Should I take acyclovir for chickenpox?
To help clear up your herpes infection, chickenpox, or shingles, keep taking acyclovir for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days.
What is acyclovir used to treat for?
Aciclovir (Zovirax) Other brand names: Cymex Ultra, Virasorb
Find out how aciclovir treats cold sores, chickenpox, shingles and other herpes virus infections, and how to take it.
How many times a day should I take 400 mg acyclovir?
Suppression of herpes simplex infections in immunocompetent patients: 200 mg Aciclovir should be taken four times daily at approximately six-hourly intervals. Many patients may be conveniently managed on a regimen of 400 mg Aciclovir twice daily at approximately twelve-hourly intervals.
What should I avoid while taking acyclovir?
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Acyclovir (Zovirax)? Avoid brushing your teeth, chewing gum, or wearing an upper denture while you have a buccal tablet in your mouth. You may rinse your mouth gently. Drink plenty of liquids to prevent dry mouth.
How quickly does acyclovir work?
Response and effectiveness. May take up to two hours to reach peak plasma concentrations after oral acyclovir administration. May take up to three days for symptom reduction; however, acyclovir should be taken until the course prescribed is completed. Acyclovir works best when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
What are the side effects of aciclovir tablets?
Common side effects (tablets and liquid)
- Headaches.
- Feeling dizzy.
- Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
- Diarrhoea.
- Skin becomes sensitive to sunlight.
- Burning or stinging for a short time after applying the cream.
- Itchy, dry or flaky skin.
- Burning or irritation in your eye, or feeling as if there’s something in your eye.
What is the most common side effect of acyclovir?
The most frequent adverse reactions associated with the use of ZOVIRAX® (acyclovir) are headache and nausea. Neurological side effects have also been reported in rare instances. Elderly patients and patients with a history of renal impairment are at increased risk of developing these effects.
How long can you be on acyclovir?
For treating a viral infection, you’ll usually take aciclovir for 5 to 10 days. For prevention, you may need to take it for a long time.
What happens when you stop taking acyclovir?
Take acyclovir until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking acyclovir too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated or may become more difficult to treat.
How quickly does aciclovir work?
Does acyclovir affect sleep?
Agitation, confusion, dizziness, and drowsiness may be especially likely to occur in elderly patients who are usually more sensitive than younger adults to the central nervous system effects of acyclovir.
What are common side effects of acyclovir?
Acyclovir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- upset stomach.
- vomiting.
- diarrhea.
- dizziness.
- tiredness.
- agitation.
- pain, especially in the joints.
- hair loss.
What are the side effects of taking acyclovir daily?
How many acyclovir can you take in a day?
You’ll usually take aciclovir 2 to 5 times a day. Try to space your doses evenly throughout the day. If you take aciclovir: 4 times a day – you could take it first thing in the morning, at midday, in the late afternoon and at bedtime.
Why do you have to drink water with acyclovir?
Getting the most from your treatment
You should drink plenty while you are on aciclovir to keep your kidneys working well. Drinking water is best, but hot drinks and non-alcoholic cold drinks are also suitable. Aciclovir could cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it is usually.