Some less common side effects of acyclovir include:. The following side effects of acyclovir are rare :. A doctor or pharmacist can help provide guidance about managing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. It is important to note, however, that some over-the-counter medications that can reduce these symptoms may interact with acyclovir. Rarely, this drug causes an allergic reaction.
If this happens and seems likely to be severe, seek emergency medical care. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include:. People taking other medications should speak with a doctor before using acyclovir, as there may be a risk of interactions. For example, intravenous acyclovir can interact with probenecid Probalan , a drug used in treating gout.
Also, the drug may pose a risk to people who are pregnant, nursing, or have certain health issues. Learn more below. People with kidney problems should speak with a doctor before using acyclovir. The drug can decrease kidney function and worsen any existing kidney disease.
The doctor may recommend a decreased dosage of the medication. This means that animal studies have not shown that it poses a risk to a developing fetus, but there has been too little research in humans to conclude that it is safe.
One study found no association between taking acyclovir during the first trimester of pregnancy and an increase in birth abnormalities. There is also a risk that taking acyclovir while breastfeeding may pass the drug on to the infant. Research from suggests that using acyclovir for the long-term treatment of genital herpes successfully prevented recurrences without causing notable side effects.
However, this research is quite old and involved a very small group of participants — people. More research into the long-term effects of acyclovir in humans is necessary. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC , antiviral chemotherapy can help patients with severe herpes symptoms.
Meanwhile, other antivirals, such as valacyclovir and famciclovir, can also help manage herpes symptoms. They may recommend tablets rather than the cream. A cold sore usually starts with a tingling, itching or burning feeling.
Aciclovir tablets and liquid Doses will vary, depending on why you're taking aciclovir. A single dose is generally between mg and mg, and may be lower for children. 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 5 times a day — for example, you could take it at 7am, 11am, 3pm, 7pm and 11pm You can take aciclovir with or without food.
Cream for cold sores Wash your hands before and after using the cream. Do not put aciclovir cream in your mouth, eyes or vagina. Cream for genital herpes Wash your hands before and after using the cream. What if I forget a dose of aciclovir? Never have 2 doses at the same time. Never have an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one. If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you.
You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember your medicines. What if I take or use too much? Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're worried that you have had too much aciclovir. Many people have no side effects at all, or only minor ones. Common side effects tablets and liquid These common side effects happen in more than 1 in 10 people who take aciclovir tablets or liquid. Keep taking the medicine, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist, if these side effects bother you or do not go away: headaches feeling dizzy feeling or being sick nausea or vomiting diarrhoea skin being sensitive to sunlight Common side effects cream The cold sore cream is generally very safe and less than 1 in people experience any side effects.
Keep using the medicine, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist, if these uncommon side effects bother you or do not go away: burning or stinging for a short time after applying the cream itchy, dry or flaky skin Serious allergic reaction In rare cases, aciclovir can cause a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis. These are not all the side effects of aciclovir. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.
Information: You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme. Visit Yellow Card for further information. What to do about: headaches — make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Do not drink too much alcohol. Paracetamol is safe to take with aciclovir if you need a painkiller. Speak to your doctor if this does not help or your headaches are severe.
Do not drive, ride a bike, or use tools or machinery if you feel dizzy. It might help to take your medicine after you have eaten. If you're being sick, try small, frequent sips of water to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
Do not use a sun lamp or sun beds. Ask a pharmacist or your doctor for advice if it continues to be a problem.
Do not apply the moisturiser at the same time as your aciclovir cream. It's usually safe to use the cream or take aciclovir during pregnancy. They can help you decide on the best treatment for you and your baby. Aciclovir and breastfeeding It's usually safe to breastfeed while taking aciclovir.
If you're taking the tablets or liquid, some of the medicine passes into your breast milk. This is in small amounts and is unlikely to harm your baby.
Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you're:. It's important to tell your doctor if you take any of the following medicines before taking aciclovir: cimetidine, a medicine for stomach ulcers mycophenolate mofetil, a medicine given after organ transplants probenecid, a medicine for gout aminophylline or theophylline, medicines for asthma Mixing aciclovir with herbal remedies and supplements There's very little information about taking herbal remedies and supplements while taking or using aciclovir.
Important: Medicine safety Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements. How does it work? Aciclovir stops the herpes virus growing and spreading. This controls the infection and helps your body's immune system deal with it.
No medicine or treatment will remove the herpes virus from your body completely. How long does it take to work? You should start to feel better after taking or using aciclovir for a few days.
The areas affected by herpes, chickenpox, or shingles should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Also, wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritating the sores blisters.
Herpes infection of the genitals can be caught from or spread to your partner during any sexual activity. Even though you may get herpes if your partner has no symptoms, the infection is more likely to be spread if sores are present. This is true until the sores are completely healed and the scabs have fallen off. Therefore, it is best to avoid any sexual activity if either you or your sexual partner has any symptoms of herpes.
However, spermicidal sperm-killing jelly or a diaphragm will probably not help. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention.
These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:. Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients.
If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
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