Aciclovir is a synthetic compound used to treat certain types of viral infections. It does not cure viral infections but instead treats symptoms; lessening the severity and duration, and in some cases preventing recurrent episodes altogether.

Since the introduction of Aciclovir in 1983 it has become the widely prescribed antiviral medication in the world.

Who Uses Aciclovir?

Aciclovir is most frequently prescribed for treatment of:

• Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infections
• Chickenpox
• Shingles
• Epstein Barr Virus
• Cytomegalovirus
• Genital Herpes episodes

In cream form Aciclovir may also be used to treat cold sores on the lips or face.

How Does it Work?

Aciclovir interacts with an enzyme found in certain types of viruses, which interferes with the ability of the virus to replicate and thrive. In other words, Aciclovir helps suppress the virus so the immune system can better combat the outbreak.

Some viral infections, such as genital herpes, are incurable. Aciclovir will lessen the severity and duration of outbreaks but will not cure the infection.

How is it Taken?

Aciclovir is available as a capsule, tablet, liquid form, and cream.

Aciclovir is not absorbed into the bloodstream very well, so it may need to be taken as often as 5 times a day. Frequency and dosage strength will vary widely between patients and depends on the condition being treated. Physician instructions should be followed carefully for best results.

Patients treating recurrent episodes typically have the medication on hand and begin taking it as soon as symptoms are noticed. Treatment may continue for several days or weeks depending the condition being treated and severity of the outbreak.

For other viral infections this medication may be taken for weeks or months at a stretch regardless of symptoms.

It is important to stay hydrated while taking Aciclovir to maximize effectiveness and mitigate potential side effects.

Ingredients:

Active ingredient: aciclovir

Inactive ingredients, capsules: sodium lauryl sulfate, lactose, corn starch, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, gelatin, FD&C Blue No. 2

Inactive ingredients, tablets: povidone, magnesium stearate, sodium starch glycolate, microcrystalline cellulose, FD&C Blue No. 2

Patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in Aciclovir should not take this product. Aciclovir get capsules may contain lactose.

Adverse Effects:

Aciclovir is a remarkably safe medication. Side effects are uncommon and usually very mild:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Diarrhea
• Mild confusion
• Lymphadenopathy
• Itchy skin

There is a risk in patients with kidney disease that use of Aciclovir may cause further kidney damage.

In rare cases Aciclovir may lower white blood cell counts in some patients.

There are no known adverse effects on nursing or unborn babies associated with Aciclovir use; however, as with any medication, a physician should be consulted and the product should be used only if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Contraindications and Interactions:

Patients with a history of kidney disease or impairment should use this medication with caution and be alert to any symptoms of kidney trouble.

Aciclovir is known to interact with certain other medications. It is important that the prescribing physician is made aware of all medications, including non-prescription, being taken, as well as any other medical conditions.

Patients should read the information provided with the medication for a complete list of possible adverse effects and interactions prior to taking this or any other medication.

Why Aciclovir?

As mentioned above, Aciclovir is the most widely prescribed antiviral medication in the world. Through decades of widespread use it has proven to be a safe and effective treatment for alleviating the symptoms of viral infections.

While not all viral infections can be cured, with Aciclovir outbreaks can be confidently and effectively managed.

Aciclovir Cream is a prescription product applied topically to combat facial cold sores. It is not a cure and will not prevent spread of the virus.

The antiviral ingredient in this medication makes it far more effective than non-prescription versions. Aciclovir has been used extensively around the globe for decades and is proven to be an effective and safe tool for combating viral infections.

Who Uses Aciclovir Cream?

Aciclovir Cream is primarily used to treat cold sores or fever blisters caused by the herpes labialis virus. This medication is for cold sores on the lips and face; for treating genital herpes Aciclovir Ointment is more effective.

Cold sore outbreaks are often uncomfortable and embarrassing. This product offers patients relief in severity and duration of symptoms. If applied early enough, it may prevent some cold sores from completely forming.

How Does it Work?

The active ingredient in Aciclovir Cream, aciclovir, is an antiviral medication. Aciclovir interacts with an enzyme found in certain types of viruses, which interferes with its ability to reproduce and thrive. In short, Aciclovir Cream suppresses the virus and aids the immune system in fighting it.

Aciclovir helps reduce the severity, duration, and frequency of cold sores. It is not a cure for cold sores and will not prevent outbreaks from happening, and it will not prevent the spread of the virus to other persons.

How is it Used?

Aciclovir cream should be applied as soon as symptoms are noticed. Some patients are unaware of an outbreak until cold sores appear, while others may notice tingling, itchiness, or a small bump.

