Acivir 400 mg

 Acivir 400 mg

Acivir 400 mg tablets are used in the treatment of certain infections with herpes viruses. These include genital herpes, shingles, and chickenpox. The medication contains the main active ingredient called Acyclovir. This drug may not be appropriate for everyone, and its use should be thoroughly discussed with your doctor.

Acivir does not cure herpes. However, it does reduce pain and may help the sores caused by herpes to heal faster. It also keeps new sores from forming and decrease the intensity of pain and itching. Moreover, in people with a weakened immune system, this antiviral drug can increase the risk of spreading the virus to other parts of the body. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease. To reduce the chance of infecting your partner, forgo intercourse and other sexual contact while you have sores or any other symptom.

Your doctor may also prescribe this antiviral agent to prevent herpes simplex infections in people with the weak immune system either due to diseases such as AIDs, or medical treatment like steroids, chemotherapy, and bone marrow transplant.

What is Acivir used for?

Acivir has the following indications:

• Recurrent genital herpes infections
• Localized cutaneous herpes zoster infection (shingles)
• Chicken pox (varicella)

How does Acivir work?

The regular administration of Acivir tablets stops the herpes virus from reproducing and infecting more cells in the body. The active ingredient of the medicine tends to convert to a more active form inside the infected cells of the body. The activated pharmaceutical component then blocks the activity of DNA polymerase (A viral enzyme) thus prevents the multiplication of the virus.

What does Acivir contain?

Acivir has the active component Acyclovir which is effective in treating certain types of viruses that are mentioned above in this document. 

What are the side effects of Acivir?

• Gastrointestinal issues- nausea, increased liver enzymes, abdominal pain, anorexia, vomiting, hyperbilirubinemia
• Endoskeletal issues- changes in menstrual cycles
• Central nervous system disorder- dizziness, trembling, hallucinations, seizures, headache
• Hematological issues- hemolytic uremic syndrome
• Musculoskeletal problems- joint pain
• Dermatological issues- rash, stevens-johnson syndrome, acne, hives unusual sweating
• Miscellaneous issues- polydipsia

What medications interact with Acivir?

The following drugs may interact with Acivir 400 mg medications:

• Probenecid
• Phenytoin
• Zidovudine
• Methotrexate
• Valproic acid
• Theophylline
• Nephrotoxic drugs

How should Acivir be used?

Initial genital herpes:

For the treatment meant for adults and children- the recommended dose is 200 mg five times daily for 7 to 10 days or 400 mg every eight hours for 7 to 10 days. The maximum recommended dose for children is 80 mg/kg daily in 3 to 5 divided doses.

Chronic suppressive therapy for recurrent genital herpes:

For adults and children- The preferred dose is 400 mg two times a day or 200  mg 3 to 5 times daily for a period of one year. The maximum suggested dose for children is 80/kg daily in divided doses.

Acute treatment of herpes zoster in immunosuppresses patients:

Your physician may ask you take 800 mg five times daily for 7 to 10 days. $00 mg five times daily is the preferred dose for the prophylaxis treatment.

Intermittent therapy for recurrent genital herpes:

To treat adults and children- 200 mg five times daily for five days. Start taking at first sign of symptoms. In children, the maximum dose should not exceed 80 mg/kg daily in divided doses.

Herpes Zoster in immunosuppressed patients:

The suggested dose is 4000 mg daily that should be administered in five divided doses for 5 to 7 days. The maximum dose for children should not exceed 80 mg/kg daily in five divided doses.

Chicken pox:

The recommended dose for patients with chickenpox is 20 mg/kg four times daily for five days. Do not exceed the dose of 800 mg/dose.

Patients must use condoms as a preventive measure during sexual contact.

When should Acivir not be used? 

The use of Acyclovir is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to it or valacyclovir.

Use it cautiously in the following conditions:

• Hepatic impairment
• Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
• Pre-existing serious neurologic
• Renal insufficiency
• Pulmonary abnormalities
• Geriatrics
• Obese patients
• Patients with hypoxia

How long should Acivir be used?

The medicine should not use more frequently or longer than recommended. Continue taking it for the time it is prescribed to you.

Missed dose of Acivir

Take the missed dose of Acyclovir 400 mg when you remember but not just before next dose is due. Do not doubling up doses.

How should Acivir be stored?

Keep the tablets in its original packet to protect from light. Store it at room temperature. Place it at a place where children cannot reach.