Acyclovir 400mg (Acivir 400 DT)

What is Acyclovir 400mg?

Acyclovir 400mg belongs to the class of drugs termed as antiviral drugs, which is a general medical classification of drugs that suppress the growth and multiplication of viruses. The antiviral drugs usually address only a single kind of viral disease or a class of such infections. Acyclovir 400mg is an anticancer drug which is used in the management of condition caused by herpes simplex virus. It can be employed for treating herpes simplex encephalitis and genital herpes simplex infections. It is also applied in cases of chicken pox, shingles and fever blisters. Acyclovir is available in tablet formulation, in capsule, suspension or solution form.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Swelling
• Stomach Pain
• Loss of appetite
• Increase thirst

Serious side effects:

• Confusion
• Hallucination
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Tarry stool
• stool color change, hematuria or passing bright red blood in the stool

Precautions:

1. For shingles, chickenpox or herpes affected areas, do your best to avoid getting them wet or dirty. Also, wear clothing that is not tight with a view of not rubbing the sores that might be present on the body. However, you must know that even when you are under acyclovir, you can pass on your herpes to other people. Avoid the spread of contamination to people through washing of contaminated articles or utensils. Avoid rubbing your eyes especial that your hands come in contact with an infected area. Continue washing hands in order to avoid spreading the infection to other people.
2. You should therefore consult your doctor if you are allergic to the active ingredient of acivir 400mg.
3. Women who have genital herpes should do all in their power to avoid herpes lesions during the period of their pregnancy. To minimize the rate of a spread of your infection, ensure you have strictly adhered to the prescription that has been given to you by your doctor.
4. Thus, when taking acivir 400 mg, breastfeeding can pose as a big risk. Always discuss any risks with your health care professional.
5. If the initial signs of the herpes infection – tingling, burning, blisters – occur, begin using acyclovir immediately.
6. Acyclovir tablet is contraindicated in children.
7. Inform your doctor in case you have other medical concerns such as dehydration, kidney disease or a nervous system condition.
8. This is because even when the symptoms have disappeared after some hours, the drug must be taken as prescribed fully. You are likely to have your virus become resistant to drugs if you are skipping doses.