Acyclovir injection
What is acyclovir injection?
ACYCLOVIR (Zovirax®) treats certain types of
viral infections, specifically herpes infections. Acyclovir will not cure
herpes infections; it will help the sores heal faster and help to relieve the
pain or discomfort. Sometimes acyclovir is given to help prevent the infection
from coming back. Acyclovir also treats shingles and chickenpox infections.
Generic acyclovir injections are available.
What should I tell my health care
provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•dehydration
•neurological disease
•kidney disease
•seizures (convulsions)
•an unusual or allergic reaction to acyclovir, ganciclovir,
valacyclovir, valganciclovir,
other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Acyclovir injection is only for infusion into a vein. You will usually only
receive acyclovir injection in a hospital or clinic setting by a trained health
care professional. If you are receiving acyclovir injection at home, follow the
instructions from your prescriber and/or home health care provider.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
What drug(s) may interact with
acyclovir?
•fosphenytoin
•phenytoin
•probenecid
•zidovudine, AZT
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you
are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or
herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you
are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you
use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with
your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your
medicines.
What side effects may I notice
from receiving acyclovir?
The side effects you may notice from acyclovir depend upon the dose you are
taking and the infection being treated; not all side effects occur in every
patient.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care
professional as soon as possible:
•confusion or hallucinations (i.e., seeing things that are not there)
•increased thirst
•redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside
the mouth
•reduced amount of urine passed
•seizures
•skin rash or hives
•stomach pain
•tremor
•unusual weakness or tiredness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your
prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•dizziness
•headache
•increased sensitivity to the sun
•loss of appetite
•nausea, vomiting
What should I watch for while
taking acyclovir?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not
improve after 1 week.
Even though you are taking acyclovir, you can still pass herpes or chickenpox
to another person.
Acyclovir works best when taken very early in the course of an infection. Begin
treatment at the first signs of infection (such as tingling, itching, or pain in
the affected area).
Where can I keep my medicine?
Usually this medication is only given in a hospital or clinic setting. If you
are giving acyclovir injection at home, consult your home health care agency
for proper storage information.
