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ACICLOVIR 800 MG TABLETS - Patient leaflet, side effects, dosage

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Sources: Original (products.mhra.gov.uk)

Patient leaflet - ACICLOVIR 800 MG TABLETS

Aciclovir 800 mg tablets

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains important information for you.

  • Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
  • If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
  • This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
  • If you get any side effects talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

  • 1. What Aciclovir is and what it is used for

  • 2. What you need to know before you take Aciclovir

  • 3. How to take Aciclovir

  • 4. Possible side effects

  • 5. How to store Aciclovir

  • 6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. what aciclovir is and what it is used for

Aciclovir 800 mg tablets (called ‘Aciclovir’ in this leaflet) contains a medicine called aciclovir. This belongs to a group of medicines called antivirals. It works by killing or stopping the growth of viruses.

Aciclovir can be used to:

  • treat chickenpox and shingles

2. what you need to know before you take 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).

Do not take Aciclovir if the above applies to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Aciclovir.

Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Aciclovir if:

  • you have kidney problems
  • you are over 65 years of age.

If you are not sure if the above apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Aciclovir.

It is important that you drink plenty of water while taking Aciclovir.

Other medicines and Aciclovir

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any any other medicines. This includes medicines obtained without a prescription, including herbal medicines.

  • In particular tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines: probenecid, used to treat gout
  • cimetidine, used to treat stomach ulcers
  • mycophenolate mofetil, used to stop your body rejecting transplanted organs.

Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility

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 taking this medicine.

Driving and using machines

Some side effects such as feeling drowsy or sleepy may impair your ability to concentrate and react. Make sure you are not affected before you drive or operate machinery.

3. how to take aciclovir

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Taking this medicine

  • Take this medicine by mouth.
  • Dissolve the tablet in a glass of water and stir before drinking.
  • If you prefer, the tablet can also be swallowed whole with a little water.
  • Start to take Aciclovir as soon as possible.

The dose that you should take will depend on what you have been given Aciclovir for. Your doctor will discuss this with you.

Treatment of chickenpox and shingles

  • The usual dose is one 800 mg tablet taken five times a day.
  • You should space each dose by 4 hours Suggested times are: 7am, 11am, 3pm, 7pm and 11pm.
  • You should take Aciclovir for seven days.
  • it is for a child
  • you are over 65 years of age
  • you have kidney problems. If you have kidney problems, it is important to drink plenty of water while you are being treated with Aciclovir.

Talk to your doctor before taking Aciclovir if any of the above apply.

If you take more Aciclovir than you should Aciclovir is not usually harmful, unless you take too much over several days. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you take too much Aciclovir. Take the medicine pack with you.

If you forget to take Aciclovir

  • If you forget to take Aciclovir, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
  • Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

4. possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following side effects may happen with this medicine:

Allergic reactions (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)

If you have an allergic reaction, stop taking 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
  • collapse

Other side effects include:

  • Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) headache feeling dizzy
  • feeling or being sick
  • diarrhoea
  • stomach pains
  • rash
  • skin reaction after exposure to light (photosensitivity)
  • itching
  • feeling tired
  • unexplained fever (high temperature) and feeling faint, especially when standing up.
  • Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) itchy, hive-like rash hair loss.
  • Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people) effects on some blood and urine tests increases in the enzymes that work in the liver.

Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people)

  • reduced numbers of red blood cells (anaemia)
  • reduced numbers of white blood cells (leukopenia)
  • reduced numbers of blood platelets (cells that help blood to clot) (thrombocytopenia)
  • feeling weak
  • feeling agitated or confused
  • shaking or tremors
  • hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
  • fits
  • feeling unusually sleepy or drowsy
  • unsteadiness when walking and lack of coordination
  • difficulty speaking
  • inability to think or judge clearly
  • unconsciousness (coma)
  • paralysis of part or all of your body
  • disturbances of behaviour, speech and eye movements
  • stiff neck and sensitivity to light
  • inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)
  • yellowing of your skin and whites of your eyes (jaundice)
  • kidney problems where you pass little or no urine
  • pain in your lower back, the kidney area of your back or just above your hip (renal pain).

