What is Acyclovir Topical?
Acyclovir cream is used to treat cold sores (fever blisters; blisters that are caused by a virus called herpes simplex) on the face or lips. Acyclovir ointment is used to treat first outbreaks of genital herpes (a herpes virus infection that causes sores to form around the genitals and rectum from time to time) and to treat certain types of sores caused by the herpes simplex virus in people with weak immune systems. Acyclovir is in a class of antiviral medications called synthetic nucleoside ...
Brand Name
Zovira
Other Names
What is Acyclovir Topical?
Acyclovir cream is used to treat cold sores (fever blisters; blisters that are caused by a virus called herpes simplex) on the face or lips. Acyclovir ointment is used to treat first outbreaks of genital herpes (a herpes virus infection that causes sores to form around the genitals and rectum from time to time) and to treat certain types of sores caused by the herpes simplex virus in people with weak immune systems. Acyclovir is in a class of antiviral medications called synthetic nucleoside analogues. It works by stopping the spread of the herpes virus in the body. Acyclovir does not cure cold sores or genital herpes, does not prevent outbreaks of these conditions, and does not stop the spread of these conditions to other people.
How
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient. Read this information before you start using acyclovir and each time you refill your prescription.Wash your hands.Clean and dry the area of skin where you will be applying the cream.Apply a layer of cream to cover the skin where the cold sore has formed or seems likely to form.Rub the cream into the skin until it disappears.Leave the skin where you applied the medication uncovered. Do not apply a bandage or dressing unless your doctor tells you that you should.Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any cream left on your hands.Be careful not to wash the cream off of your skin. Do not bathe, shower, or swim right after applying acyclovir cream.Avoid irritation of the cold sore area while using acyclovir cream.Put on a clean finger cot or rubber glove.Apply enough ointment to cover all of your sores.Take off the finger cot or rubber glove and throw it away in a trash can that is out of reach of children.Keep the affected area(s) clean and dry, and avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing over the affected area.
Side Effects
dry or cracked lipsflaky, peeling, or dry skinburning or stinging skinredness, swelling, or irritation in the place where you applied the medicationTopical acyclovir may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html
Precautions
Before using topical acyclovir, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to acyclovir, valacyclovir (Valtrex), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in acyclovir cream or ointment. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients. tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any condition that affects your immune system such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using acyclovir, call your doctor.
Overdose
If someone swallows topical acyclovir, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What If I Forget
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply extra cream or ointment to make up for a missed dose.
Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, with the cap on and tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Never leave this medication in your car in cold or hot weather. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
Dietary Restrictions
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Miscellaneous
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Other Uses
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
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