Acyclovir Sodium

Pronounced

"ay-SYE-kloe-vir"

Common brand names:

Zovirax

Uses

This medication is used in certain people to treat outbreaks of herpes simplex infection of the skin (such as on the genitals), mucous membrane areas (such as the mouth, nose), or brain. It is also used in certain people to treat shingles infection. The viruses that cause these infections live in the body quietly until an outbreak occurs. Acyclovir does not cure these infections, but can speed healing of the sores, decrease pain/itching/formation of new sores, and lower the risk of other problems from the virus (such as infection spreading to other parts of the body/organs, pain even after the sores heal).

How to Use This Medication

This medication is given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually every 8 hours. It should be injected slowly over 1 hour. Do not inject rapidly. Start this medication as soon as signs or symptoms of a herpes infection occur. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.

If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instruction from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

This medication works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Use this drug at evenly spaced intervals.

Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the outbreak.

Drink plenty of fluids while receiving this medication unless your doctor directs you otherwise.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Copyright © 2024 TraceGains, Inc. All rights reserved.

RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted combined product from TraceGains and First DataBank, Inc.

Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

Learn more about First DataBank

There are some limitations on the information provided in “Nutrient Interactions.” Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article. Please read the disclaimer.

Learn more about TraceGains, the company.

TraceGains and/or its suppliers make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy or completeness of this content herein or that of any organization referred or linked to within this content and will not be liable for any damages arising out of your access to or use of any information found herein or that of any organization referred to within this content.

Information expires December 2024.