Acyclovir : Before Using - Zovirax, Alti-Acyclovir, Avirax, Zovirax Wellstat Pac, Zovirax Zostab Pac, aciclovir

Acyclovir - Systemic

Brand Names

Zovirax, Alti-Acyclovir, Avirax, Zovirax Wellstat Pac, Zovirax Zostab Pac, aciclovir Acyclovir *** Before Using *** How to Use *** Fore Safe Use *** Side Effects *** Additional Information

Before Using

In deciding to using a medication, the chance of taking the drug must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you will make. For acyclovir, the following must be considered

Allergic reaction

Tell your family doctor if you have any unusual or allergy to acyclovir or valacyclovir. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, sulfites or other preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy care

Acyclovir has been using in pregnant women and has not been reported to cause birth defects or other problems. However, studies have not been done. Studies in rats and rabbits have shown that acyclovir given by injection may keep the fetus from becoming attached to the lining of the uterus - womb. However, acyclovir has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in mice given many times the usual human dose, or in rats or rabbits given few times the usual human dose.

Breast-feeding problem

Acyclovir passes into breast milk. However, it has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Use for Children

A limited number of studies have been done using oral acyclovir in child and it has not causing various effects or problems in child than it does in adults.

Elderly care

Agitation, confusion, dizziness and drowsiness may be especially likely to occur in elderly diseaseds who are usually more sensitive than adults people to the central nervous system effects of acyclovir.

Drug interactions

Although certain medication must not be using together at all, in many cases two various medication may be using together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, changes in dose or other precautions may be necessary. If you are taking acyclovir it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:

Carmustine - BiCNU
Cisplatin - Platinol
Combination pain drug containing acetaminophen and aspirin - Excedrin or other salicylates
Cyclosporine - Sandimmune
Deferoxamine - Desferal - with long-term use
Gold salts - drug for arthritis
Inflammation or pain drug, except narcotics,
Lithium - Lithane
Methotrexate - Mexate
Other drug for infection
Penicillamine - Cuprimine
Plicamycin - Mithracin
Streptozocin - Zanosar
Tiopronin - Thiola Concurrent use of these medication with acyclovir may increase the risk for side effects, especially when kidney disease is present

Other Information for using

The presence of other medical problems may effect the use of acyclovir. Make sure you tell your family doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Dehydration
Kidney disease Dehydration or kidney disease may increase blood levels of acyclovir, increasing the risk of side effects

Nervous system problems Acyclovir may make these problems worse