General Information and Indications:
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.
Information For Users:
Topical acyclovir comes as a cream and an ointment to
apply to the skin. Acyclovir cream is usually applied five times a day for 4
days. Acyclovir cream may be applied at any time during a cold sore
outbreak, but it works best when it is applied at the very beginning of a
cold sore outbreak, when there is tingling, redness, itching, or a bump but
the cold sore has not yet formed. Acyclovir ointment is usually applied six
times a day (usually 3 hours apart) for 7 days. It is best to begin using
acyclovir ointment as soon as possible after you experience the first
symptoms of infection. Follow the directions on your prescription label, ask
your doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions. Use topical acyclovir
exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than
prescribed by your doctor.
Your symptoms should improve during your treatment with topical acyclovir.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
Acyclovir cream and ointment are for use only on the skin. Do not let
acyclovir cream or ointment get into your eyes, or inside your mouth or
nose, and do not swallow the medication.
Acyclovir cream should only be applied to skin where a cold sore has formed
or seems likely to form. Do not apply acyclovir cream to any unaffected
skin, or to genital herpes sores.
Do not apply other skin medications or other types of skin products such as
cosmetics, sun screen, or lip balm to the cold sore area while using
acyclovir cream unless your doctor tells you that you should.
To use acyclovir cream, follow these steps:
o Wash your hands.
o Clean and dry the area of skin where you will be applying the cream.
o Apply a layer of cream to cover the skin where the cold sore has formed or
seems likely to form.
o Rub the cream into the skin until it disappears.
o Leave the skin where you applied the medication uncovered. Do not apply a
bandage or dressing unless your doctor tells you that you should.
o Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any cream left on your
hands.
o Be careful not to wash the cream off of your skin. Do not bathe, shower,
or swim right after applying acyclovir cream.
o Avoid irritation of the cold sore area while using acyclovir cream.
To use acyclovir ointment, follow these steps:
o Put on a clean finger cot or rubber glove.
o Apply enough ointment to cover all of your sores.
o Take off the finger cot or rubber glove and throw it away in a trash can
that is out of reach of children.
o Keep the affected area(s) clean and dry, and avoid wearing tight-fitting
clothing over the affected area.
Special
precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy 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.
o Inform 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.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding any condition that affects
your immune system such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using acyclovir, call your
doctor.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Topical acyclovir may cause adverse effects.
Inform your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go
away:
o dry or cracked lips
o flaky, peeling, or dry skin
o burning or stinging skin
o redness, swelling, or irritation in the place where you applied the
medication
Some adverse effects could be serious. If you experience any of these
symptoms, call your doctor without delay:
o hives (Urticaria)
o rash
o itching
o difficulty swallowing or breathing
o swelling of the face, throat, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower
legs
o hoarseness
Brand Name(s):
o Zovirax®Cream
o Zovirax®Ointment
Other Name(s):
o Acycloguanosine
o ACV
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