Patient leaflet - Aciclovir 30 mg/g eye ointment
1. What Aciclovir is and what it is used for
Aciclovir contains a medicine called aciclovir, which belongs to a group of medicines called antivirals.
It is used to treat eye infections caused by the Herpes simplex virus. It works by killing or stopping the growth of viruses on the front of your eyeball (cornea).
2. What you need to know before you use Aciclovir
Do not use Aciclovir,
If you are allergic to aciclovir or valaciclovir or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in Section 6).
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Aciclovir
- Use Aciclovir only on eye.
- You may immediately experience a mild stinging and burning sensation after the application.
- Immediate hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema, swelling of the face etc. can occur. Contact a doctor immediately in case of such hypersensitivity reactions.
- If you experience allergic reactions such as itching of eyelid, swelling or redness of the eye, discontinue the treatment with Aciclovir and consult a doctor.
- Please contact your doctor immediately for advice, if any symptom gets serious or reoccurs.
During the treatment with Aciclovir, contact lenses should not be worn.
Children and adolescents
Same as in adults.
Other medicines and Aciclovir
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, have recently used or might use any other medicines.
When applied locally in the eye, no significant interactions were observed so far.
There is however insufficient information on the use of Aciclovir and simultaneous use with eye medicines containing corticosteroids. Your doctor will decide if this is appropriate for you.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
If you are pregnant or breast feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine.
Aciclovir can be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding as when used at recommended doses no side effects are expected during pregnancy, for the foetus or new born child.
Driving and using machines
Due to its nature, this medicine may cause temporary vision impairment.
Therefore, special care should be taken when driving motor vehicles, when working without secure hold and when operating machinery.
3. How to use Aciclovir
Instructions for Use
For ocular use.
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist, if you are note sure.
Unless otherwise prescribed by a doctor, the recommended dose is:
Place an 1 cm ribbon of ointment inside the lower conjunctival sac 5 times a day (every 4 hours). Suggested times are: 7:00, 11:00, 15:00, 19:00 and 23:00.
Pull down the lower lid and place the ointment strand inside the conjunctival sac. Close your eye lids, and rotate your eye ball so that the ointment gets better distributed.
It is essential that you apply Aciclovir during the day in regular intervals of 4 hours to ensure the success of treatment. After the inflammation of the cornea has healed up, the treatment should still be continued for at least 3 days.
Use in children and adolescents
Same as in adults.
If you use more Aciclovir than you should
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you use too much Aciclovir.
Aciclovir is for use in the eye, if you swallow any talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
If you forget to use Aciclovir
If you forget to use Aciclovir, use it as soon as you remember.
However, if it is nearly time for your next application, skip the missed application. Do not use a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you stop using Aciclovir
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Aciclovir can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Immediately after application of the eye ointment, a transient mild stinging or burning may occur. If you notice swelling of the face, angioedema etc, stop using Aciclovir and see a doctor straight away.
Allergic reactions very rare (may affect less than 1 in 10,000 people)
If you have an allergic reaction or acute hypersensitivity reactions, stop using Aciclovir and see a doctor straight away.
The signs may include:
- rash, itching or hives on your skin
- swelling of your face, lips, tongue or other parts of your body
- shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing
- unexplained fever (high temperature) and feeling faint, especially when standing up.
Other side effects include:
Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):
burning or irritation, photophobia/light sensitivity or feeling as if there is something in your eye (superficial punctuate keratopathy)
This usually does not require cessation of the treatment and heals immediately.
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
transient mild stinging or burning occurring immediately following application
swollen, runny eyes (conjunctivitis)
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):
swollen, red, irritated, itchy eyelids (blepharitis)
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. How to store Aciclovir
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
- Do not store above 25oC.
- Do not use for more than 4 weeks after first opening.
- Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month.
- If your medicine becomes discoloured or shows any signs of deterioration, return it to your pharmacist.
- Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6. Contents of the pack and other information
What Aciclovir contains
The active substance is aciclovir. 1 g ointment contains 30 mg aciclovir. The other excipient is white soft paraffin.
What Aciclovir looks like and contents of the pack
1 carton contains one aluminium tube with polyethylene cap and polyethylene cannula (tip) containing 4.5 g of white to whitish-grey eye ointment.
Manufactured by
AGEPHA Pharma s.r.o, Diaľničná cesta 5, 903 01 Senec, Slovakia.
Procured from within the EU by the Product Licence Holder:
MPT Pharma Ltd, Westgate Business Park, Unit 5-7 Tintagel Way, Aldridge, Walsall, WS9 8ER.
Repackaged by MPT Pharma Ltd.
PL: 33532/1419
Leaflet dated 15th February 2022
Leaflet coded XXXXXXXXXX
To request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call 01922 745645 and ask for the Regulatory Department.
POM