Acyclovir topical

Generic name: Acyclovir (topical)
Brand names: Zovirax Topical
Drug class: Topical antivirals

Usage of Acyclovir topical

Acyclovir topical (for the skin) is an antiviral medicine that is used to treat skin symptoms caused by the herpes virus.

Acyclovir topical cream is used to treat cold sores on the lips and face.

Acyclovir topical ointment is used to treat genital herpes lesions.

There is no cure for herpes and acyclovir will not prevent you from developing symptoms in the future.

Acyclovir topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Acyclovir topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects of acyclovir topical may include:

dry, cracked, or peeling lips;

dryness or flaking of treated skin;

burning, stinging, or itching when the medicine 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 report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Acyclovir topical

You should not use acyclovir topical if you are allergic to acyclovir or valacyclovir (Valtrex).

Acyclovir topical is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine).

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. However, herpes virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during your pregnancy, so that you do not have a genital lesion when your baby is born.

You should not breastfeed if you have a herpes lesion on or near your breast.

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How to use Acyclovir topical

Usual Adult Dose for Herpes Simplex Labialis:

5% Cream: Apply to the affected area on face or lips 5 times a day for 4 days-Initiate therapy as early as possible following onset of signs and symptoms of herpes labialis Use: For the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) in immunocompetent adults.

Usual Adult Dose for Herpes Simplex -- Mucocutaneous/Immunocompromised Host:

5% Ointment: Apply to affected area every 3 hours, 6 times a day for 7 days-Therapy should be started as early as possible following onset of signs and symptomsComments: -The dose size per application will vary depending upon the total lesion area; it should approximate a one-half inch ribbon of ointment per 4 square inches of surface area. -A finger cot or rubber glove should be used when applying ointment to prevent autoinoculation of other body sites and transmission to other persons. Uses: For the management of initial genital herpes and in limited non-life-threatening mucocutaneous HSV infections in immunocompromised adults.

Usual Adult Dose for Herpes Simplex:

Usual Pediatric Dose for Herpes Simplex Labialis:

12 years or older: 5% Cream: Apply to the affected area on face or lips 5 times a day for 4 days-Initiate therapy as early as possible following onset of signs and symptoms of herpes labialis Use: For the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) in pediatric patients 12 years of age or older.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Acyclovir topical

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com'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.

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