Acyclovir

One other bad thing about herpes infections is that they are contagious. Thus, there is a strong need to prevent the spread of infection to other people.

Acyclovir is a medication used to lessen pain and hasten the healing process of blisters, rash, or sores in patients with chickenpox, herpes zoster, or those who are suffering first-time or recurrent genital herpes. Sometimes, this drug is also used in the prevention of genital herpes outbreaks.

Acyclovir belongs to a class of drugs known as synthetic nucleoside analogues. This antiviral medication group works by preventing the herpes from spreading to other parts of the body. Acyclovir though, does not genital herpes and may not completely stop the virus from contaminating other people.

Acyclovir is available in tablet, capsule, or liquid forms, and is to be administered to the patient orally. It is usually taken 2-5 times daily, with or without meals, for a period of 5-10 days right after symptoms began to appear. When used in the prevention of genital herpes outbreak, patients need to take in 2-5 doses of acyclovir everyday for a period of 12 months. Each acyclovir dosage should be taken about the same time each day.

Acyclovir medication should be used as prescribed by the doctor. Patients are highly discouraged from taking less or more of the drug, or for longer period than what the doctor has recommended. Improvements on symptoms should be observed during the course of treatment with acyclovir. Otherwise, consult your doctors if symptoms persist or worsen. The medication should also be taken until the prescription has been satisfied, regardless if the patient feels better. Abrupt cease of its use, or skipping doses may cause the infection to be incompletely treated, or may lead to a more complicated treatment process.

Patients who plan on taking acyclovir should inform their doctors of they have certain food or drug allergies. They should also know if there are any other drugs, supplements, or herbal products which are used by the patients. Doctors need to know if there are other health conditions present, particularly immune system issues. Pregnant women, those who are planning on having a baby, or breast feeding mothers should make sure their doctors know their condition. Taking acyclovir for genital herpes treatment may not serve to stop the infection from spreading via sexual contact, despite the absence of symptoms.

In case you missed a dose, take the missed dose right after remembering it. The remaining doses of the day should be taken in at equal intervals. If you remembered your missed dose near the schedule of the next one, just skip it and follow the regular schedule of doses. Double doses do not make up a missed dose.

Patients who experience any Acyclovir side effects should call their doctors right away. The minor symptoms to watch out for are: diarrhea, joint pains, upset stomach, tiredness, hair loss, agitation, vision issues, dizziness, and vomiting.
Serious side effects associated with the use of acyclovir can also happen, and are the ones who require immediate medical attention the most. Such side effects are: fast heartbeat, hives, pale skin, unusual bleeding or bruising, blisters or rash, hoarseness, blood in urine, speech difficulty, hallucinations, seizures, confusion, loss of consciousness, fever, stomach cramps, numbness on legs or arms, and temporary immobility, among others.

Acyclovir should be stored in its container and should be closed tightly at room temperature. Keep the medication far from children’s reach, and away from too much moisture or heat.

Acyclovir may effectively reduce, and even prevent the outbreak of genital herpes. However, the spread of the infection to other people requires more attention than oral medication.