What is acyclovir used to treat for?

Acyclovir is used to treat the symptoms of chickenpox, shingles, herpes virus infections of the genitals (sex organs), the skin, the brain, and mucous membranes (lips and mouth), and widespread herpes virus infections in newborns. Acyclovir is also used to prevent recurrent genital herpes infections.

How many times a day should I take 400 mg acyclovir?

For prevention of recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes infections: Adults and children 12 years of age and older—200 to 400 mg two to five times a day for five days or up to twelve months, depending on how often your outbreaks of infection occur.

How many Aciclovir tablets can I take a day?

The usual dose is one 200 mg tablet taken four times a day • You should try to space each dose by 6 hours • You should take Aciclovir 800 mg Tablets until your doctor tells you to stop. Talk to your doctor before taking Aciclovir 800 mg Tablets if any of the above apply.

What are the side effects of aciclovir tablets?

Common side effects (tablets and liquid)

  • headaches.
  • feeling dizzy.
  • feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
  • diarrhoea.
  • skin being sensitive to sunlight.

How quickly does aciclovir work?

Response and effectiveness. May take up to two hours to reach peak plasma concentrations after oral acyclovir administration. May take up to three days for symptom reduction; however, acyclovir should be taken until the course prescribed is completed. Acyclovir works best when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.

What are the side effects of aciclovir?

When is the best time to take aciclovir?

You’ll usually take aciclovir 2 to 5 times a day. Try to space the doses evenly throughout the day. If you take aciclovir: 4 times a day – you could take it first thing in the morning, at midday, in the late afternoon and at bedtime.

Can I take acyclovir daily?

The tablets, capsules, and suspension are usually taken with or without food two to five times a day for 5 to 10 days, starting as soon as possible after your symptoms begin. When acyclovir is used to prevent outbreaks of genital herpes, it is usually taken two to five times a day for up to 12 months.

Who should not take acyclovir?

Who should not take ACYCLOVIR?

  • dehydration.
  • chronic kidney disease stage 3B (moderate)
  • chronic kidney disease stage 4 (severe)
  • chronic kidney disease stage 5 (failure)
  • kidney disease with likely reduction in kidney function.

What happens when you stop taking acyclovir?

Take or use acyclovir until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking acyclovir too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated or may become more difficult to treat.