Acyclovir (Topical)
Brand Names : Zovirax, acycloguanosine
Proper Use of This MedicineAcyclovir
may come with patient information about herpes simplex infections. Read this
information carefully. If you have any questions, check with your health care
professional.
Do not use this medicine in the eyes
.
Acyclovir is
best used as soon as possible after the signs and symptoms of herpes infection
(for example, pain, burning, or blisters) begin to appear
.
Use a finger cot or rubber glove when applying this
medicine. This will help keep you from spreading the infection to other areas
of your body and will prevent the transmission of the infection to other persons
. Apply enough medicine to completely cover all the sores (blisters).
A 1.25-centimeter (approximately 1/2-inch) strip of ointment applied
to each area of the affected skin measuring 5 [times ] 5 centimeters (approximately
2 [times ] 2 inches) is usually enough, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
To help clear up your herpes infection, continue using
acyclovir for the full time of treatment
, even if your symptoms begin
to clear up after a few days. Do not miss any doses
.
However, do not use this medicine more often or for a
longer time than your doctor ordered
.
Dosing - The dose of topical acyclovir will be different
for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or
the directions on the label
. The following information includes only
the average dose of topical acyclovir. If your dose is
different, do not change it
unless your doctor tells you to do so.
-
For topical
dosage form (cream):
-
For herpes simplex infection:
-
Adults - Apply to the affected area(s), four to six times a day,
for up to ten days.
-
Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
-
For topical
dosage form (ointment):
-
For herpes simplex infection:
In the U.S.
-
Adults - Apply to the affected area(s), every three hours, for
a total of six times a day, for seven days.
-
Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
In Canada
-
Adults - Apply to the affected area(s), four to six times a day,
for up to ten days.
-
Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as
soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Storage - To store this medicine:
-
Keep out of the reach of children.
-
Store away from heat and direct light.
-
Keep the medicine from freezing.
-
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure
that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
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