ACYCLOVIR (ORAL & TOPICAL) |
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ACYCLOVIR (ORAL & TOPICAL)
BRAND AND GENERIC NAMES
Zovirax
Zovirax Ointment
BASIC INFORMATION
Habit forming? No
Prescription needed? Yes
Available as generic? No
Drug class: Antiviral
USES
Treatment of severe herpes infections of genitals occurring for
first time in special cases.
Treatment of severe herpes infections on mucous membrane of
mouth and lips in special cases.
Used (although not yet approved by FDA) for shingles (herpes
zoster) and chickenpox (varicella) in special cases.
DOSAGE & USAGE INFORMATION
How to take:
Capsule--Swallow with liquid.
Ointment--Apply to skin and mucous membranes every 3 hours (6
times a day) for 7 days. Use rubber glove when applying. Apply
1/2-inch strip to each sore or blister. Wash before using.
When to use:
As directed on label.
If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2
hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).
What drug does:
Inhibits reproduction of virus in cells without killing normal
cells.
Time lapse before drug works:
2 hours.
Don't take with:
Any other medicines, even over-the-counter drugs such as cough
and cold medicines, nose drops, diet pills, laxatives or
caffeine, without consulting your doctor.
OVERDOSE
SYMPTOMS:
Hallucinations, seizures, kidney shutdown.
WHAT TO DO:
Dial 0 (operator) or 911 (emergency) for an ambulance or
medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
See EMERGENCY INFORMATION.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS
SYMPTOMS WHAT TO DO
Life-threatening:
None expected.
Common:
Rash, hives, itch, Continue. Call doctor
mild pain, burning or when convenient.
stinging of skin,
lightheadedness,
headache.
Infrequent:
Confusion, Discontinue. Call
hallucinations, doctor right away.
trembling.
Rare:
Abdominal pain, Discontinue. Call
decreased appetite, doctor right away.
nausea, vomiting,
breathing difficulty,
blood in urine,
decreased urine volume.
WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if:
You are allergic to acyclovir.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
If pregnant or plan pregnancy.
If breast-feeding.
If you have kidney disease.
If you have any nerve disorder.
Pregnancy:
Risk to unborn child outweighs drug benefits. Don't use.
Infants & children:
Use only under special medical supervision by experienced
clinician.
Prolonged use:
Don't use longer than prescribed time.
Skin & sunlight:
No age-related problems expected.
Driving or hazardous activities:
No age-related problems expected.
Discontinuing:
May be unnecessary to finish medicine. Follow doctor's
instructions.
Others:
Females: Get Pap smear every 6 months because women with herpes
infections are more likely to develop cancer of cervix. Avoid
sexual activity until all blisters or sores heal. Don't get
medicine in eyes.
Protect medicine from freezing.
Check with doctor if no improvement in 1 week.
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS
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| Interferon |
Neurological abnormalities. Avoid. |
| Methotrexate |
Neurological abnormalities. Avoid. |
| Other medications |
Possible increased |
| that can cause |
kidney toxicity. |
| toxic effects on kidneys: |
| Amikacin |
| Amphotericin B |
| Capreomycin |
| Colistimethate |
| Colistin |
| Gentamycin |
| Kanamycin |
| Neomycin |
| Netilmicin |
| Polymixin B |
| Probenecid |
| Streptomycin |
| Tobramycin |
| Vancomycin |
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES
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| Tobacco: |
None expected. |
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