Acyclovir (Topical)

Brand Names : Zovirax, acycloguanosine

Proper Use of This Medicine

Acyclovir 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.