Acyclovir

Actavis | Acyclovir (Medication)

Desc:

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Acyclovir will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection.

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug, a synthetic nucleoside analogue, that is active against the herpes viruses, including herpes simplex 1 and 2 (cold sores and genital herpes), varicella-zoster (shingles and chickenpox), and Epstein-Barr virus (mononucleosis). Viruses take over living cells and reproduce themselves, often at the expense of the host cell.

The acyclovir is converted to an active form by the virus itself, and the virus then uses the active form of acyclovir rather than the nucleoside it normally uses to manufacture DNA, a critical component of viral replication. Incorporation of active acyclovir into new viral DNA stops the production of the DNA. Virally infected cells absorb more acyclovir than normal cells and convert more of it to the active form, which prolongs its antiviral activity. ...

Side Effect:

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to acyclovir:hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

See your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:pain in your lower back; urinating less than usual or not at all; easy bruising or bleeding; or unusual weakness.

Less serious acyclovir side effects may include:nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain; headache, feeling light-headed; or swelling in your hands or feet. ...

Precaution:

This drug may rarely make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Acyclovir does not protect against the spread of genital herpes. Therefore, always use an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condoms/dental dams) during all sexual activity.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended to use this medicine without your doctor's advice. ...