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Introduction About ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET
ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET contains Acyclovir, which belongs to the group of medicines called Antivirals. It is used for chickenpox, shingles, cold sores, genital herpes and other herpes simplex infections to manage infections in people with a weakened immune system. Cold sores, (a virus causing contagious sores, most often around the mouth or on the genitals), genital herpes (a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus and symptoms include genital pain and sores, pain, itching and small sores).
Before taking ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET inform your doctor if you have kidney problems. ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET should be used with caution among pregnant or breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before taking ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET.
The most common side effects of taking ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET are headache, dizziness, feeling or being sick, diarrhea, stomach pain and rashes. Contact your doctor if the symptom persists.
Uses Of ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET
ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET is used in the following conditions:
- chickenpox and Herpes zoster (shingles)
- cold sores, genital herpes
- herpes simplex infections
- problems in those people infected with a virus
- infections in low immunity patients
How ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET Works
ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET works against or stopping the growth of viruses (herpes virus). It has a higher affinity for viral DNA cells than human DNA cells and incorporates into the viral DNA and causes DNA chain termination and inactivation, leading to the death of cells.
How to use ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET
Take ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending on your age, body weight and disease condition.
Side Effects Of ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET
Common
- headache
- dizziness
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- stomach pain
- skin reaction after exposure to light (photosensitivity), itchy skin
- feeling tired
- fever
Uncommon
- itchy, hive-like rash
- hair loss
Rare
- effects on blood and urine tests
- increase in liver enzymes
How To Manage Side Effects

Diarrhea
Drink lots of fluids, such as water or fruit juice to keep you hydrated. Do not consume any medicine on your own without consulting your doctor.

Dizziness Or Drowsiness
If ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET makes you feel dizzy, take rest until you feel better. Do not drive or operate any machines.

Headache
Take rest and drink plenty of fluids. If not subsided. Consult your doctor if your symptom gets worse or persist.

Nausea And Vomiting
Take simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food.

Skin rash Or Itching
Try to use an unscented moisturiser. If the symptom does not improve, contact your doctor.

Stomach Pain
Try to rest and relax. Eat smaller meals but take them frequently. Keep a heating pad on your stomach. If the symptom does not improve, contact your doctor.
Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy
Use with CautionACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET should be used with caution in pregnant women. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Breastfeeding
Use with CautionACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET should be used with caution in breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Driving and Using Machines
Use with CautionDo not drive or operate any machines if you feel dizzy, drowsiness or asleep after taking ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET.

Kidney
Consult your doctorACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET is not recommended for use if you have renal failure. It should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems. Consult your doctor before taking ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET.

Allergy
ContraindicatedDo not take ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET if you are allergic to Acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.

Use In Geriatrics
Use with CautionACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged above 75 years). Consult your doctor before taking ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET.
Others
ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET is not recommended for use if you:
- have thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/haemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP/HUS)
Before taking ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET, inform your doctor:
- if you have a low resistance to disease (immune deficiency)
- if you are taking nephrotoxic medicines (Ex. amphotericin B and aminoglycoside antibiotics)
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before taking ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicine:
- probenecid (used to manage gout)
- cimetidine (used to manage stomach ulcers)
- drugs acting on the immune system (Ex. mycophenolate mofetil)
- amikacin, amphotericin B, atovaquone, lumefantrine, mefloquine, azithromycin, capreomycin, caspofungin, clarithromycin, clindamycin, doxycycline, erythromycin (used to manage infections)
- antivirals Ex. valacyclovir, valganciclovir, ganciclovir, tenofovir, cidofovir (used to manage viral infections)
- albendazole (used to manage parasitic infections)
- dapsone, isoniazid (used to manage mycobacterial infections)
- antifungals Ex. fluconazole, itraconazole
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdose are agitation, seizures, lethargy.
Synopsis
Drug | : | Acyclovir |
Pharmacological Category | : | Antivirals |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Chickenpox, shingles, herpes simplex virus |
Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Suspension, Syrup, Infusion, Injection, Cream, Ointment, Eye- ointment |
More Information
Storage
- Keep ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET out of the sight and reach from children
- Store ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET below 25°C
FAQs About ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET
Q: Can ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET be used to manage Urinary Tract Infections?
A: Yes. ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET used to manage cystitis caused by the herpes simplex virus. Consult your doctor before taking ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET.
Q: What precautions do I need to follow while taking ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET?
A: Patients taking ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET must inform their doctor about their pre-existing disease conditions like kidney, heart, or liver problems and if they are elderly above 65 years of age.
Q: Can ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET be used on pregnancy?
A: Yes. ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET should be used with caution in pregnant women. Consult your doctor before taking ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET.
Q: Who should avoid taking ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET?
A: ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET is not recommended for patients having kidney diseases or elderly above 65 years and patients with allergic history to acyclovir. Consult your doctor before taking ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET.
Q: How long does it take for ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET to show its effects?
A: ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET works within 24-48 hours of administration.
Q: Can ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET manage a bacterial infection?
A: No. ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET is an antiviral medicine used to manage herpes simplex virus, chicken pox, and shingles. Talk to your doctor before taking ACIVIR DT 400MG TABLET.
References
1. KD Tripathi. Antiviral drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page-799.
2. Laurence L. Brunton, Randa Hilal-Dandan, Bjorn C. Knollman, Antiviral agents (Non-retroviral), Goodman & Gillman’s: The pharmacological basics of therapeutics, 13th edition. 2018. Page-1105.
3. Terapia S.A & Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Europe BV. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in October 2019] [Accessed on 18th April 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4336.pdf
4. Terapia S.A. & Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Europe BV. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in October 2019] [Accessed on 18th April 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4335.pdf
5. GlaxoSmithKline. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. [Revised in June 2005] [Accessed on 18th April 2022] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2005/018828s030,020089s019,019909s020lbl.pdf
6. Acyclovir. CDSCO. [Revised in September 2010] [Accessed on 18th April 2022] https://cdscoonline.gov.in/CDSCO/Drugs
7. Significant drug interactions for drugs used to treat or prevent opportunistic infections. https://clinicalinfo.hiv.gov/en/guidelines/pediatric-opportunistic-infection/table-5-significant-drug-interactions-drugs-used-treat
8. Drugbank. Mechanism of action of acyclovir. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00787
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Herpes Simplex Virus 1 DNA PCR
- Herpes Simplex Virus 1 IgG
- Herpes Simplex Virus 2 DNA PCR
- Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgG
- Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgM
- Varicella Zoster IgG
- Varicella Zoster IgM