Acyclovir Information

CYCLOVIR (ay SYE kloe veer) is an antiviral medicine. It is used to treat or prevent infections caused by certain kinds of viruses. Examples of these infections include herpes and shingles. This medicine will not cure herpes.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or cup to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You can take this medicine with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Bottles of suspension may contain more liquid than you need to take. Follow your doctors instructions about how much to take and for how many days to take it. Do not take more medicine than directed. But, finish all the medicine that is prescribed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early. Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: -allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue -chest pain -confusion, hallucinations, tremor -dark urine -increased sensitivity to the sun -redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth -seizures -trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine -unusual bleeding or bruising, or pinpoint red spots on the skin -unusually weak or tired -yellowing of the eyes or skin Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): -diarrhea -fever -headache -nausea, vomiting -stomach upset.