Acivir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Acivir will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection.
Acivir is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. Illnesses caused by herpes viruses include genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox.
Acivir may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
How to use
Acute Treatment of Herpes Zoster 800 mg every 4 hours orally, 5 times daily for 7 to 10 days.
Genital Herpes
Treatment of Initial Genital Herpes 200 mg every 4 hours, 5 times daily for 10 days.
Chronic Suppressive Therapy for Recurrent Disease 400 mg 2 times daily for up to 12 months, followed by reevaluation. Alternative regimens have included doses ranging from 200 mg 3 times daily to 200 mg 5 times daily. The frequency and severity of episodes of untreated genital herpes may change over time. After one year of therapy, the frequency and severity of the patients genital herpes infection should be reevaluated to assess the need for continuation of therapy with acyclovir.
Intermittent Therapy 200 mg every 4 hours, 5 times daily for 5 days. Therapy should be initiated at the earliest sign or symptom (prodrome) of recurrence.
Treatment of Chickenpox
Children (2 years of age and older) 20 mg/kg per dose orally 4 times daily (80 mg/kg/day) for 5 days. Children over 40 kg should receive the adult dose for chickenpox.
Adults and Children over 40 kg 800 mg 4 times daily for 5 days.
Intravenous acyclovir is indicated for the treatment of varicella-zoster infections in immunocompromised patients.
When therapy is indicated, it should be initiated at the earliest sign or symptom of chickenpox. There is no information about the efficacy of therapy initiated more than 24 hours after onset of signs and symptoms.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Acivir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Acivir will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Storage
Store Acivir at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Warnings/Precautions
Take Acivir for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated.
Treatment with Acivir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).
Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with Acivir. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to Acivir or valacyclovir (Valtrex). Before taking Acivir, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease. You may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
Acivir is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Herpes virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during your pregnancy so that you do not have a genital lesion when your baby is born. Acivir passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Possible Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to acyclovir: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
pain in your lower back;
urinating less than usual or not at all;
easy bruising or bleeding; or
unusual weakness.
Less serious acyclovir side effects may include:
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain;
headache, feeling light-headed; or
swelling in your hands or feet.
More Information
Your pharmacist can provide more information about Acivir.
