{"id":41227,"date":"2021-09-24T13:46:02","date_gmt":"2021-09-24T17:46:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=41227"},"modified":"2026-03-04T16:00:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T21:00:09","slug":"acyclovir-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/acyclovir-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Acyclovir side effects and how to avoid them"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#common-side-effects\">Common acyclovir side effects<\/a> | <a href=\"#nausea-vomiting\">Nausea &amp; vomiting<\/a> | <a href=\"#diarrhea\">Diarrhea<\/a> | <a href=\"#malaise\">Malaise<\/a> | <a href=\"#injection-site-reactions\">Injection site reactions<\/a> | <a href=\"#serious-side-effects\">Serious side effects<\/a> | <a href=\"#anaphylaxis\">Anaphylaxis<\/a> | <a href=\"#stevens-johnson-syndrome\">Stevens-Johnson syndrome<\/a> | <a href=\"#kidney-damage\">Kidney damage<\/a> | <a href=\"#how-long-do-side-effects-last\">How long do side effects last?<\/a> | <a href=\"#warnings\">Warnings<\/a> | <a href=\"#interactions\">Interactions<\/a> | <a href=\"#how-to-avoid-side-effects\">How to avoid side effects<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acyclovir, also known by GlaxoSmithKline\u2019s brand name <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/zovirax\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zovirax<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, is a prescription <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/antivirals\">antiviral medication<\/a> approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat herpes zoster infections (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/shingles-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">shingles<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), recurrent <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-cold-sores\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cold sores<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/chickenpox\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20351282\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chickenpox<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/herpes-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">genital herpes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Acyclovir is available as tablets, capsules, liquid suspension, intravenous (IV) injection, and as a cream for topical use. It also comes as a buccal tablet, under the brand name Sitavig, that dissolves in the mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acyclovir is a member of a class of drugs called synthetic nucleoside analogues. It works by interfering with the viral replication of the herpes viruses. Although it is not a cure for herpes infections, acyclovir decreases the severity and length of the herpes virus outbreaks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As with any medication, it is important to be aware of adverse effects and drug-drug interactions before beginning therapy. The following drug information highlights potential acyclovir side effects and how to avoid them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/acyclovir\"><b>Acyclovir coupons<\/b><\/a><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"common-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common side effects of acyclovir<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most common <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/online.epocrates.com\/drugs\/12805\/acyclovir\/Adverse-Reactions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of acyclovir include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Malaise (general weakness or discomfort)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling dizzy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arthralgia (joint pain)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rash<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lethargy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Confusion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agitation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/photosensitivity-sun-allergy\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Photosensitivity<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (hypersensitive to exposure to sunlight)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Side effects may vary depending on the form of acyclovir you use.<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3><span class=\"title\">Other common acyclovir side effects<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"header-row\">\n<td><b>Form of acyclovir<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Other side effects<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IV infusion<\/span><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Injection site reactions (inflammation, phlebitis)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elevations in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) or serum creatinine\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Topical cream<\/span><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry lips<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Desquamation (shedding outer layer of skin)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dryness of skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cracked lips<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Burning skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pruritus (itching)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flakiness of skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stinging on skin<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buccal tablets<\/span><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain at the gum site<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aphthous stomatitis (canker sores)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are not all the possible side effects of acyclovir. For more information regarding side effects talk to your healthcare professional.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"nausea-vomiting\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea and vomiting<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2005\/018828s030,020089s019,019909s020lbl.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">genital herpes clinical studies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, 2.7% of patients reported nausea and\/or vomiting during short-term treatment (10 days of therapy) and 4.8% of patients reported nausea in long-term treatment (12 months of therapy). In <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/1998\/18603s19lbl.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">clinical trials involving IV infusion<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, nausea and\/or vomiting were reported by 7% of patients.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"diarrhea\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea was the most frequent adverse event seen in the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chickenpox clinical studies<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with 3.2% of patients.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"malaise\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Malaise<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most frequent adverse event reported during the<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> herpes zoster (shingles) clinical trials<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was malaise (11.5%), although 11.1% of the participants receiving placebo, or sugar pills, also reported malaise.