Drug Name: Acivir Pills
Drug Uses: Acivir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Acivir will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection.
Acivir is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. Illnesses caused by herpes viruses include genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox.
Acivir may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
How to use: Acute Treatment of Herpes Zoster
800 mg every 4 hours orally, 5 times daily for 7 to 10 days.
Genital Herpes
Treatment of Initial Genital Herpes
200 mg every 4 hours, 5 times daily for 10 days.
Chronic Suppressive Therapy for Recurrent Disease
400 mg 2 times daily for up to 12 months, followed by reevaluation. Alternative regimens have included doses ranging from 200 mg 3 times daily to 200 mg 5 times daily.
The frequency and severity of episodes of untreated genital herpes may change over time. After one year of therapy, the frequency and severity of the patients genital herpes infection should be reevaluated to assess the need for continuation of therapy with acyclovir.
Intermittent Therapy
200 mg every 4 hours, 5 times daily for 5 days. Therapy should be initiated at the earliest sign or symptom (prodrome) of recurrence.
Treatment of Chickenpox
Children (2 years of age and older)
20 mg/kg per dose orally 4 times daily (80 mg/kg/day) for 5 days. Children over 40 kg should receive the adult dose for chickenpox.
Adults and Children over 40 kg
800 mg 4 times daily for 5 days.
Intravenous acyclovir is indicated for the treatment of varicella-zoster infections in immunocompromised patients.
When therapy is indicated, it should be initiated at the earliest sign or symptom of chickenpox. There is no information about the efficacy of therapy initiated more than 24 hours after onset of signs and symptoms.
Drug Class and Mechanism Acivir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Acivir will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection.
Missed Dose Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Storage Store Acivir at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
