ACYCLOVIR (Oral & Topical)

Brand & Generic Names

Zovirax

Zovirax Ointment

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Antiviral

Uses

• Treatment and prevention 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 for shingles (herpes zoster) and chicken pox (varicella) in special cases.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Capsule--Swallow with liquid. If you can't swallow whole, open capsule and take with liquid or food.
Tablet--Swallow with liquid. If you can't swallow whole, crumble tablet and take with liquid or food.
Suspension--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:
Oral--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).
Ointment--Apply as soon as you remember.

What drug does:
Inhibits reproduction of virus in cells without killing normal cells.
Does not cure. Herpes may recur.

Time lapse before drug works:
2 hours.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Hallucinations, seizures, kidney shutdown.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see Overdose section.

Common:

Rash, hives, itch, mild pain, burning or stinging of skin, lightheadedness, headache, joint pain, diarrhea.

Infrequent:

Confusion, hallucinations, trembling, dizziness.

Rare:

Abdominal pain, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulty, blood in urine, decreased urine volume, acne, insomnia.

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.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.

Pregnancy:
Studies inconclusive on harm to unborn child. Decide with you doctor whether drug benefits justify risk to unborn child.

Breast-feeding:

• Oral--Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.
• Ointment--No special problems expected. Consult doctor.

Infants & children:
Use only under special medical supervision by experienced clinician.

Prolonged use:

• Don't use longer than prescribed time.
• Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check pap smear, kidney function.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No problems expected.

Discontinuing:
May be unnecessary to finish medicine. Follow doctor's instructions.

Others:

• Women: Get Pap smear every 6 months because those with herpes infections are more likely to develop cancer of the cervix. Avoid sexual activity until all blisters or sores heal.
• Don't get medicine in eyes.
• Protect from freezing.
• Check with doctor if no improvement in 1 week.
• May interfere with the accuracy of some medical tests.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Nephrotoxic	Possible increased kidney toxicity.
Zidovudine	Increased risk of nerve damage.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	No problems expected.
Beverages:	No problems expected.
Cocaine:	Increased chance of brain and
	nervous system adverse reaction.
	Avoid.
Foods:	No problems expected.
Marijuana:	Increased chance of brain and
	nervous system adverse reaction.
	Avoid.
Tobacco:	No problems expected.