What is Acyclovir 400mg: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions

Acyclovir is proven at combating herpes symptoms and is available in the form of 400 mg dispersible tablets. It can be consumed for both long and short term period.

Uses of Acyclovir 400mg

Acyclovir 400mg is a prescription medicine clinically approved by the Food and Drug administration for the treatment and prevention of recurrence of herpes simplex virus infection including genital herpes and for the treatment of varicella zoster virus including shingles and chicken pox. It is also approved for people with weak immune system or immunocompromised patients. The medication doesn’t cure herpes infections. The virus stays in your body for a long time and causes symptoms again later.

Acyclovir 400mg falls into the category of antiviral, which works in a similar way. It exerts its mode of action by lowering the ability of the herpes virus to multiply in your body. This action is helpful in treating the symptoms of your infections. However, this antiviral medication does not cure herpes infections. The infection caused by a virus includes shingles, cold sores, genital herpes, or chickenpox. Even with Acyclovir 400mg, the virus may still live inside your body. Your symptoms of infections may recur even after the current infection disappears.

Side Effects of Acyclovir 400mg

The antiviral medication does not cause drowsiness, but it can give rise to other problems. These problems are often referred to the side effects of the medicine. Some of the more commonly reported side effects of dispersible oral tablets are stated below:

• Headache
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

All these side effects are mild in nature does not cause serious complications. However, some people may also experience serious side effects associated with the medication. In such cases, it is advisable to inform health care provider and inform about the life threatening symptoms. Some of these serious side effects that an individual taking Acyclovir 400mg may experience are as follows:

• Unusual changes in your behaviour and blood. Symptoms may include:

1. Confusion
2. Hallucinations
3. Aggressive behaviour
4. Trouble speaking
5. Coma
6. Unsteady or shaky movements

• Hepatic impairment
• Muscle pain
• Fatigue which indicates the decrease in red blood cells
• Skin reactions including hives, hair loss, breaking or loosening of skin, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, rash
• Symptoms of kidney failure include blood in the urine, pain in the side and back
• Changes in your vision
• Symptoms of an allergic reaction including rash, swelling of your throat or tongue, difficulty breathing, hives

Drug Interaction 

Drug interaction takes place when a drug changes the way another drugs works. This can prevent the medication from working well. To avoid any drug interaction, your health care specialist should manage all of your medications carefully. Drugs interact differently in each person, therefore, be sure, to inform your health care provider about all the medications including supplements, vitamins, and other herbal products. You can discuss with your health care provider, about how your antiviral medication might interact with something else you are taking.