ACYCLOVIR TOPICAL
(a SYE klo veer) Brand: Zovirax Topical
What is the most significant information I must know about acyclovir topical?
• Acyclovir topical will not cure or prevent herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection.
• Acyclovir cream is used to treat cool sores. Acyclovir ointment is used to treat genital herpes lesions.
• Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Use this medicine for the full predesigned length of time. Your symptoms may improve till the infection is completely cleared.
• Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect another people, even while you are being treated with acyclovir. Acyclovir will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to prevent spreading the virus to others.
What is acyclovir topical?
• Acyclovir topical (for the skin) is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection.
• Acyclovir topical cream is used to treat cool sores.
• Acyclovir topical ointment is used to treat genital herpes lesions.
• Acyclovir topical will not cure or prevent herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection.
• Acyclovir topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medicine guide.
What must I discuss with my healthcare provider till using acyclovir topical?
• You must not use this medicine if you are allergic to acyclovir or valacyclovir (Valtrex).
• To create certain you can safely use acyclovir topical, speak your doctor if you have a weak immune system (caused by malady by or using determined medicines).
• FDA pregnancy category B. Acyclovir topical is not expected to harm an unborn child. Speak your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Herpes virus can be passed from an infected mother to her child during childbirth. If you have genital herpes, it is very significant to prevent herpes lesions during your pregnancy so that you do not have a genital lesion when your child is born.
• It is not known whether acyclovir topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing child. Do not use this medicine without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a child. You must not breast-feed if you have a herpes lesion on or around your breast.
• Acyclovir topical must not be used on a baby younger than 12 years old.
How must I use acyclovir topical?
• Use exactly as predesigned by your doctor. Do not use in larger or less amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
• Treatment with acyclovir topical must be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).
• Wash your hands till and after applying acyclovir topical cream.
• Apply only satis cream to cover the cool sore or tingly area. Rub in gently before the cream disappears. Acyclovir topical cream may be applied 5 times daily for 4 days. Follow your doctor's instructions.
• Wear a glove or a finger cot or use a cotton swab when applying acyclovir topical ointment to avoid spreading the virus to another body parts and to another people.
• Apply only satis ointment to cover the genital lesion(s) completely. This medicine may be applied each 3 hours up to 6 times daily. Acyclovir topical ointment may be applied each 3 hours, up to 6 times daily for 7 days. Follow your doctor's instructions.
• Use this medicine for the full predesigned length of time. Your symptoms may improve till the infection is completely cleared.
• Lesions caused by herpes viruses must be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions.
• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
• Use the missed doze as soon as you remember. Skip the missed doze if it is nearly time for your following scheduled doze. Do not use extra medication to create up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
• Search abnormal medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
• Since this medicine is applied to the skin, an overdose is unlikely to occur.
What must I avoid while using acyclovir topical?
• Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this does happen, rinse with water. When treating a cool sore, apply the medicine only the outer part of your lips.
• Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect another people, even while you are being treated with acyclovir. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with another people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.
• Acyclovir will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to prevent spreading the virus to others.
What are the possible side effects of acyclovir topical?
• Get abnormal medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your person, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Smaller serious side effects may include:
· dry, cracked, or peeling lips;
· dryness or flaking of treated skin;
· burning, stinging, or itching when the medication is applied.
• This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may message side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What another drugs will affect acyclovir topical?
• It is not likely that another drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied acyclovir. But much drugs can interact with every another. Speak your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal commodity. Do not start a new medicine without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
• Your pharmacist can provide more information about acyclovir topical.
Remember, hold this and all another medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the indication prescribed.
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