Acyclovir (Systemic)

Brand Names : Zovirax, Alti-Acyclovir, Avirax, Zovirax Wellstat Pac, Zovirax Zostab Pac, aciclovir

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common - For acyclovir injection only

Pain, swelling, or redness at place of injection

Less common

Abdominal or stomach pain; decreased frequency of urination or amount of urine; increased thirst; loss of appetite; nausea or vomiting; unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare

Black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; chills, fever, or sore throat; confusion; convulsions (seizures); hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there); hives; pinpoint red spots on skin; trembling; unusual bleeding or bruising

Frequency not determined

Bleeding or oozing from puncture sites or mucous membranes (bowel, mouth, nose, or urinary bladder), continuing; blistering, peeling, or loosening of skin; bluish coloring, especially of the hands and feet; blurred vision; bruising at the place of injection; changes in facial skin color; changes in vision; clumsiness; coughing; decreased consciousness; difficulty in breathing or swallowing; dizziness or feeling faint, severe; fast heartbeat; irritability; itching or skin rash; large hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, sex organs; mood or mental changes; muscle cramps, pain, or weakness; pale skin; red or irritated eyes; sense of agitation or uneasiness; shakiness and unsteady walk; sores, ulcers, or white spots in mouth or on lips; swelling of eyelids, face, feet, hands, lower legs or lips; swollen, painful, or tender lymph nodes (glands) in neck, armpit, or groin; unsteadiness or other problems with muscle control or coordination; yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

More common - Especially seen with high doses

General feeling of discomfort or illness

Less common - Especially seen with long-term use or high doses

Diarrhea; headache

Frequency not determined

Burning, prickling, or tingling sensations; drowsiness; loss of hair

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.