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"injection-site-reactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Injection site reactions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most frequent adverse events seen in patients receiving the IV infusion of acyclovir during clinical trials was inflammation at the injection site or phlebitis (inflammation of the walls of the vein) at 7%.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"serious-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious side effects of acyclovir<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acyclovir may cause the following rare, but serious side effects:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stevens-Johnson syndrome<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney failure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hallucinations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Psychosis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Encephalopathy (damage or disease that affects the brain)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seizures<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coma<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leukopenia (a reduction in the number of white cells in the blood)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thrombocytopenia (deficiency of platelets in the blood)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neutropenia (deficiency of neutrophils in the blood)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Angioedema (swelling of the tissue just under the skin)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Erythema multiforme (red, raised skin areas that can appear all over the body)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Toxic epidermal necrolysis (a serious skin disorder characterized by a blistering and peeling of the skin)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hepatitis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"anaphylaxis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anaphylaxis<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock, is a severe allergic reaction that may occur if you are hypersensitive to a drug and may require immediate medical care. Symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin rash<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty breathing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shock<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"stevens-johnson-syndrome\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stevens-Johnson syndrome<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare but severe form of allergic reaction that requires immediate medical care. Symptoms may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flu-like symptoms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Painful red blisters around the mouth, throat, eyes, or genitals<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Red or purple skin rash<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Peeling skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea and vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fever<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"kidney-damage\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney damage<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antiviral drugs such as acyclovir have been known to cause <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bmcnephrol.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s12882-018-1121-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">acute kidney injury<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, particularly when administered by IV. Risk factors for developing acyclovir-induced kidney problems include hypovolemia (abnormal decrease in the volume of blood usually due to dehydration), rapid IV infusion, too high a dose of acyclovir in relation to kidney function, and simultaneous use of other drugs toxic to the kidney. Kidney toxicity has been found to occur in approximately 12% to 48% of the cases involving IV administration. The incidence of kidney damage from oral dosing of acyclovir is less clear.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dosage adjustment is recommended when giving acyclovir to patients with kidney impairment or who are also on other medicines that may be toxic to the kidney since this may increase the risk of kidney dysfunction, particularly when using IV acyclovir.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-long-do-side-effects-last\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long do acyclovir side effects last?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most side effects of acyclovir that occur usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, if you have an allergic reaction you should notify your healthcare professional immediately.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"warnings\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acyclovir contraindications and warnings<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acyclovir should not be taken by anyone hypersensitive to any active or inactive ingredient or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/acyclovir-vs-valacyclovir\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valtrex (valacyclovir)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which is a similar antiviral medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other medical conditions may affect how acyclovir affects you, specifically:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are dehydrated or have kidney disease it may increase blood levels of acyclovir, increasing the chance of side effects.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have nervous system problems, acyclovir may make these problems worse.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acyclovir cream should only be applied on the external affected areas of the lips and face in patients with cold sores and not in the eye or inside the mouth or nose.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acyclovir for injection is intended for IV use only and should not be used topically, orally, on the skin, or in the eye.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abuse and dependence<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acyclovir is not habit-forming or addictive, and there are no withdrawal symptoms associated with discontinuing acyclovir.<\/span><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Missed dose<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses of acyclovir at the same time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overdose<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral overdoses involving ingestion of up to 100 capsules (equal to 20 grams) have been reported. Adverse events reported with overdose include agitation, coma, seizures, and lethargy. You should report any overdose situation to your healthcare professional.