What is Acyclovir 400 mg used for?

by Marie | Sep 25, 2017 | HIV | 0 comments

A wide variety of pharmaceutical research is directed at formulating agents for herpes virus. Most of these efforts have focused on developing a novel drug-delivery system for treating herpes infections. Among the pharmaceutical agents developed for treating and preventing herpes viruses, Acyclovir is a promising drug for controlling infection. It has been formulated as oral disintegrating tablets to facilitate ease of administration.

Acyclovir 400mg is an antiviral medication active against herpes simplex viruses type I and type II and varicella-zoster virus. Further work has confirmed the drug’s value in the prevention and treatment of severe and life-threatening infections. However, the medication does not cure herpes; infections can return later.

Uses of Acyclovir

Acyclovir is an antiviral medication that the Food and Drug Administration has approved to treat viral infections from the varicella viruses responsible for causing shingles, chickenpox, and infections from the virus that contribute to genital herpes. It is useful in preventing viruses from diving and multiplying. The medicine is clinically approved in different formulations and strengths for specific populations. This involves people who are immunocompromised or have a weak immune system.

Herpes simplex virus and Varicella zoster virus infection are opportunistic infections caused by the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These infections develop more frequently in patients with a weak immune system than in those with a healthy immune system. Antiviral medication is also useful in treating and preventing varicella-zoster virus in HIV patients.

Important information about Acyclovir

An individual taking Acyclovir must let his/her healthcare specialist know about the following:

If you are allergic to the antiviral medication or other medication substances.
About any medical conditions, you are currently suffering from or had in the past. These medical conditions include hepatic impairment or diabetes mellitus.
About anything (daily activities) that can affect your ability to take the antiviral drug, such as trouble swallowing, tablets, problems remembering to take doses on time, or any other health condition that prevents you from oral administration.
Women must tell about their pregnancy; however, the medicine is still not known whether it can harm an unborn baby. Women must take Acyclovir only when the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the unborn baby. It is important to discuss the possible risks associated with the intake of this antiviral medication during pregnancy.
A nursing mother should inform her healthcare provider about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is not allowed if the woman is infected with HIV.
About other medications that you are currently taking or planning to take. These medications include vitamins, herbal products, nutritional supplements, etc. This is necessary because any of these medications can affect how your antiviral medication works and delay the improvement. Discuss with your healthcare provider about drug interactions between Acyclovir and other medicines.