General Information

Acyclovir is used as an antiviral drug.
Another name for Acyclovir is Zovirax in medical terminology.

Uses

Being an antiviral drug it is used to slow down the growth of herpes virus. The spreading of the virus is also slowed down so the body then can fight the virus off. Acyclovir is not used for curing herpes virus but only to slow down the herpes virus. Acyclovir also lessens the symptoms of the infection.
It also is used to treat infections rooting from herpes virus. Illnesses such as chicken pox, genital herpes, cold sores and shingles are also treated using this drug.
Separately from the given illnesses Acyclovir might also be used for other uses than those listed above. Your doctor may also lay down you Acyclovir for other reasons too. Contact your pharmacist or doctor to get information about the usage of Acyclovir.

Warnings

Acyclovir is to be used only for the time prescribed by the doctor. The patient should complete the whole course given by the doctor. This is so that the virus can be completely healed before leaving this. Canceling the intake of Acyclovir is not suggested at all. Contact your doctor to confirm the leaving of the intake of Acyclovir.
Herpes virus can be easily spread through people. This case will also be applied under the treatment of Acyclovir. Avoid contact of the infected area by others and by yourself too.
Acyclovir is not to be taken if you are allergic to Acyclovir. Before taking Acyclovir inform your doctor about any allergies to drugs. If you have any kind of kidney disease informs your doctor about it right away.
Acyclovir is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Herpes may transfer from a mother to her baby during child birth too. Acyclovir can pass into breast milk so taking Acyclovir during breast feeding should be avoided without proper consultation with a doctor.

How should I take acyclovir?

Acyclovir should only be taken as prescribed by your doctor. Taking Acyclovir in large amounts should be avoided as well. Along with that it should not be taken longer than the prescribed period.
Acyclovir is to be taken as soon as possible if the patient sees symptoms of the herpes virus. Acyclovir is to be taken orally with a glass full of water. This makes it Acyclovir along with Eight ounces of water. Acyclovir can be taken with or without food but taking it with food reduces the chances of an upset stomach. The oral liquid should be shaken well before use. To get the right dose and formula made use the measuring spoon provided with the pack or buy one from your pharmacist. Do not use ordinary spoon for measuring the quantity of Acyclovir.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If a dose is missed then take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is almost your next dose's time then skip the missed dose. After that continue your scheduled dose.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

If more than the prescribed drugs are taken then seek emergency medical help. You can know any overdose by a decrease in urination. Along with that if the patient suffers from seizures and hallucinations then contact the doctor immediately.
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include seizure (convulsions), hallucinations, and urinating less than usual or not at all.

Acyclovir side effects

You should get medical help if you are facing difficulty in breathing and swelling of your face. Serious side effects contain pains in the lower back region. Along with that urination is slowed down to a very slow rate or sometimes decreased to nothing at all. One of the serious side effects of Acyclovir is also easy bruising and bleeding. IF you are facing these problems then contact your doctor right away.
Nausea and vomiting may also be caused by this drug. Casual headaches have also been reported by some patients. There may also be side effects other than those given above. If any unusual effects are noticed then contact your doctor immediately.

Where can I get more information?

For any more information on Acyclovir contact your doctor. You can also consult about this with your pharmacist. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.