Once symptoms are noticed, the cream is usually applied five times a day for 4 days. Physician instructions may vary, however.

Prior to application, hands and the affected area should be washed and dried. Apply cream to the affected area and gently rub the cream into the skin until it disappears.

Do not cover the area with a bandage or other dressing once cream is applied unless specifically instructed to do so by a physician.

Avoid contaminating the affected area with other products, such as lotion or makeup.

Aciclovir cream is easily washed off with water and may need to be reapplied after showering or swimming.

Ingredients:

Active ingredient: aciclovir

Inactive ingredients: water, cetostearyl alcohol, mineral oil, petrolatum, poloxamer 407, sodium lauryl sulfate, propylene glycol

Patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in Aciclovir Cream should not take this product.

Adverse Effects:

A very small amount of patients report skin irritation at the site of application.

The effects of Aciclovir Cream on mucus membranes (such as in the mouth, nose, or eyes) has not been determined, so contact with these areas should be avoided.

Aciclovir Cream has not been tested on patients with compromised immune systems or on patients under 12 years of age.

The effects of this medication on nursing or unborn babies is also unknown. If pregnant or nursing a physician should be consulted before use.

Contraindications and Interactions:

This product should be used with caution in pregnant or nursing mothers, persons with compromised immune systems, and children under 12 years of age.

If skin irritation develops or symptoms worsen, discontinue use and consult a physician.

Why Aciclovir Cream?

Unlike non-prescription creams designed to treat cold sores, Aciclovir Cream contains a prescription antiviral medication. The antiviral properties greatly enhance the medication's effectiveness in alleviating symptoms and reducing the spread and duration of outbreaks.

Aciclovir Cream is a prescription product applied topically to combat facial cold sores. It is not a cure and will not prevent spread of the virus.

The antiviral ingredient in this medication makes it far more effective than non-prescription versions. Aciclovir has been used extensively around the globe for decades and is proven to be an effective and safe tool for combating viral infections.

Who Uses Aciclovir Cream?

Aciclovir Cream is primarily used to treat cold sores or fever blisters caused by the herpes labialis virus. This medication is for cold sores on the lips and face; for treating genital herpes Aciclovir Ointment is more effective.

Cold sore outbreaks are often uncomfortable and embarrassing. This product offers patients relief in severity and duration of symptoms. If applied early enough, it may prevent some cold sores from completely forming.

How Does it Work?

The active ingredient in Aciclovir Cream, aciclovir, is an antiviral medication. Aciclovir interacts with an enzyme found in certain types of viruses, which interferes with its ability to reproduce and thrive. In short, Aciclovir Cream suppresses the virus and aids the immune system in fighting it.

Aciclovir helps reduce the severity, duration, and frequency of cold sores. It is not a cure for cold sores and will not prevent outbreaks from happening, and it will not prevent the spread of the virus to other persons.

How is it Used?

Aciclovir cream should be applied as soon as symptoms are noticed. Some patients are unaware of an outbreak until cold sores appear, while others may notice tingling, itchiness, or a small bump.

Once symptoms are noticed, the cream is usually applied five times a day for 4 days. Physician instructions may vary, however.

Prior to application, hands and the affected area should be washed and dried. Apply cream to the affected area and gently rub the cream into the skin until it disappears.

Do not cover the area with a bandage or other dressing once cream is applied unless specifically instructed to do so by a physician.

Avoid contaminating the affected area with other products, such as lotion or makeup.

Aciclovir cream is easily washed off with water and may need to be reapplied after showering or swimming.

Ingredients:

Active ingredient: aciclovir

Inactive ingredients: water, cetostearyl alcohol, mineral oil, petrolatum, poloxamer 407, sodium lauryl sulfate, propylene glycol

Patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in Aciclovir Cream should not take this product.

Adverse Effects:

A very small amount of patients report skin irritation at the site of application.

The effects of Aciclovir Cream on mucus membranes (such as in the mouth, nose, or eyes) has not been determined, so contact with these areas should be avoided.

Aciclovir Cream has not been tested on patients with compromised immune systems or on patients under 12 years of age.

The effects of this medication on nursing or unborn babies is also unknown. If pregnant or nursing a physician should be consulted before use.

Contraindications and Interactions:

This product should be used with caution in pregnant or nursing mothers, persons with compromised immune systems, and children under 12 years of age.

If skin irritation develops or symptoms worsen, discontinue use and consult a physician.

Why Aciclovir Cream?

Unlike non-prescription creams designed to treat cold sores, Aciclovir Cream contains a prescription antiviral medication. The antiviral properties greatly enhance the medication's effectiveness in alleviating symptoms and reducing the spread and duration of outbreaks.