ACYCLOVIR (ay SYE kloe veer) treats infections caused by viruses. This medication will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by bacteria.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Kidney disease
An unusual or allergic reaction to acyclovir, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breastfeeding
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take this medication at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Take all of this medication unless your care team tells you to stop it early. Keep taking it even if you think you are better.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
Cidofovir
This medication may also interact with the following:
Adefovir
Amphotericin B
Certain antibiotics like amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin, vancomycin
Cimetidine
Cisplatin
Colistin
Cyclosporine
Foscarnet
Lithium
Methotrexate
Probenecid
Tacrolimus
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Confusion
Hallucinations
Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
Seizures
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Diarrhea
Headache
Nausea
Upset stomach
Vomiting
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. This medication works best when started very early in the course of an infection. Begin treatment at the first signs of infection.
Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water or fluids every day while you are taking this medication. This will help prevent side effects.
This medication manages the symptoms of the virus. It is possible to spread the virus to others. Avoid contact with others as directed by your care team. Talk to your care team about how to stop the spread of infection.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.
