Acyclovir is a drug used to treat herpes virus infections, including chickenpox, shingles, or genital herpes. In addition, this drug can also be used to prevent recurrence of herpes virus infection in someone with a weak immune system.
Acyclovir is an antiviral drug that works by blocking the formation of the genetic material of the virus, thereby interfering with its replication. That way, the immune system can work more optimally to deal with viral infections.
Keep in mind that this drug can not cure herpes virus infection. Acyclovir tablets are available in 200 mg and 400 mg tablets.
Trademarks of acyclovir tablets: Acifar, Acyclovir, Clinovir, Zoter, Zovirax
What is Acyclovir Tablet
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Antiviral drugs |
| Benefit | Treating herpes virus infections, such as chickenpox, shingles, or herpes simplex |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Acyclovir for pregnant and lactating women | Category B:Animal studies have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Acyclovir can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without telling your doctor. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Precautions Before Taking Acyclovir Tablet
Before taking this drug, you need to pay attention to the following:
- Do not take acyclovir tablets if you are allergic to this medicine or to valaciclovir. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, or a condition that weakens your immune system, such as having HIV/AIDS or having recently had an organ transplant.
- Tell your doctor if you plan to get vaccinated while you are taking acyclovir tablets.
- If you have genital herpes, it is advisable not to have sex. Acyclovir tablets cannot prevent transmission.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other supplements, herbal products, or medicines.
- See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking acyclovir tablets.
Dosage and Instructions for Use Acyclovir Tablet
Acyclovir tablets should only be used as directed by a doctor. The following are general doses of acyclovir tablets based on the patient's condition and age:
Condition: genital herpes
- Mature: When first exposed, the dose is 200–400 mg, 5 times per day (every 4 hours), for 5–10 days. For prevention of relapse, the dose is 200–400 mg, 4 times per day (every 6 hours).
- Children age <2 years : Half of the adult dose.
- Children aged 2 years n :Same as the adult dose.
Condition: Cpicklessnake (herpes zoster)
- Mature and children 12 years of age: 800 mg, 5 times per day, for 7–10
Condition: Chicken pox
- Mature: 800 mg, 4-5 times per day, for 5-7 days
- Child-children 2 years old: 20 mg/kg, 4 times per day for 5 days. The maximum daily dose is 800 mg.
How to Consume AcyclovirTablets Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the information listed on the medicine package before taking acyclovir tablets. Do not reduce or increase the dose without consulting your doctor first
Acyclovir tablets can be taken before or after meals. Swallow the medicine whole with a glass of water. Make sure there is adequate and regular intervals between one dose and the next.
Acyclovir tablets should be taken as soon as possible after the appearance of symptoms of herpes infection, such as burning or pain.
Do not stop taking the drug even if the infection seems to have subsided and feels better, unless on advice from your doctor. The goal is to avoid recurrence of the infection.
It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids while taking acyclovir tablets. This is done to avoid side effects.
While using this medicine, you may need to have regular kidney and liver function tests. Follow the schedule of examinations that have been set by the doctor for optimal treatment.
If you forget to take acyclovir tablets, it is recommended to use them immediately if the gap between the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store acyclovir tablets in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
A InteractioncyclovirTablets with Other Drugs
The following are some of the interactions between drugs that can occur when acyclovir tablets are used with other drugs:
- Increased levels of theophylline in the blood
- Increased risk of impaired renal function if used with ciclosporin, tacrolimus, or bacitracin
- Increased risk of hypotension when used with tizanidine
- Increased blood levels of acyclovir when used with probenecid, cimetidine, or mycophenolate mofetil
Side Effects and Hazards Acyclovir Tablet
Some of the side effects that can occur after taking acyclovir are:
- Dizziness or sleepiness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
Consult a doctor if the side effects above do not subside immediately or are getting worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Unusual tired
- Shaking or difficulty maintaining balance
- Seizures
- Restless, dazed, or hallucinating
- Easy bruising or unusual bleeding
- Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
- Jaundice
- Loss of consciousness or seizures