Acivir Cream (Acyclovir)

What is Acivir Cream?

Acivir Cream containing the active ingredient acyclovir is considered a synthetic nucleoside analogues type of antiviral medication. The medication works by stopping the herpes virus from spreading in the body to speed up the healing of sores and decrease symptoms of the herpes virus such as tingling, pain, burning or itching. The cream can be used to treat cold sores or fever blisters on the face or lips caused by herpes simplex. Some people may also use it to treat first outbreaks of genital herpes and certain types of sores caused by the herpes simplex virus in people with weak immune systems.

Acivir Cream Uses?

Acivir Cream is usually taken 5 times per day for 4 days or as directed by a doctor. Before applying the cream, clean and dry your hands and the affected area thoroughly. Apply a thin layer of the medication to cover the affected area and massage it into the skin until it disappears. Do not apply dressing or bandages unless the doctor tells you that you should. Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any excess cream on the hands. Contact a doctor for the correct dosage and length of treatment as it will depend on the patients condition and their response to the therapy.

How does Acivir Cream work?

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug and belongs to class called synthetic nucleoside analogues. It works by blocking the process by which the virus grows and multiplies. Acyclovir thus stops the virus from spreading in the body.

How to take Acivir Cream?

Take acyclovir exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely treated. Acyclovir will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.Drink plenty of water while you are taking acyclovir to keep your kidneys working properly.If you are using the liquid form of this medication, shake the bottle well before each dose.Treatment with acyclovir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions.

Acivir Cream Contraindications:

Hypersensitivity to Acivir Cream is a contraindication. In addition, Acivir Cream should not be used if you have the following conditions:

• child under 12 years old
• have skin problems
• herbal products
• hypersensitivity
• vitamins

Acivir Cream Dosage:

• Missed Dose:

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.

• Overdose:

Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.

What are the Side effects of Acivir Cream?

Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:

• Itchy, dry, peeling, or cracked lips
• Mild pain, burning, or stinging
• Contact dermatitis or allergic inflammation of the skin
• Swelling and redness at the injection site
• Abdominal pain
• Increased thirst
• Loss of appetite
• Unusual tiredness and weaknes
• Black or tarry stool
• Fever with chill
• Seizures
• Unusual bleeding
• Diarrhea
• Headache

In such cases you must go for immediate medical help. Do not get alarmed by the list. You may /may not experience all of them. Tell your doctor immediately in the above situations.

Acivir Cream Warnings?

Immediately proceed to your nearest emergency department if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms usually associated with such a reaction include difficulty breathing or swallowing, chest tightness, swelling, skin rashes, and hives.

Acivir Cream is not always suitable for all patients. Always consult your health care provider prior to using this medication if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, using any other medication (prescription or non-prescription), using any herbal products or supplements, or if you have any allergies or other health problems.

The correct dosage and prescription commonly depend on the patient and the condition being treated. Do not adjust your dosage without the approval of your health care provider. This product is only for use as prescribed and instructed.

References:

Acyclovir Uses, Dosage & Side Effects – Drugs.com [Internet]. Drugs.com. 2017 [cited 22 March 2017]. Available from: https://www.drugs.com/acyclovir.html

[Internet]. 2017 [cited 22 March 2017]. Available from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/32808

DailyMed – ACYCLOVIR- acyclovir capsule ACYCLOVIR- acyclovir tablet [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 22 March 2017]. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=d13b8cdd-59fd-472b-8125-a19f42ef5402

Zovirax (acyclovir) dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more [Internet]. Reference.medscape.com. 2017 [cited 22 March 2017]. Available from: http://reference.medscape.com/drug/zovirax-acyclovir-342601

Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2017 [cited 22 March 2017]. Available from: https://www.tga.gov.au/prescribing-medicines-pregnancy-database#searchname

FAQ:

1.Is acyclovir safe/ affect birth control?

Acyclovir is safe if used at prescribed doses for the proscribed duration as advised by your doctor. It does not affect birth control.

2. Is acyclovir safe in pregnancy?

Studies of acyclovir in animals have shown no risk to the fetus; however are there are no adequate studies in pregnant women. Please follow advice of your doctor regarding use of acyclovir during pregnancy.

3. Is acyclovir an antibiotic/blood thinner/sulfa drug?

No. Acyclovir is an antiviral and has no known effect against other infections caused by bacteria or fungi. It has no known effect on altering the fluidity of blood. The chemical structure and mechanism of action of acyclovir is different from sulfa drugs

4. Is acyclovir effective?

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug used to treat infections caused by herpes simplex virus. It is effective if used as advised by your doctor. The effectiveness of acyclovir may vary upon individual response.

5. Is acyclovir gluten free?

Yes. Acyclovir is gluten free. However, please refer to package insert of the prescribed brand before use

6. Is acyclovir used for HIV?

No. Acyclovir is an antiviral drug is used to treat infections caused by herpes simplex virus and no known effect on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

7. What is acyclovir/Acivir /Acivir cream/ Acivir 400 DT/Acivir 200 DT used for?

Acivir is a trade name for active drug acyclovir and is available in the form of cream and tablets. Acyclovir is an antiviral drug used to treat infections caused by herpes simplex virus such shingles, genital herpes infections and in the treatment of chickenpox.