Why is this medicine prescribed?
Acyclovir injection is used to treat herpes simplex infections (a virus that you can get through sexual contact that can cause sores on the skin, mouth, face, genitals, buttocks, and brain). It is also used to treat herpes zoster (shingles). Acyclovir injection 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 injection does not cure herpes infections and may not stop the spread of herpes virus to other people.
Are there other uses for this medicine?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Acyclovir injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected intravenously (into a vein). It is given over 1 hour every 8 hours. The length of treatment depends on the type of infection you have.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before using acyclovir injection,
- tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this medication, any part of this medication, or any other medications, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while receiving acyclovir injection. 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 problems with your immune system, human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV), or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS); nervous system or breathing problems; an electrolyte imbalance in your body; or kidney or liver disease. Also tell your doctor if there is a possibility you may be dehydrated from a recent illness or activity.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while receiving acyclovir injection, call your doctor.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do in case of overdose?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help . If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include the following:
- agitation
- coma
- seizures
- tiredness
What side effects can this medicine cause?
Acyclovir injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- redness or swelling at the injection site
- nausea
- vomiting
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing or swallowing; swelling of face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes; or hoarseness
- pale skin; unusual bleeding or bruising; decreased urination; swelling of the legs, feet, or ankles; yellowing of skin or eyes; shortness of breath; or extreme tiredness
- decreased consciousness; weakness; shaking of a part of your body that you can't control; confusion; agitation; hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist); or seizures
Acyclovir injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone ( 1-800-332-1088).What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to acyclovir injection.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.