What is the dosage and how should it be used?
Aciclovir comes in various forms: as a tablet (200 mg and 400 mg), topical cream (5%), intravenous injection (25 mg/mL) and ophthalmic ointment (3%).
Cream preparations are used primarily for labial herpes simplex.
The intravenous injection is used when high concentrations of aciclovir are required.
The ophthalmic ointment preparation is only used for herpes simplex keratitis.
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Treatment with aciclovir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).
Drink plenty of water while you are taking aciclovir to keep your kidneys working properly. Aciclovir is excreted mainly by the kidney and dosages need to be reduced in patients with kidney dysfunction.
Aciclovir tablets may be taken with or without food.
As stated above, this medication may be given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take at least 1 hour to complete.
You may be given instructions on how to use your injections at home. Do not use this medicine at home if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles and other items used in giving the medicine.
Use each needle and syringe only once. With your medicine you will receive a puncture-proof container for used needles and syringes. If you do not receive a container, ask your pharmacist for one. Please remember to keep this container out of the reach of children and pets. Your pharmacist can tell you how to properly dispose of the container.
Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Please note that aciclovir will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
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.
Why is this medication prescribed?
What special precautions should I follow?
What should I do if I forget a dose?
What side effects can this medication cause?
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
In case of an emergency/overdose