Why is this medication prescribed?
Aciclovir (INN) or acyclovir (USAN, former BAN) is a guanine analogue antiviral drug used most commonly to treat outbreaks of herpes simplex on the skin (mouth, lips, genitals, anus), outbreaks of shingles (herpes zoster), and chickenpox. Furthermore, it is also used to help prevent outbreaks of herpes and shingles in patients with frequent outbreaks.
The viruses that cause these infections are similar, and they live in the body quietly until an outbreak is triggered. Aciclovir is not a cure for the infections, but treatment of an outbreak can speed up healing of the sores, decrease pain, and lower the risk of complications from the virus (e.g. whole body infection, brain infection, persistent pain after sore healing).
Dosage and using this medicine
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