOVIR TABLET DT 1 strip / 5 tablet dts each (Jan Aushadhi)$ 0.56
Acyclovir suspension 200 mg/5mL (Renaissance Pharma, Inc. (US))
Acyclovir tablet 800 mg/1 (Rebel Distributors Corp (US))
Acyclovir tablet 200 mg (Sanis Health Inc (Canada))
Acyclovir ointment 50 mg/g (Oceanside Pharmaceuticals (US))
Acyclovir tablet 800 mg (Sanis Health Inc (Canada))
Acyclovir tablet 400 mg (Sanis Health Inc (Canada))
Acyclovir tablet 400 mg/1 (Apotheca Inc. (US))
Acyclovir capsule 200 mg/1 (Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd. (US))
Acyclovir injection, solution 50 mg/mL (Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC (US))
Acyclovir tablet 200 mg/1 (Cardinal Health (US))
Acyclovir capsule 400 mg/1 (REMEDYREPACK INC. (US))

List of Acyclovir substitutes (brand and generic names):

Acyclovir 200/400/800 Stada 200 mg x 25's (Stada)
Acyclovir 200/400/800 Stada 400 mg x 35's (Stada)
Acyclovir 200/400/800 Stada 800 mg x 35's (Stada)
Acyclovir 200 Stada tab 200 mg 25's (Stada)
Acyclovir 400 Stada tab 400 mg 35's (Stada)
Acyclovir 800 Stada tab 800 mg 35's (Stada)
Acyclovir 200/400/800 Stada dispersible tab 200 mg 25's (Stada)
Acyclovir 200/400/800 Stada dispersible tab 400 mg 35's (Stada)
Acyclovir 200/400/800 Stada dispersible tab 800 mg 35's (Stada)
Acyclovir Ben Venue 500 mg x 10 Bottle
Acyclovir Boston 200 200 mg x 5 Blister x 5 Tablet
Acyclovir DOMESCO 200 mg x 3 Blister x 10 Tablet
Acyclovir JSC Schelkovo 200 mg x 2 Blister x 10 Tablet
Acyclovir PT Indofarma 5 % x 1's
Acyclovir STADA Cream 50 mg/1 g x 2 g
Acyclovir STADA Cream 50 mg/1 g x 5 g
Acyclovir VALENTA 200 mg x 10 Tablet/Blister

References

  1. DailyMed. "ACYCLOVIR: DailyMed provides trustworthy information about marketed drugs in the United States. DailyMed is the official provider of FDA label information (package inserts).". https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailyme... (accessed September 17, 2018).
  2. PubChem. "acyclovir". https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/com... (accessed September 17, 2018).
  3. DrugBank. "acyclovir". http://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00787 (accessed September 17, 2018).

Reviews

The results of a survey conducted on ndrugs.com for Acyclovir are given in detail below. The results of the survey conducted are based on the impressions and views of the website users and consumers taking Acyclovir. We implore you to kindly base your medical condition or therapeutic choices on the result or test conducted by a physician or licensed medical practitioners.

User reports

Consumer reported useful

No survey data has been collected yet


1 consumer reported price estimates

Was the price you paid to purchase the drug reasonable? Did you feel it was expensive?
The below mentioned numbers have been reported by ndrugs.com website users about whether the Acyclovir drug is expensive or inexpensive. There is a mixed opinion among users. The rating about the cost of the drug depends on factors like which brand drug the patient purchased, how effective it was for the price paid, the country or place the drug is marketed, and the economic condition of the patient. The users who feel the drug is expensive can look for an alternative brand drug or a generic drug to save the cost.
Users%
Expensive1
100.0%


1 consumer reported time for results

To what extent do I have to use Acyclovir before I begin to see changes in my health conditions?
As part of the reports released by ndrugs.com website users, it takes 1 week and a few days before you notice an improvement in your health conditions.
Please note, it doesn't mean you will start to notice such health improvement in the same time frame as other users. There are many factors to consider, and we implore you to visit your doctor to know how long before you can see improvements in your health while taking Acyclovir. To get the time effectiveness of using Acyclovir drug by other patients, please click here.
Users%
1 week1
100.0%


2 consumers reported age

Users%
16-291
50.0%
> 601
50.0%


Consumer reviews


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Information checked by Dr. Sachin Kumar, MD Pharmacology

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