ACYCLOVIR
Background and Date of Approval
The U.S. FDA approved acyclovir to treat patients with herpes simplex virus infections, chickenpox, and shingles on December 30, 2002.
Uses
Acyclovir injection is an antiviral medication that is used to treat chickenpox (contagious infection with an itchy rash and fluid-filled blisters), shingles (blistering, painful rash affecting one side of the body), and herpes infections (cold sores, genital herpes). Additionally, this injection is used to prevent the reoccurring of these conditions and prevents infections in people with low disease resistance.
How is it administered?
Acyclovir is administered as an intravenous infusion into the vein. If this injection is recommended for you, it will be given by a healthcare professional. Do not self-administrate. Your physician will choose the dosage and administration frequency based on the medical condition because it differs for each person.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Acyclovir are nausea, vomiting, rash, itching, sensitivity to light, redness, and swelling at the injection site. Serious side effects while taking Acyclovir are severe allergy, breathing problems, and swelling of the face.
Warnings
Do not consume this medicine if allergic to Acyclovir or Valaciclovir and its other ingredients. Before starting the treatment, inform your physician if you have a kidney condition. Speak to your physician if you are on a low-sodium diet or dehydrated (extremely thirsty). Notify your doctor if you are with the age of 65 years or a child.
Precautions
Notify your physician if you think you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding. Notify your doctor if you consume any other medicine with an Axovir 250mg injection. Driving while taking an Axovir 250mg injection may impair your ability to concentrate by causing tiredness and drowsiness. Consult your doctor for more information. Dose adjustments might be made to the child patients and kidney patients.
Word of Advice
Inform your doctor of all medicines you are taking. Follow the prescribed dosage and complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms resolve before the treatment period concludes. Maintain safe sexual practices. Speak with your physician if you have any questions, doubts, or concerns regarding this medicine. Keep Axovir 250mg Injection out of sight and reach of children. Do not store above 25°C.
References
Goodman & Gilmanâs, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Antiviral agents (Nonretroviral), 12th edition, 2011, 1594. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antiviral drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 799. Wockhardt UK Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [ Revised on Feb 2018] [ Accessed on 15th May 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6175.pdf GlaxoSmithKline, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on Nov 2003] [ Accessed on 15th May 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2004/18603slr027_zovirax_lbl.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions
My father has a lung condition. Is that okay if my father consumes Acyclovir?
It is unknown whether the Acyclovir injection is safe for patients with lung problems. Inform your physician if you have any lung disease before starting the treatment. Contact your doctor if you experience any lung-related symptoms.
I feel thirsty during the treatment with Acyclovir injection. Should I inform my doctor?
Yes, contact your doctor if you experience any side effects. Additionally, during the treatment with Acyclovir, it is mandatory to keep yourself hydrated; hence drink plenty of water.
Can Acyclovir injection cause skin problems?
One of the common side effects of Acyclovir injection is skin rash and itching. This usually gets normal when your treatment finishes. Contact your doctor if you experience it.
Can I use an Acyclovir injection for children?
Acyclovir injection is prescribed for both adults and children. But before consuming, consult your doctor and mention your children's age to find the right dosage.
Can I keep the Acyclovir injection in the refrigerator?
Storage condition of Acyclovir injection is not stored above 25°C.