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Introduction About ACYLOVIR CREAM

ACYLOVIR CREAM contains Acyclovir, which belongs to the group of medicines called Antivirals. It is used for the management of cold sores associated with the Herpes simplex virus in immunodeficiency adults and adolescents over 12 years of age. It can also be used to speed up the healing of sores and shorten the duration of pain. A cold sore is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus most often around the mouth. Symptoms include tiny, fluid-filled lesions called cold sores, sore lips, ulcers, blisters or rashes on the skin.

Before applying ACYLOVIR CREAM inform your doctor if you have low immunity, cold sores in mouth or frequent episodes of cold sores greater than 4 times a year. ACYLOVIR CREAM is generally not recommended for use in pregnant women unless it is considered clearly necessary. ACYLOVIR CREAM is generally not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it may pass through the breast milk.

The most common side effects after applying ACYLOVIR CREAM are rash, itchy skin, weal, mild drying or flaking of the skin and dry lips. Contact your doctor if your side effects gets worse or persists for a longer duration.

Uses Of ACYLOVIR CREAM

It is used to:

manage cold sores associated with herpes simplex virus infections
speeds up the healing process and shortens the duration of pain
manage recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) in immunodeficiency adults and adolescents 12 years of age and above

How ACYLOVIR CREAM Works

ACYLOVIR CREAM works by 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 ACYLOVIR CREAM

Apply ACYLOVIR CREAM as directed by your physician. It is for external use only. Wash your hands with soap and water before applying the medicine. Apply a thin layer of medicine to the affected area. Do not rub the cold sore because this may cause the cold sore to spread to other areas or make your cold sore worse. Use this medicine for up to 5 days.

Side Effects Of ACYLOVIR CREAM

Common

burning or stinging feeling
redness, itching, mild drying or flaking of the skin, skin rashes, hives and weals
dry or cracked lips
peeling

Stop applying ACYLOVIR CREAM and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:

allergic reaction symptoms such as rash, itchy skin, weal, swelling of the lips, face and/or eyelids

How To Manage Side Effects

Skin rash Or Itching

Avoid hot showers because hot water can irritate the skin. Do not scratch the affected area. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Regularly use unscented moisturizers to soothe and hydrate the affected area. If the symptom does not improve, contact your doctor.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Consult your doctor

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant before applying ACYLOVIR CREAM. Consult your doctor before applying the medicine.

Breastfeeding

Contraindicated

ACYLOVIR CREAM is generally not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it may pass through the breast milk. Consult your doctor before applying ACYLOVIR CREAM.

Allergy

Contraindicated

Do not apply ACYLOVIR CREAM if you are allergic to Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, or any of the other ingredients of the medicine.

Use In Pediatrics

Use with Caution

ACYLOVIR CREAM should be used with caution in children and adolescents under 12 years of age. Consult your doctor before applying ACYLOVIR CREAM.

Use In Geriatrics

Use with Caution

ACYLOVIR CREAM should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged above 75 years). Consult your doctor before applying ACYLOVIR CREAM.

Others

ACYLOVIR CREAM is not recommended for use if you have:

mouth ulcers
herpes infections near the eyes, or in the genital area

Before applying ACYLOVIR CREAM, inform your doctor:

if you have low immunity
if you have frequent episodes of cold sores

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription, vitamin supplements or herbal products.

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally use too much of ACYLOVIR CREAM or if you or a child accidentally swallow the medicine, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.

Synopsis

Drug	:	Acyclovir
Pharmacological Category	:	Antivirals
Therapeutic Indication	:	Cold sores
Dosage Forms	:	Tablet, Suspension, Syrup, Infusion, Injection, Cream, Ointment, Eye ointment

More Information

Storage

Keep ACYLOVIR CREAM out of the sight and reach from children
Store ACYLOVIR CREAM below 25°C

FAQs About ACYLOVIR CREAM

Q: Can I apply ACYLOVIR CREAM on genital herpes?

A: No. Do not apply ACYLOVIR CREAM to any unaffected skin, or genital herpes sores. Consult your doctor before applying.

Q: Can I use ACYLOVIR CREAM for impetigo?

A: No. ACYLOVIR CREAM is used to manage cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. Consult your doctor before applying ACYLOVIR CREAM.

Q: How long does it take for ACYLOVIR CREAM to work?

A: ACYLOVIR CREAM starts working within 24 hours of applying and symptoms gradually decrease within 3 days. Consult your doctor if the symptom persists.

Q: Can I use ACYLOVIR CREAM on my lips?

A: Yes. ACYLOVIR CREAM is used to manage cold sores (fever blisters;blisters that are caused by a herpes simplex virus) on the face or lips. Consult your doctor before applying ACYLOVIR CREAM.

References

1. KD Tripathi. Antiviral drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page-799.

2. CP Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in January 2017] [Accessed on 21st April 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.9273.pdf

3. GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Ireland. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. [Revised in June 2014] [Accessed on 21st April 2022] https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/1bd6b3c8-01dc-4e0f-94d3-f738dfeb3b6c.pdf

4. GlaxoSmithKline. Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). [Revised in June 2014] [Accessed on 21st April 2022] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/021478s007lbl.pdf

5. Relonchem Limited. Acyclovir. [Revised in March 2017] [Accessed on 21st April 2022] https://mhraproductsprod.blob.core.windows.net/docs/5b7af5e67daa228ce8c33859af93fd2d67b178b1

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

Author Details

Written By Dr. Janet.C - Pharm.D

Reviewed For Accuracy By Dr. Karthikeyan Rajagopal - M. Pharma, Ph.D (Pharmacology)

Last updated on 08 Aug 2024 | 11:02 AM(IST)