| The following information
is a summary about Acyclovir It is not intended
to replace a doctor's instructions.
USES
Acyclovir is used to treat herpes infections
of the skin, lip, and genitals; herpes zoster
(shingles); and chickenpox. It does not cure
herpes infections but decreases pain and itching
and promotes healing. Topical Acyclovir does
not prevent the recurrence of sores but may
decrease pain and itching if applied when the
earliest symptoms first appear. Oral Acyclovir
decreases the frequency and severity of recurrent
sores, but it is used only by people with severe
herpes infections because of possible adverse
effects. This medication is sometimes prescribed
for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more information.
HOW TO
TAKE THIS MEDICATION
Treatment with Acyclovir topical should be started
as soon as possible after the first appearance
of symptoms (e.g. tingling, burning, blisters).
Wash your hands before and after applying Acyclovir
topical. Wear a glove or a finger cot or use
an applicator (e.g. cotton swab) when applying
Acyclovir topical to avoid spreading the virus
to other body parts and to other people. Apply
enough ointment to cover the lesion(s) completely.
A one-half inch ribbon of ointment should cover
approximately 4 square inches of surface area.
Avoid getting this medication in the eyes. Acyclovir
topical is usually applied every 3 hours, six
times a day for seven days. Follow your doctor's
instructions. Use Acyclovir topical for the
full amount of time prescribed, even if you
begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start
to improve before the infection is completely
treated. Lesions caused by herpes viruses should
be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing
loose clothing may help to prevent irritation
of the lesions.
SIDE EFFECTS
No serious side effects are expected during
treatment with Acyclovir topical. If you suspect
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing;
rash; hives; itching; swelling of your lips,
tongue, or face) seek emergency medical attention.
Other less serious side effects may be more
likely to occur. Continue to use Acyclovir topical
and talk to your doctor if you experience itching,
stinging, burning, or a rash. These side effects
should resolve quickly. Side effects other than
those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual
or that is especially bothersome.
PRECAUTIONS
Before using Acyclovir topical, tell your doctor
if you have any other medical conditions or
if you use any other medications. Acyclovir
topical is in the FDA pregnancy category C,
which means that it is not known whether it
will harm an unborn baby. Do not use Acyclovir
topical without first talking to your doctor
if you are pregnant. It is not known whether
Acyclovir topical passes into breast milk. Do
not use Acyclovir topical without first talking
to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and
prescription medication you may use, especially
when using probenecid, cimetidine, or phenytoin.
OVERDOSE
An overdose of this medication is not likely
to occur. If you suspect an overdose or ingestion
of Acyclovir topical, call an emergency room
or poison control left for advice.
MISSED
DOSE
Apply it as soon as you remember and apply further
doses at your regular interval (e.g., every
3 hours) until you go to bed. However, if it
is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed
one.
STORAGE
Store below 25oC. Do not refrigerate.
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Xenical
