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Acyclovir 500 MG Injection

Manufactured byFdc Ltd.
ContainsAciclovir
CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE

Description

Acyclovir 500 MG Injection is an antiviral agent that is used in the treatment of viral infections such as genital herpes, shingles, chickenpox, encephalitis, etc. caused by herpes zoster and varicella-zoster.

Substitutes

List of substitutes for Acyclovir 500 MG Injection

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Acyclovir 500 MG Injection

Swelling and redness at the injection site

Abdominal pain

Increased thirst

Loss of appetite

Unusual tiredness and weakness

Black or tarry stools

Fever with chills

Seizures

Unusual bleeding

Diarrhea

Headache

Nausea and vomiting

Dizziness

Rashes

Uses of Acyclovir 500 MG Injection

What is it prescribed for?

Herpes Simplex Encephalitis

This medicine is used in the treatment of Herpes Simplex Encephalitis, a viral infection of the brain caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is manifested by symptoms like stiff neck, altered reflexes, confusion, headache, speech abnormalities, etc.

Genital Herpes

This medicine is used in the treatment of severe initial clinical episodes of genital herpes which is a sexually transmitted viral infection affecting the genitals caused by herpes simplex virus. The symptoms include genital sores, tingling, burning or itching around your genitals, etc.

Chickenpox

This medicine is used in the treatment of chickenpox which is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is characterized by rashes, itching, blister outbreaks, fever, etc.

Neonatal Herpes Simplex Virus infection

This medicine is used for the treatment of Herpes Simplex Virus infection affecting the newborns. The infection is transmitted from the mother to the baby while delivery or during pregnancy.

Herpes Zoster Infection (Shingles)

This medicine is used to treat Shingles which is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It can occur in any part of the body and is presented with symptoms like painful rashes, itching, blisters, tingling sensation, etc.
Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • How long does it take for this medicine to take effect?

    The amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.
  • How long do the effects of this medicine last?

    The amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
  • Is it safe to consume alcohol while taking this medicine?

    Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
  • Is this a habit forming medicine?

    No habit forming tendencies have been reported.
  • Can this medicine be taken during pregnancy?

    This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.
  • Can this medicine be taken while breast-feeding?

    This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.

Allergy

This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to aciclovir, or any other inactive ingredients present along with the formulation.

Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.

Breast-feeding

This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.

General warnings

Hydration

This medicine may increase the risk of kidney injury when taken with other medicines that cause kidney injury. Adequate water should be consumed to prevent the accumulation of medicine.

Kidney diseases

This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with kidney diseases due to the risk of worsening of the condition. Report any unusual symptoms to the doctor immediately. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.

Elderly population

This medicine should be used with caution in the elderly population with kidney injury or liver injury due to an increase in the risk of neurological problems. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.

Vaccination for viral infections

Vaccination with varicella and zoster vaccine along with this medicine may reduce the response to vaccines or may cause an infection. It is advised to receive the vaccine at least 24 hours after the acyclovir treatment.

Missed Dose

Since this medicine is administered by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of a missed dose is very less.

Overdose

Since this medicine is administered in the hospital setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very less. However, emergency medical treatment will be initiated by the doctor if an overdose is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.

Interaction with Alcohol

Description

Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

Instructions

Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

Interaction with Medicine

Phenytoin

Tacrolimus

Sulfasalazine

Tizanidine

Zoster vaccine live

Varicella Vaccine (Live)

Disease interactions

Impaired kidney function

This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with kidney diseases due to the risk of worsening of the condition. Report the doctor if you experience unusual symptoms such as sudden weight gain, changes in the frequency of urination, etc. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.

Neurological disorder

The use of high intravenous dose may increase the risk of neurotoxicity, especially in the elderly population with a neurological disorder, kidney or liver injury. Report to your doctor if you experience any symptoms of tremors, confusion, and seizures. Suitable alternative or appropriate dose adjustments might be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.

Food interactions

Information not available.

Lab interactions

Information not available.
This medicine should be administered by a qualified healthcare professional. Inform the doctor if you have a known history of allergy to this medicine. Report to the doctor all your current medicines as well as your medical conditions before receiving this medicine.

Miscelleneous

Usage does not depend on food timings

To be taken as instructed by doctor

May cause sleepiness

How it works

It works by inhibiting the multiplication of the virus and thereby reducing the severity of the infection.

Legal Status

Approved

Approved

Approved

Approved

Classification

Category

Antiviral agents

Schedule

Schedule H

Acyclovir for Injection, USP [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2020 [cited 14 January 2020]. Available from:

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=babdbce2-5cbd-4943-bc38-9ebdd696a77a&type=display

[Internet]. Accessdata.fda.gov. 2020 [cited 14 January 2020]. Available from:

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2004/18603slr027_zovirax_lbl.pdf

[Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2020 [cited 14 January 2020]. Available from:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6175.pdf

Acyclovir - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2020 [cited 14 January 2020]. Available from:

https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00787

Acyclovir Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2020 [cited 20 January 2020]. Available from:

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681036.html

Related Questions

Question:
Sir I am suffering from chicken pox and doctor advised acyclovir. Can I take acyclovir in empty stom...more
Answer from Dr. RaviKiran Mahalank
Yes but have plenty of fluids
Question:
If you vomit when on acyclovir does this effect the person, as in does the tablet come back up? Shou...more
Answer from Dr. Reena Kawatra
Rather than that take tab stemetil first  to have no vomiting sensation and then...more
Question:
How many times a day we have to take acyclovir 400mg for herpes.. normal dosage to be taken
Answer from Dr. Manju Kumari
400 mg you can 8 hourly actually dose depends on the severity of infection.If mo...more
Question:
What is more speedy in recovery of herpes blisters, acyclovir tablets or ointment?
Answer from Dr. Prof. C.R.V.Narasimhalu
Tablet...Do direct online consultation by sending photos for accurate diagnosis ...more
Question:
I was diagnosed with genital herpes at age 18 after an initial outbreak and put on acyclovir 400mg t...more
Answer from Dr. Kuldeep Wagh
Yes.. U cannot go on taking acyclovir ur entire life.. If u don't have any sympt...more
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Information on this page was last updated on 20 Jan 2020

Disclaimer

We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.