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overdosage has been reported following inappropriately high doses given to patients by IV infusion whose fluid and electrolyte balance were not properly monitored. This has resulted in elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/creatinine-levels\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">serum creatinine levels<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> causing kidney failure. Lethargy, convulsions, and coma have been reported. Overdose patients may require hemodialysis until kidney function is restored.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overdose events using acyclovir cream topically are unlikely because there is very little absorption into the bloodstream.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnancy and breastfeeding<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are no adequate and well-controlled clinical studies in pregnant women. Use acyclovir during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the risk. This drug has been found in breast milk following oral administration. Nursing mothers should take it with caution and only when the potential benefit outweighs the risk. A woman\u2019s healthcare provider is the best source of information when considering the use of acyclovir while pregnant or breastfeeding.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acyclovir interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking acyclovir with any of the following medicines is not recommended:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arava (leflunomide)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aubagio (teriflunomide)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Foscavir (foscarnet)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valtrex (valacyclovir)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vistide (cidofovir)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking acyclovir with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of side effects:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dilantin (phenytoin)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depakene (valproic acid)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is not a comprehensive list and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/online.epocrates.com\/drugs\/12804\/acyclovir\/Drug-Interactions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">other drugs may interact with acyclovir<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> including prescription drugs as well as nonprescription products such as over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Consult your healthcare professional for professional medical advice regarding medicines to avoid while taking acyclovir.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-avoid-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to avoid acyclovir side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Carefully read the patient information you receive<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carefully read the patient information you receive about the treatment of herpes, chickenpox, or shingles before using acyclovir. Acyclovir is best used as soon as possible after the symptoms of chickenpox, herpes, or shingles appear (for example, pain, burning, or blisters).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Discuss kidney health with your provider<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tell your healthcare professional if you have or have had kidney problems, as acyclovir can cause kidney injury.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Follow all instructions for taking acyclovir<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is important to keep taking acyclovir for the full time of treatment as directed by your healthcare professional even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When taking oral acyclovir:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may take oral acyclovir without regard to meals.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When using acyclovir oral suspension use a measuring spoon to measure each dose accurately.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When using acyclovir buccal tablets:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use within one hour after you have the first symptom of a cold sore, such as itching, redness, burning, or tingling, and before a cold sore appears.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apply the tablet to your upper gum, just above your incisor tooth, on the same side of your mouth as the cold sore symptoms.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may eat and drink while using the tablet.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not crush, chew, suck, or swallow the buccal tablet.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leave the tablet in place as it slowly dissolves over time while in your mouth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the tablet does not stick to your upper gum or falls off of your upper gum within the first six hours after you apply it, the same tablet should be placed back onto your upper gum right away.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gently rinse your mouth with water to clean your teeth while the tablet is in place.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drink more liquids if your mouth becomes dry while using the tablet.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you swallow the tablet within the first six hours of applying it, drink a glass of water and place a new tablet onto your upper gum.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When using acyclovir cream:\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wash hands prior to application and ensure the face and\/or lips are clean and dry.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apply enough acyclovir cream to cover the affected area including the outer margin.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid unnecessary rubbing of the affected area to avoid aggravating the infection.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wash hands with soap and water after using acyclovir cream.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Hydrate while taking acyclovir<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is important to take acyclovir with a full glass of water and to drink plenty of liquids during therapy to avoid becoming dehydrated.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Know when to contact a healthcare professional<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your symptoms do not improve within a few days of starting acyclovir treatment, or if they become worse, contact your healthcare professional.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Common acyclovir side effects | Nausea &amp; vomiting | Diarrhea | Malaise | Injection site reactions | Serious side effects | Anaphylaxis | Stevens-Johnson syndrome | Kidney damage | How long do side effects last? | Warnings | Interactions | How to avoid side effects Acyclovir, also known by GlaxoSmithKline\u2019s brand name Zovirax, is a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":87,"featured_media":41228,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[12752],"coauthors":[20733],"class_list":["post-41227","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-medication-side-effects","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Acyclovir side effects and how to avoid them | SingleCare<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"GI symptoms and malaise are common acyclovir side effects. 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