Acyclovir Side Effects

Serious Side Effects of Acyclovir

rapid or increased heart rate
paleness of the skin
trouble sleeping (insomnia)
easy bruising or bleeding
trouble urinating; blood in urine or stools
severe stomach pain
loss of strength
hallucinating, feeling confused, becoming aggressive or having speech problems
becoming unconscious
loss of control over body movements which may result in shaking, numbness or inability to move certain body parts, or having seizures
a new infection with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, soreness of the throat, and coughing
serious allergic reaction: hives, rash, redness and itching of the skin, swelling of the tongue, throat, mouth, or face and trouble breathing

Common Side Effects of Acyclovir

stomach aches or vomiting
bowel changes which may cause diarrhea
feeling dizzy, lightheaded, tired, or easily agitated or angered; headaches
trouble seeing
enlargement of the hands or feet
aching of the joints
loss of hair

Warnings & Recalls for Acyclovir

Acyclovir and Pregnancy

Acyclovir is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration pregnancy Category B medicine. This medicine is not expected to cause harm to the fetus if taken by a pregnant woman. Acyclovir passes through breast-milk and could potentially cause harm to infant that is breastfeeding. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their doctor before using acyclovir. Herpes may be passed from a mother to the baby if left untreated; women should know about this as well as the benefits and risks of using acyclovir before beginning treatment.

General Warnings

Acyclovir should not be used by anyone who is allergic to any ingredient in the medicine or valacyclovir. Let your doctor know about any allergies you may have or if you have kidney disease. Be sure to let your healthcare provider know about all medicines you are taking to avoid unsafe interactions. Patients with herpes should begin treatment as soon as possible at the onset of symptoms in order to prevent further spread of the virus. The herpes virus is contagious and can be transmitted to others even while being treated; take precautions to prevent the spread of herpes.

Acyclovir Treatment and Use

Acyclovir | Zovirax is a synthetic nucleoside analogue class antiviral medicine marketed by GlaxoSmithKline for treating infections of the herpes virus. Acyclovir was approved by the FDA in March of 1982. Acyclovir may be prescribed for treating the following:

herpes zoster (shingles)
varicella (chicken pox)
outbreaks of genital herpes
cold sores

Acyclovir may be used to prevent persons who have already been infected with the herpes virus from contracting it again. Acyclovir is not a cure for herpes.

How Does Acyclovir Work?

Acyclovir works to treat herpes by preventing growth and development of viral cells. This helps to reduce symptoms of the infection and prevent further spread of the virus throughout the body.

How to Take Acyclovir

Acyclovir may be taken in tablet, capsule or oral suspension (liquid) form. Acyclovir is general prescribed to be taken between two and five times per day in 200mg to 800mg for 5 to 10 days to treat herpes.

To use Acyclovir as a prevention method for genital herpes, it is usually taken from two to five times each day for as long as one year.

When using Acyclovir as a treatment, be sure to drink plenty of water to reduce the risk of harm to your kidneys. Ask your doctor which dosage amount and treatment is right for you. Do not use any amount other than what you have been prescribed. Continue taking Acyclovir until your prescription cycle has ended.

Other Names for Acyclovir

Brand name:

Zovirax

Generic name:

Acyclovir