Acyclovir is antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. This drug will not get you high. If you overdose, you may have … Acyclovir Side Effects Written by Carmen Pope, Senior Medical Editor, B. Pharm on March 18, 2025. Common Mild Serious FAQ Acyclovir is an antiviral drug that slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus in the body. It may be used to treat herpes infections such as: Chickenpox Cold sores Genital herpes Shingles. Acyclovir can be given orally (by mouth) or as an injection. Can acyclovir cause a high like a narcotic? Is acyclovir a controlled substance in the US? Why does my doctor prescribe acyclovir for pain? No, acyclovir is not a narcotic. What other drugs will affect acyclovir? Acyclovir can harm your kidneys, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve). Other drugs may affect acyclovir, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal … Acyclovir side effects range from nausea and headache to rare kidney problems and neurological symptoms. Learn what to watch for and how to stay safe. Acyclovir (Zovirax, Sitavig) can treat certain viral infections. Common side effects include diarrhea, headaches, and malaise. Hair loss, anemia, and other effects can occur but are less common. What is new and conclusion: The neurotoxicity induced by acyclovir and its derivative valacyclovir is a poorly known and rare adverse effect that can occur mainly in patients with advanced age and impaired renal function. The most characteristic symptoms are confusion, altered level of consciousness, hallucinations, agitation and dysarthria. What is known and objective Acyclovir and valacyclovir are commonly used antivirals with good general tolerance. Despite their good safety profile, they can cause systemic adverse effects, such as n… Acyclovir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: nausea vomiting diarrhea feeling unwell or tired Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment: hives; rash; itching; difficulty breathing or swallowing; swelling of the face, throat … Aciclovir tablets are used to treat infections such as cold sores, shingles, chickenpox and genital herpes. When taking aciclovir tablets: start taking the tablets as soon as possible after you've been prescribed them follow your doctor's instructions about how many tablets to take each day and when to take them dissolve the tablet in a glass of water and stir before drinking, or you can … GI symptoms and malaise are common acyclovir side effects. Learn how long side effects of acyclovir last and how to avoid them. What other drugs will affect Zovirax? Acyclovir can harm your kidneys, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve). Other drugs may interact with acyclovir, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal … What are the side effects of Acyclovir? Get a clear breakdown of risks, warning signs, and management strategies. Locate Acyclovir in stock on Medfinder. Learn about the side effects of Zovirax (acyclovir), from common to rare, for consumers and healthcare professionals. Acyclovir comes in several prescription forms, including an oral tablet. The acyclovir oral tablet is used to treat viral infections such as shingles, genital herpes, and chickenpox. This form is … View aciclovir information, including dose, uses, side-effects, renal impairment, pregnancy, breast feeding and directions for administration. Acyclovir is an antiviral oral medication used to treat infections caused by the herpes virus, including shingles, chickenpox, and genital herpes. It comes as a tablet, capsule, and liquid suspension. Depending on your condition, you might need to take it by mouth 2 to 5 times a day. Acyclovir works best when you start it as soon as symptoms begin. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting … Know more about what is Acyclovir? what are the side effects and its uses. Acyclovir (ACV), also called aciclovir, is an antiviral drug.Used for treatment of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, chickenpox, and shingles. Drug interactions Aminophylline and theophylline — aciclovir can increase the plasma concentrations of theophylline. Be alert for signs of adverse effects. Mycophenolate — clinically important pharmacokinetic changes may occur in people with impaired renal function. Monitor in people with reduced renal function. Kidney disease An unusual or allergic reaction to acyclovir, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives Pregnant or trying to get pregnant Breastfeeding How should I use this medication? Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. Zovirax (acyclovir) is an antiviral drug that treats the herpes viruses, including herpes simplex 1 and 2 (cold sores and genital herpes), varicella-zoster (shingles and chickenpox), and Epstein-Barr virus (mononucleosis). Common side effects of Zovirax include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache. Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding. Acyclovir is an antiviral medication widely used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, including genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chickenpox. While Acyclovir is generally well-tolerated, like all medications, it can have side effects. Understanding these potential side effects is crucial for anyone using this medication or considering its use. In this article, we will explore … • Acyclovir can cause harm to your kidneys, especially if you also use other medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (this includes Advil, Motrin, and Aleve). Patients that get acyclovir by IV will be monitored for effects on the nervous system (neurotoxicity). Problems such as tremor, confusion, agitation, and changes in consciousness can happen, especially in patients who receive high doses or have reduced kidney function. Acyclovir may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking acyclovir and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. Acyclovir may cause side effects that can be mild or serious. To learn about possible side effects of acyclovir, see the FDA drug labels for acyclovir capsule, injection (solution), suspension, and tablet. or talk to your health care provider or pharmacist. Learn which acyclovir drug interactions are most dangerous, including nephrotoxic drugs, probenecid, and alcohol. See what foods and meds to avoid. Get answers fast. Find out about aciclovir side effects, how common they are, and when to seek medical advice. Get expert guidance from UK-registered doctors at ZAVA. This comprehensive guide delves into the world of acyclovir. We'll also explore its uses, how to take it properly, and potential adverse effects. You'll learn about essential precautions, how this medicine works in the body, and its interactions with other drugs. Acyclovir is only given through an IV for patients who are immunocompromised, have a severe herpes outbreak, in neonatal herpes patients, or in patients with herpes simplex encephalitis (herpes in the brain). For nearly all other patients taking oral acyclovir, they likely won't experience any side effects more severe than nausea or vomiting. Acyclovir comes in several prescription forms, including an oral tablet. The acyclovir oral tablet is used to treat viral infections like shingles, genital herpes, and chickenpox. This form is … Checking your browser before accessing pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov … Click here if you are not automatically redirected after 5 seconds. We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us. Aciclovir, also known as acyclovir, [4] is an antiviral medication. [5] It is primarily used for the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections, chickenpox, and shingles. [6] Other uses include the prevention of cytomegalovirus infections following transplant, and severe complications of Epstein-Barr virus infection. [6][7] It can be taken by mouth, applied as a cream, or injected. [6 … Get clear safety guidance for Acyclovir (Oral, Intravenous), including warnings, precautions, when to seek medical assistance, and how to use it correctly.