DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Acyclovir Capsules and Tablets (ay-SYE-cloe-vear)
Brand Name: Zovirax

Acyclovir Capsules is used for:

Treating chickenpox (varicella) or shingles (herpes zoster) and treating or suppressing genital herpes infections. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Acyclovir Capsules is an antiviral. It works by stopping viral replication. However, Acyclovir Capsules does not eliminate the virus, it is not a cure, and it does not prevent transmission to others.

Do NOT use Acyclovir Capsules if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Acyclovir Capsules or valacyclovir

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Acyclovir Capsules:

Some medical conditions may interact with Acyclovir Capsules. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Acyclovir Capsules. However, no specific interactions with Acyclovir Capsules are known at this time.

Ask your health care provider if Acyclovir Capsules may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Acyclovir Capsules:

Use Acyclovir Capsules as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Acyclovir Capsules by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Acyclovir Capsules is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
• Start therapy with Acyclovir Capsules at the earliest sign or symptom of shingles or genital herpes (pain, burning, blisters).
• If treating an acute outbreak, continue using Acyclovir Capsules for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days.
• For suppressive therapy, Acyclovir Capsules works best if it is taken at the same times each day.
• If you miss a dose of Acyclovir Capsules, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Acyclovir Capsules.

Important safety information:

• Acyclovir Capsules may cause drowsiness, dizziness, vision changes, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Acyclovir Capsules with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Acyclovir Capsules may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• Acyclovir Capsules may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Acyclovir Capsules. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Acyclovir Capsules is not a cure for genital herpes and will not prevent the virus from spreading. Avoid sexual intercourse when sores are present to prevent infecting your partner. You can also be contagious and spread the herpes virus but not have any signs or symptoms at all. This is called asymptomatic viral shedding.
• Lab tests, including kidney function and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), may be performed while you use Acyclovir Capsules. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Acyclovir Capsules with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially if they have kidney or liver problems.
• Acyclovir Capsules is not recommended for use in CHILDREN younger than 2 years old; safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Acyclovir Capsules while you are pregnant. Acyclovir Capsules is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Acyclovir Capsules, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Acyclovir Capsules:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Diarrhea; general body discomfort; headache; nausea/vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); aggressive behavior; decreased consciousness; hallucinations; mania; seizures; urination problems.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include agitation; coma; seizures (convulsions); sleepiness; sluggishness.

Proper storage of Acyclovir Capsules:

Store Acyclovir Capsules at room temperature, between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Acyclovir Capsules out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Acyclovir Capsules, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Acyclovir Capsules is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is summary only. It does not contain all information about Acyclovir Capsules. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.