Acyclovir Tablet (Acyclovir)

Adult administration

1. Treatment of herpes simplex virus infections: As acyclovir, administer 200 mg five times a day at 4-hour intervals for 5 days. Treatment may be extended in severe primary infections. In severely immunocompromised patients or those with gastrointestinal absorption issues, the dose may increase to 400 mg per administration, or switch to intravenous administration. Timing of administration as soon as possible after infection is recommended, and for recurrent cases, it is favorable to administer at the first signs or lesions.

Child administration

1. Treatment of herpes simplex infection and prevention of herpes simplex infection in immunocompromised patients: From 2 years old, use the adult dose. For those under 2 years, administer half of the adult dose. No conclusive data is available for the prevention of herpes simplex virus infection in immunocompetent patients.

This medication should not be used by individuals allergic to this medication, its components, or valacyclovir. Patients with impaired kidney function may experience psychiatric and neurological side effects more easily, so caution is advised. Patients with decreased liver function should be administered this medication carefully because of the risk of worsening liver function. In infants and children, it should be used minimally and only when necessary, especially in newborns or low-birth-weight infants, weighing the risks and benefits carefully. Elderly patients may have diminished kidney function, leading to increased concentrations of this medication and more frequent side effects; dosage and intervals should be adjusted carefully. Rarely, anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, may occur; if symptoms of low blood pressure, shortness of breath, or chest tightness arise, administration should be discontinued immediately, and appropriate treatment should be sought. If skin hypersensitivity reactions, rash, fever, blisters, or hives appear, use of this medication should be stopped and a physician should be consulted. Alopecia, various skin rashes, and serious skin disorders (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis) may also occur, so caution is advised. It may affect the mental state or neurological system, leading to consciousness disorders, disorientation, decreased concentration, aggressive behavior, hallucinations, seizures, drowsiness, insomnia, anxiety, and various other symptoms, particularly more frequently in elderly patients or patients with decreased kidney function. It can lead to kidney issues resulting in symptoms like kidney failure, hematuria, or proteinuria, hence periodic monitoring of kidney function is required. It may also affect the blood and lymphatic system, resulting in changes in blood cell counts, bleeding, or anemia. Liver function abnormalities, hepatitis, or jaundice may occur; regular liver function tests are recommended. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as gastritis, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain might occur; if symptoms are severe, use should be stopped. Systemically, fever, swelling, weakness, or headache may also manifest. Muscle pain or joint pain may occur; if there are unusual symptoms, consulting a physician is necessary. It can also affect the heart and blood pressure, leading to arrhythmias, chest pain, or fluctuations in blood pressure. Urination issues or urination obstruction symptoms may rarely occur; any urine abnormalities should be reported. When using this medication, if symptoms do not improve or worsen, other treatment options should be considered; particularly, for shingles and chickenpox, starting treatment as early as possible after the onset of skin symptoms is crucial. In patients with compromised immunity, intravenous options may be considered. Adequate hydration is required during treatment with this medication to reduce the risk of renal toxicity from dehydration. Patients with recurrent genital herpes should consult their physician about whether to continue treatment after one year. Consciousness disorders may occur during treatment, hence caution is advised when driving or operating hazardous machinery. There may be interactions with other medications; especially when taken with probenecid, cimetidine, theophylline, mycophenolate mofetil, etc., consult a physician or pharmacist. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should use this medication cautiously, considering the potential risks; during breastfeeding, since this medication may transfer to breast milk, it is advisable to discontinue breastfeeding.

Serious side effects

Urticaria, severe swelling (edema), chest tightness, difficulty breathing, cold sweats, paleness (severe allergic reaction), severe skin adverse reactions (toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, severe rash, blisters, skin peeling, pain in oral/ocular mucosa), respiratory problems (difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, cough associated with respiratory distress), liver abnormalities (hepatitis, liver dysfunction, jaundice, abnormal liver function tests), serious neurological symptoms (serious).

Mild side effects

Photosensitivity reactions, fixed drug eruption, rash, fever, alopecia, erythema multiforme, psychiatric and neurological adverse reactions (consciousness disorders, disorientation, concentration disorders, aggressive behavior, depersonalization, restlessness, ataxia, stuttering, drowsiness, tremors, delirium, hallucinations, psychosis, seizures, gait disturbance, abnormal sensations, etc.), renal function abnormalities (elevated BUN, serum creatinine), blood and lymphatic system abnormalities (leukopenia, anemia, etc.), gastritis, constipation, diarrhea.

This medication should be stored in a tightly sealed container to protect it from air and moisture, at room temperature between 1 to 30 degrees Celsius. Proper storage helps maintain the efficacy of the medication and prevents deterioration.

Appearance

Light blue round tablet

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 200 tablets/bottle