Sometimes your doctor will prescribe you or your child a syrup called Acyclovir for a viral infection. When you see this, you may have a lot of questions in your mind. "What medicine is this?", "Why is this given?", "What should I be careful about when using it?" Don't worry, today we will talk about all this very simply and in a friendly way.
What exactly is Acyclovir?
Simply put, Acyclovir is a drug used to treat viral infections . It works by stopping certain types of viruses from multiplying (growing) in our bodies.
It is very important to note that this medicine does not cure colds or flu. It also does not treat bacterial infections. It is only given for a few specific types of viruses.
For example:
- Chickenpox
- Infections caused by the Herpes Simplex virus (e.g., cold sores on the sides of the mouth)
- Shingles (a painful rash that can occur later in someone who has had chickenpox)
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, it is very important to give him a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to mention the following points in particular:
- Kidney disease: If you have any kidney disease, be sure to tell us about it.
- Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to Acyclovir, Ganciclovir, or Valacyclovir, or to any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or are hoping to become pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: Also state that you are a breastfeeding mother.
Based on this information, the doctor will determine the treatment that is most suitable for you.
The medicine should be used in the right way.
To get the most out of a medication, it is essential to use it correctly.
1. Shake well: Always shake the medicine syrup bottle well before using it. This will help mix the medicine properly.
2. Measure correctly: Use a special cap, cup, or syringe that comes with the medicine to measure it . Do not measure with household teaspoons or rice spoons. Because the measurements on those spoons are not accurate. If you do, the dose of the medicine may be too low or too high.
3. Take it on time: Take the medicine at the prescribed time, at the prescribed intervals, as prescribed by the doctor.
4. Before or after meals: This medicine can be taken before or after meals. However, it is better to take it with a glass of water.
5. Complete the course: Even if you feel better now, you must finish the entire course of medication for the number of days prescribed by your doctor. Otherwise, the illness may recur, or the virus may become resistant to the medication.
When given to children
This medicine is sometimes prescribed for children over 2 years of age. However, only your doctor can decide on this. You should be especially careful about the dosage when giving it to a child.
What do you do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you've taken more medicine than you thought, don't panic and take action immediately.
- You can go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) as soon as possible.
- You can also call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Drink plenty of water: This is very important. While taking this medication, you should drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day. This will help minimize the effects of the medication on your kidneys.
- Start early: In the case of a viral infection, the results are most effective if this medicine is started at the earliest stage of symptoms.
- Transmission: Even while you are taking this medicine, you can still pass on diseases like chickenpox and herpes to someone else. Therefore, avoid socializing with others as advised by your doctor.
Side Effects & Interactions
Like any medicine, acyclovir can cause side effects in some people. It can also interact with other medications. So let's look at it in a table.
| Information type | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Kidney injury | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Other serious symptoms | Confusion, seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations), seizures. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. |
| Other | Headache. |
| Other medications that should not be taken with this medicine and that may interact with it | |
| Medicines that should not be taken together in the same category | Cidofovir |
| Other medications that may cause interactions | Probenecid, Cimetidine, Methotrexate, Tacrolimus, Cyclosporine, some antibiotics, and many other medications. |
The most important thing is to give your doctor a complete list of all the medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements you are taking. This will help you avoid these interactions.
How to store the medicine?
- Keep away from children: Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Room temperature: Store at normal room temperature (between 15-25 degrees Celsius). Protect from extreme heat or cold.
- After expiration: Discard any remaining medication after the expiration date on the bottle.
Take-Home Message
- Acyclovir is a medicine used to treat viral infections. It will not treat bacterial infections or colds.
- Before using the medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies.
- Use the appropriate measuring cup to measure the medicine. Take the medicine for the full amount of time prescribed by the doctor.
- Be sure to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day while taking the medication.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as skin rashes, swelling, or decreased urination, inform your doctor immediately.
- Don't forget to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
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