IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information
is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the
expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist
or other healthcare professional. It should not be
construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe,
appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare
professional before using this drug.
ACYCLOVIR - ORAL (ay-SYE-klo-veer)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zovirax
USES: This medication is used to treat herpes
infections of the skin, mouth, mucous membranes, genital
herpes, herpes zoster (shingles), and chickenpox in
some individuals. This medication does not cure herpes,
but relieves the pain and may make the infection clear
faster.
HOW TO USE: Begin taking this medication as
soon as symptoms appear. Take this medication as directed.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Try to take the medication at evenly spaced intervals
throughout the day and night. This will ensure a constant
blood level of the medication and is most effective.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach
upset, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
headache, dizziness or weakness. These effects should
disappear in a few days as your body adjusts to the
medication. If they persist or become worse, inform
your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience:
numbness or tingling of the hands or feet, leg pain,
sore throat, skin rash, change in the amount of urine.
An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but
seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms
of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling,
dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication should be used
cautiously during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
It is not known if this medication appears in breast
milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor about
all the medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription).
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or
pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact
your local poison control center or emergency room
immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include sluggishness,
change in amount of urine, loss of consciousness,
or seizures.
NOTES: Avoid sexual activity while signs and
symptoms of genital herpes are present to prevent
infecting your partner. Inform your doctor if this
medication does not appear to decrease the frequency
or severity of recurrent infections.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon
as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for
the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume
your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the
dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from
sunlight and moisture.
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