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: 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 this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Do not store above 30°C.
  • Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton after Exp. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
  • Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

6. contents of the pack and other information

What Aciclovir contains

  • The active substance is aciclovir.

Each 800 mg tablet contains 800 mg aciclovir.

  • The other ingredients are microcrystalline cellulose, povidone K30, sodium starch glycolate Type A and magnesium stearate.

What Aciclovir looks like and contents of the pack

Aciclovir 800 mg tablets are supplied to you in cartons containing 35 tablets in aluminium foil strips. They are white, elongated, biconvex tablets scored on one side.

Marketing authorisation holder and manufacturer

Marketing Authorisation Holder

Dawa Ltd, 5 Sandridge Close, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 1XD

Manufacturer

Pharmaceutical Works POLPHARMA SA

19 Pelplinska Street, 83–200 Starogard Gdanski, Poland.

This leaflet was last revised in July 2019.

Blind or partially sighted?

Is this leaflet hard to see or read?

Call 020 8423 2111 to obtain the leaflet in a format suitable for you.

Sources: Original (products.mhra.gov.uk)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Aciclovir 800 mg used for?

Aciclovir 800 mg is an antiviral medication primarily used to treat infections caused by certain types of viruses, including herpes simplex and shingles.

Can Aciclovir help with cold sores?

Yes, Aciclovir 800 mg can help reduce the pain and duration of cold sores caused by the herpes virus.

How should I take Aciclovir 800 mg tablets?

Take Aciclovir 800 mg tablets as prescribed by your doctor, usually five times a day for a specific period. Swallow the tablet whole with water.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Aciclovir?

If you miss a dose of Aciclovir, take it as soon as you remember. If it's close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.

Can I take Aciclovir 800 mg if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

Consult your doctor before using Aciclovir if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. They will determine if it's safe for you.

Are there any common side effects of Aciclovir 800 mg?

Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness. Most people tolerate it well.

What should I do if I experience severe side effects from Aciclovir?

If you experience severe side effects such as confusion, tremors, or signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Aciclovir?

While there’s no direct interaction between alcohol and Aciclovir, it’s best to avoid alcohol to help your body recover more effectively.

How long does it take for Aciclovir to start working?

You may start noticing improvement in your symptoms within a few days of starting treatment with Aciclovir.

Can children take Aciclovir 800 mg tablets?

Aciclovir can be prescribed to children but in different dosages. Always follow your pediatrician's advice regarding medications for children.

What happens if I overdose on Aciclovir?

An overdose can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, confusion, or seizures. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical help immediately.

Can I use topical creams while taking Aciclovir?

Yes, using topical treatments for sores is typically safe alongside systemic treatment with Aciclovir. Consult your healthcare provider for specific recommendations.

Does taking Aciclovir prevent future outbreaks of herpes?

Aciclovir helps manage current outbreaks but does not prevent future infections. Continuous preventive therapy may be recommended for frequent outbreaks.

What will happen if I stop taking Aciclovir early?

Stopping treatment early may lead to incomplete healing and increase the risk of the infection returning or worsening. Always follow your doctor's instructions on duration.

Is there a generic version of Aciclovir available?

Yes, generic versions of Aciclovir are available and are usually less expensive than brand-name products.

Can I store Aciclovir tablets in my bathroom cabinet?

It’s best to store Aciclovir at room temperature away from moisture and heat; a bathroom cabinet may not be ideal due to humidity.

Will taking other medications affect how well Aciclovir works?

Certain medications can interact with Aciclovir; always inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

Are there any lifestyle changes that can help manage herpes outbreaks while taking Aciclovir?

Yes! Staying hydrated, reducing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, and avoiding triggers like excessive sun exposure can help manage outbreaks better.

How should I dispose of unused or expired Aciclovir tablets?

Unused or expired medications should be disposed of properly; check with your local pharmacy for take-back programs or follow local disposal guidelines.