Acyclovir 200mg: Uses, Benefits, Dosage and Precautions

Acyclovir 200mg is an antiviral drug used to treat certain infections caused by viruses of the herpes family. It works by interfering with the production of viral DNA, which helps to slow the growth and spread of the virus in the body. A doctor may prescribe acyclovir to treat genital herpes, chickenpox and shingles.

What is Aciclovir 200mg?

Acyclovir 200mg is an oral anti-viral medicine. It is not an antibiotic and will not treat bacterial infections. Instead it attacks viruses that have been shown to cause some herpes infections.

Herpes viruses aren’t completely eradicated from the body with the medicine. But it can help reduce viral activity and may shorten the duration or severity of some outbreaks if treatment is begun early.

So, the patients are advised to take the Acyclovir 200mg as directed by their doctor properly.

Uses of acyclovir 200mg

Acyclovir is frequently used for several herpes virus infections.

Herpes Genital

Acyclovir may be used to treat the first episode and can help with managing recurrent genital herpes. If outbreaks recur, doctors may suggest a short course of treatment, or longer suppressive therapy, depending on the patient’s situation.

Herpes zoster (shingles)

Acyclovir is also used to treat acute herpes zoster (shingles). Because treatment works best when it is started early, patients should see their doctor as soon as they notice shingles symptoms.

Chickenpox

Doctors may prescribe acyclovir for chickenpox in the appropriate patients. Treatment can reduce viral activity, and may help shorten some symptoms if initiated early.

How does acyclovir 200mg work ?

Acyclovir works by blocking the herpes virus’s ability to make viral DNA. So the virus has more difficulty multiplying.

However, acyclovir does not permanently cure herpes. However, it is good at controlling the infection, and can reduce symptoms or the duration of an outbreak if used in the right way.

Acyclovir 200 mg dose

The right dose depends on the infection, age, kidney function and individual medical history. Consequently, patients should not self-medicate.

For example, prescribing information lists 200mg every 4 hours, 5 times daily for some genital herpes treatment regimens. Doses and schedules of treatment for other herpes infections differ.

Adjustment of dose or dosing interval may be necessary in patients with decreased kidney function. Inform your doctor of any kidney problems you have before starting treatment for this reason.

Take the medicine as directed on the prescription and drink plenty of fluids unless your healthcare professional has advised you to restrict your fluid intake.

Side Effects Of Acyclovir 200mg

Acyclovir like other medicines may cause side effects. Not everybody gets side effects.

Most Common Side Effects

Possible side effects include

• Headache
• Dizzy
• Nausea.
• Throwing up
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach pain
• Skin rash 3.
• Rash
• weariness

These effects are usually mild, but call your healthcare provider if they are severe or do not go away.

Side Effects – Serious

Acyclovir rarely may cause serious allergic or skin reactions and serious kidney problems. Call a doctor or go to the emergency room right away if you have trouble breathing; swelling in your face or throat; serious reactions of the skin; or any major changes in urination.

Acyclovir 200 mg Precaution

Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to acyclovir or valacyclovir.

Also tell your doctor or chemist if you are taking certain medicines such as probenecid, cimetidine or mycophenolate mofetil as interactions may occur.

Patients with a history of a clinically significant hypersensitivity reaction to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any component of the formulation must not use acyclovir tablets.

FAQs

What is the use of Acyclovir 200mg?

A doctor or healthcare professional prescribes acyclovir 200mg, an antiviral medicine, to treat certain herpes-virus infections, including shingles, cold sores, and genital herpes.

Does Acyclovir 200mg cure herpes?

No. Acyclovir does not permanently remove herpes viruses from the body, but controls the viral activity.

Can I take Acyclovir 200mg on an empty stomach?

Acyclovir tablets may be taken with food or without food. Follow the directions for your particular medicine and prescription.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Acyclovir 200mg is safe for all?

No medicine is suitable for everybody. Your doctor will take into account your infection, kidney function, other medicines, allergies, pregnancy and breast feeding, and overall health before prescribing it.

The content of this article serves general educational purposes only and does not provide professional medical advice. Only take Acyclovir 200mg as directed by a qualified healthcare professional.