Acyclovir cream 5%

Common use

Acyclovir is an antiviral medication — it fights viruses. It’s used to treat:

Herpes infections of the skin, lip, and genitals — that includes cold sores (πυρετούλες as we sometimes call them in Cyprus) and genital herpes

Herpes zoster — better known as shingles, a painful rash that can appear when the chickenpox virus wakes up later in life

Chickenpox — what we call ανεμοβλογιά in Cyprus, the itchy rash kids often get

Acyclovir works by stopping the virus from replicating — it puts a brake on the virus so it can’t spread. But it doesn’t work for other virus infections, like the common cold — sorry, no help for that sniffle.

Dosage and direction

Take Acyclovir by mouth, with or without food or milk. The usual dose is 200 mg every 4 hours, five times a day, for ten days. That’s a lot of doses, so set reminders on your phone — it’s easy to lose track.

If you’re dealing with recurrent herpes (when it keeps coming back), the recommended dose for adults is 400 mg twice a day for up to a year — that’s a long-term plan to keep outbreaks at bay.

Wash your hands regularly — it helps prevent passing the infection to others. Herpes can be spread even when you don’t have symptoms, so good hygiene is your friend.

Note: this instruction is just for reference. It’s very important to consult with your doctor before using any medication — they’ll help you get the best results for your situation.

Precautions

Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people — no kissing when you have a cold sore, and be careful with intimate contact during outbreaks.

Do not touch your eyes after touching an infected area — herpes in the eye is serious.

Let your doctor know if you have kidney disease or liver disease — your dose may need to be adjusted.

If you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, don’t use Acyclovir without your doctor’s advice.

Contraindications

Acyclovir is not allowed in patients with severe kidney disorders — the drug is cleared through the kidneys, so if they’re not working well, it can build up to unsafe levels.

Also, do not take Acyclovir if you are hypersensitive (allergic) to Zovirax, Acyclovir, or similar antiviral drugs.

Possible side effects

Serious side effects — if you experience any of these, stop using the medication and tell your doctor as soon as possible:

Allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

Pain in your lower back

Urinating less than usual — or not at all

Easy bruising or bleeding

Unusual weakness

Less serious side effects may include:

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, stomach pain

Headache, feeling light-headed

Swelling in your hands or feet

If you notice anything unusual — even if it’s not on this list — have a word with your doctor.

Drug interaction

Acyclovir can interact with:

Probenecid (Benemid) — used for gout

Tizanidine — a muscle relaxant

Varicella Virus Vaccine — the chickenpox vaccine

Fosphenytoin, Phenytoin, Valproic Acid — seizure medications

Keep in mind: an interaction between two medications doesn’t always mean you have to stop taking one. Sometimes it just affects how well they work. Your doctor can tell you how to manage it — don’t stop or change anything on your own.

Missed dose

If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s too late — almost time for your next dose — skip it. Don’t take double or extra doses. Just take your usual dose the next day at the regular time.

Overdose

Symptoms of Acyclovir overdose can include:

Seizures (convulsions)

Hallucinations

Urinating less than usual — or not at all

If you experience any of these — or any unusual symptom — call your doctor immediately.

Storage

Store at room temperature — between 15°C and 25°C — away from light and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children and pets. Don’t use it after the expiration date — old medication won’t work properly and could be harmful.

Online Pharmacy Info

Our online pharmacy, cydoctors.com, is based right here in Cyprus. Whether you’re dealing with a cold sore that popped up before a family gathering or shingles that’s making life uncomfortable, you don’t want to wait around. That’s why we deliver in the shortest time possible. We offer overnight delivery to Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos — so wherever you are on the island, you can get what you need quickly and without the hassle.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications. This does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. Information on the site cannot be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your healthcare adviser or the doctor in charge of your case. We do not guarantee the reliability of this information and cannot be held responsible for any errors it may contain. We are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damage resulting from the use of information on this site, nor for the consequences of self-treatment.