acyclovir topical

(ay SYE kloe veer)
Zovirax Topical

What is the most important information I should know about acyclovir topical?

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Use acyclovir topical for the full amount of time prescribed, even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

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Treatment with acyclovir topical should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (e.g. tingling, burning, blisters).

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Wear a glove or a finger cot or use an applicator (e.g. cotton swab) when applying acyclovir topical to avoid spreading the virus to other body parts and to other people.

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Avoid getting this medication in the eyes.

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Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even during treatment. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Wash your hands frequently to prevent transmission.

What is acyclovir topical?

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Acyclovir is a drug used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Acyclovir shortens the length of time symptoms are present.

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Acyclovir topical is used to treat cold sores and genital herpes.

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Acyclovir may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using acyclovir topical?

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Before using acyclovir topical, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or if you use any other medications.

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Acyclovir topical is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use acyclovir topical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

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It is not known whether acyclovir topical passes into breast milk. Do not use acyclovir topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

How should I apply acyclovir topical?

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Use acyclovir exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

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Treatment with acyclovir topical should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (e.g. tingling, burning, blisters).

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Wash your hands before and after applying acyclovir topical.

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Wear a glove or a finger cot or use an applicator (e.g. cotton swab) when applying acyclovir topical to avoid spreading the virus to other body parts and to other people.

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Apply enough ointment to cover the lesion(s) completely. A one-half inch ribbon of ointment should cover approximately 4 square inches of surface area.

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Avoid getting this medication in the eyes.

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Acyclovir topical is usually applied every 3 hours, six times a day for seven days. Follow your doctor's instructions.

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Use acyclovir topical for the full amount of time prescribed, even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

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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.

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Store acyclovir topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember then resume your regular schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

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An overdose of this medication is not likely to occur. If you suspect an overdose or ingestion of acyclovir topical, call an emergency room or poison control center for advice.

What should I avoid while using acyclovir topical?

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Acyclovir topical 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?

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No serious side effects are expected during treatment with acyclovir topical. If you suspect an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; rash; hives; itching; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face) seek emergency medical attention.

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Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use acyclovir topical and talk to your doctor if you experience itching, stinging, burning, or a rash. These side effects should resolve quickly.

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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect acyclovir topical?

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Acyclovir topical is not likely to interact with medications taken orally during treatment. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all other medicines you are using, especially other topical preparations, and talk to your doctor and pharmacist before using any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

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Your pharmacist has additional information about acyclovir topical written for health professionals that you may read.

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.