Apo-Acyclovir®; Gen-Acyclovir; Mylan-Acyclovir; Novo-Acyclovir; Nu-Acyclovir; ratio-Acyclovir; Zovirax®
Acifur; Cicloferon; Clirbest; Clorixan; Clyvorax; Genovix; Hercivir; Ignis; Jersin; Laciken; Opthavir; Sophivir Ungena; Victoclir; Virestat; Zirconia; Ziverone; Zovirax
• If you have an allergy to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any other part of this medicine.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
Oral:
• Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.
• A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
• If you are taking this medicine for a recurring infection, start medicine as soon as possible.
• If you are taking this medicine for herpes zoster, start as soon as possible; no later than 3 days after rash appears.
• If you are taking this medicine for chickenpox, start as soon as possible; no later than 24 hours after rash appears.
Injection (I.V.):
• This medicine is given as a shot into a vein.
Skin:
• Do not take this medicine by mouth. For skin only. Keep out of mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Wash hands before and after use.
• Clean affected area before use. Make sure to dry well.
• Use a rubber glove to apply ointment. This prevents spread of infection.
• Apply a thin layer to the affected skin and rub in gently.
• Use a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
• Do not use a double dose or extra doses.
• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• Follow up with healthcare provider.
• Store at room temperature.
• Protect capsules and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
• Follow directions for storage of injection. Talk with healthcare provider.
Created: 2005-04-07 16:15:32.0
Modified: 2010-03-09 08:26:40.0
Lexi-PALS TM © (1977)-(2007) Lexi-Comp, Inc. All rights reserved.
• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
• This medicine is used to prevent or treat herpes infections.
• This medicine is used to treat chicken pox.
• If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.
• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
• Headache.
• Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
• Diarrhea.
• Skin irritation.
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.
• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe nausea or vomiting.
• Severe diarrhea.
• Severe skin irritation.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
