How to use aciclovir
Aciclovir is available as 200mg, 400mg, and 800mg tablets, and in other forms too, such as skin cream, oral liquids, and eye ointment.
This medicine can be provided to treat an outbreak of herpes to shorten the duration and severity. The normal treatment provided is aciclovir 200mg tablets, one tablet five times a day for five days.
A longer course of aciclovir can also be prescribed to suppress herpes outbreaks. The normal treatment provided in this case is aciclovir 400mg tablets, take one tablet twice a day for three months.
The tablets should be swallowed whole, either before or after food.
Is aciclovir suitable for me?
There are some situations where aciclovir should be used with caution or would not be recommended. For example, in pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, elderly patients, people with kidney problems or reduced kidney function, and people who are allergic to any of the active or inactive ingredients may be advised against Aciclovir.
Tell the doctor if you are taking any other medicines, either from your doctor or purchased from a pharmacy. Aciclovir may not be suitable or may need to be used with caution if you are taking some medicines including Ciclosporin, Theophylline, or Zidovudine.
It's very important to give a full picture of your general health in the consultation, to make sure the doctor has all the information required to assess the safety and suitability of treatment for you.
What are the side effects of Aciclovir?
Like all medicines, aciclovir can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Side effects that are considered to be common include dizziness, headaches, stomach upsets (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain), skin rashes, fatigue, and a fever. Less commonly reported or rarely reported side effects include hair thinning, blood, liver, or kidney problems, and shortness of breath.
For a full list of potential side effects and other important information, please read the patient leaflet provided in the pack before starting any course of treatment. It is very important to read the leaflet in full before starting to take aciclovir. The leaflet can also be viewed online here.
Prescription