What is Acyclovir 800mg: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions

 Herpes viruses are responsible for causing a wide range of human infections. Even though, the formulation of successful antiviral medication against herpes viruses had been slow until the last ten years, the formulation of Acyclovir is a promising alternative in the pharmaceutical industry.

Acyclovir Uses

Acyclovir 800mg has been discovered for the treatment of cold sore and genital herpes caused by the herpes virus. It is also useful in treating chickenpox and shingles. The medicine is supplied in the form of dispersible 800 mg tablets for oral administration. It can help in relieving pain and help in the healing of sores or blisters. The antiviral medication is useful in treating a variety of herpes. These include:

• Genital herpes simplex
• Herpes simplex labialis (cold sores)
• Herpes simplex keratitis (ocular herpes)
• Herpes zoster (shingles)
• Herpes simplex blepharitis
• Herpes simplex encephalitis

All these viruses are the main cause of infection; they attack internally and come into action when there is an outbreak. Note that the medication is not for curing the infections. It helps in treating an outbreak and quickens the process of healing of the sores as well as lower the complications that result from the infection. This involves infection of the brain, pain that persists for a long time after healing of a sore or whole body infection.

Side effects of Acyclovir

Rarely Acyclovir causes side effects and if they occur, they are usually mild in nature. The most commonly reported side effects are diarrhea, general malaise, and nausea. The serious category of side effects includes seizures, changes in the mood, bruising, unusual bleeding, and vision problem. Report these side effects immediately to your healthcare specialist.

Common side effects associated with Acyclovir

The following side effects are experienced by most of the patients; however, these are mild and manageable. Such side effects are given below:

• Headaches
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Feeling of illness and malaise
• Vomiting

The infection that is being treated may have a direct impact on which Acyclovir side effects you experience. According to clinical trials, patients suffering from genital herpes are commonly reported with nausea whereas diarrhea occurred in those patients who are taking Acyclovir for chickenpox.  People who were taking this antiviral medication for treating herpes zoster experienced malaise as the most common side effect. If any of these persist for a long time and troubles you or worsen your condition, you should immediately consult with your health care specialist.

Serious side effects associated with the use of Acyclovir 800mg

After taking Acyclovir for few days, some people find that they some patients come to know that they are allergic to the antiviral medication.  Such people develop allergic reaction like anaphylaxis. Other serious side effects of the medicine include seizures, loss of consciousness, trouble breathing, unusual bleeding, and hallucinations, yellowing of the skin, confusion, or extreme sleepiness.

Acyclovir interactions

It is possible that some medications that affect the mode of action of your antiviral medication so it is important to let your healthcare specialist know about all the medications that you are using at the time of Acyclovir treatment. Medications that can interact with your herpes medicine include:

• Several medications used to treat fungal or bacterial infection including amikacin, tobramycin, and amphotericin
• OTC pain relievers
• HIV drugs