Aciclovir Cream
Aciclovir Cream is an antiviral medicine which helps in treating skin infections caused by Herpes simplex virus such as herpes labialis. It prevents the multiplication of the virus in skin cells and therefore helps in clearing the skin infection.
Aciclovir Cream
Basic Information
Important information about this medicine
About This Medicine
General information about this product
Aciclovir Cream is an antiviral medicine which helps in treating skin infections caused by Herpes simplex virus such as herpes labialis. It prevents the multiplication of the virus in skin cells and therefore helps in clearing the skin infection.
Aciclovir Cream is an antiviral medicine which helps in treating skin infections caused by Herpes simplex virus such as herpes labialis. It prevents the multiplication of the virus in skin cells and therefore helps in clearing the skin infection.
Aciclovir Cream should be taken in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Dissolve it in a glass of water before taking it. It may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose. You should drink plenty of water while on treatment with this medicine as it helps to prevent dehydration and kidney damage.
Some side effects of this medicine include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and headache. Inform your doctor if these side effects persist for a longer duration. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
03Uses
Herpes labialis
04How To Use
This medicine is for external use only. Use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Clean and dry the affected area and apply the cream. Wash your hands after applying, unless hands are the affected area.
05How It Works
Aciclovir Cream is an antiviral medication which treats skin infections caused by Herpes simplex virus. It works by preventing the multiplication of virus in the skin cells. This stops the virus from producing new viruses and clears up your skin infection.
06What If You Miss A Dose?
Q: What if you forget to take Aciclovir Cream?
A: If you miss a dose of Aciclovir Cream, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
07Benefits
In Herpes labialis
Herpes labialis, commonly known as cold sores, is a viral infection that primarily affects the lip. Symptoms typically include a burning pain followed by small blisters or sores. Aciclovir Cream can speed up healing of herpes labialis and also prevent recurrence of the sores. Keep using this medicine as prescribed by the doctor to get maximum benefit.
08Side Effects
Application site reactions (burning, irritation, itching and redness)
09Safety Information
Alcohol:
No interaction found/established
Pregnancy:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Information regarding the use of Aciclovir Cream during pregnancy is not available. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Aciclovir Cream is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Driving:
No interaction found/established
Kidney:
No interaction found/established
Liver:
No interaction found/established
10Drug Tips
Aciclovir Cream helps treat recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores).
Treatment should be started as early as possible following onset of signs and symptoms.
Apply it thinly to affected area five times a day, or as suggested by your doctor.
Do not use it in the eyes, mouth, nose or vagina as it may cause irritation. If accidental exposure occurs, rinse immediately with plenty of water.
Do not touch the sores unnecessarily with your hands or towel, to avoid spreading the infection.
Inform your doctor if your symptoms have not improved after 10 days of treatment.
References
Sources and references
Acosta EP, Flexner C. Antiviral Agents (Nonretroviral). In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. pp. 1594-1600.
Safrin S. Antiviral Agents. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. pp. 846-47.
Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 18-22.
Acyclovir [Prescribing Information]. Ontario, Canada: GlaxoSmithKline; 2014. [Accessed 25 Jul. 2024] (online) Available from: View
