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GENERIC NAME: ACYCLOVIR - ORAL (ay-SYE-klo-veer)

BRAND NAME(S): Zovirax

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to treat herpes infections of the skin, mouth, mucous membranes, genital herpes, herpes zoster (shingles), and chickenpox in some individuals. This medication does not cure herpes, but relieves the pain and may make the infection clear faster.

HOW TO USE: Begin taking this medication as soon as symptoms appear. Take this medication as directed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Try to take the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. This will ensure a constant blood level of the medication and is most effective.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness or weakness. These effects should disappear in a few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist or become worse, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: numbness or tingling of the hands or feet, leg pain, sore throat, skin rash, change in the amount of urine. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: This medication should be used cautiously during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.





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