Acyclovir liquid, capsules, and tablets are used in the treatment of certain infections with herpes viruses. These include genital herpes, shingles, and chickenpox. This drug may not be appropriate for everyone, and its use should be thoroughly discussed with your doctor. Acyclovir ointment is used to treat initial episodes of genital herpes and certain herpes simplex infections of the skin and mucous membranes. Acyclovir cream is used for herpes cold sores on the lips and face only.
Some doctors use Acyclovir, along with other drugs, in the treatment of AIDS, and for unusual herpes infections such as those following kidney and bone marrow transplants.
Acyclovir does not cure herpes. However, it does reduce pain and may help the sores caused by herpes to heal faster. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease. To reduce the chance of infecting your partner, forgo intercourse and other sexual contact while you have sores or any other symptom.
Acyclovir cream contains the active ingredient aciclovir, which is an antiviral drug. It is used to treat skin infections with the herpes simplex virus, for example cold sores and genital herpes. Aciclovir cream is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic drug.
Aciclovir works by stopping the herpes simplex virus from reproducing and infecting more cells.
Aciclovir is converted to a more active form inside cells of the body that are infected with herpes simplex. The activated aciclovir then works by blocking the action of a viral enzyme called DNA polymerase.
The herpes virus needs the DNA polymerase enzyme to copy its genetic material from RNA to DNA. This process is necessary for the virus to multiply and continue to survive. By blocking the action of DNA polymerase, aciclovir prevents the herpes virus from multiplying. This controls the infection and helps the immune system to deal with it.
For recurrent infections aciclovir cream is most effective if treatment is started as soon as the first signs of the infection begin to reappear.
Why is this drug prescribed?
- cold sores;
- genital herpes;
- allergic reactions;
- burning;
- diarrhea;
- allergic inflammation of the skin;
- drying of skin in area of use;
- flushing of the skin due to widening of the small blood vessels;
- itching at the area of application;
- stinging or burning at the area of application;
- burning;
- dry or cracked lips;
- dry or flaky skin;
- eczema;
- general feeling of bodily discomfort;
- hives;
- inflammation;
- itching;
- itchy spots;
- mild pain;
- nausea;
- skin rash;
- stinging;
- vaginal inflammation;
- vomiting;
ADULTS
For Genital Herpes
The usual dose is one 200-mg capsule or 1 teaspoonful of liquid every 4 hours, 5 times daily for 10 days. If the herpes is recurrent, the usual adult dose is 400 mg 2 times daily for up to 12 months.
If genital herpes is intermittent, the usual adult dose is one 200-mg capsule or 1 teaspoon of liquid every 4 hours, 5 times a day for 5 days. Therapy should be started at the earliest sign or symptom.
Ointment: Apply ointment to affected area every 3 hours, 6 times per day, for 7 days. Use enough ointment to cover the affected area.
For Herpes Cold Sores
Apply Acyclovir cream to the affected area 5 times a day for 4 days. Therapy should begin as soon as possible after the first sign of a cold sore such as a bump, tingling, redness, or itchiness.
For Herpes Zoster
The usual adult dose is 800 mg every 4 hours, 5 times daily for 7 to 10 days.
For Chickenpox:
The usual adult dose is 800 mg 4 times a day for 5 days.
If you have a kidney disorder, the dose will need to be adjusted by your doctor.
CHILDREN
The usual dose for chickenpox in children 2 years of age and older is 20 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight taken orally 4 times daily, for a total of 80 mg per 2.2 pounds, for 5 days. A child weighing more than 88 pounds should take the adult dose.
The safety and effectiveness of oral Acyclovir have not been established in children under 2 years of age. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits of Acyclovir outweigh the potential risks. The safety and effectiveness of Acyclovir ointment in children have not been established. Acyclovir cream has not been studied in children less than 12 years old.
OLDER ADULTS
Your doctor will start you at the low end of the dosage range, since older adults are more apt to have kidney problems or other disease, or to be taking other medications.
