ACICLOVIR TABLETS
Please read this leaflet carefully before you start to take this medicine. It gives an outline of the more important things you should know. If you want to know more about this medicine, or you are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You should keep this leaflet throughout your course of treatment.
THE NAME OF YOUR MEDICINE IS ACICLOVIR TABLETS
Aciclovir Tablets contain the active ingredient aciclovir. The tablets come in three strengths, 200mg, 400mg and 800mg.
Other ingredients in your tablets are gelatin, lactose, maize starch, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycollate and magnesium stearate.
Aciclovir 200mg Tablets are white, circular tablets marked ACV 200 on one face, CP on the reverse.
Aciclovir 400mg Tablets are white, oval tablets marked with ACV 400 and a breakline on one face, CP on the reverse.
Aciclovir 800mg Tablets are white, oval tablets marked with ACV 800 and a breakline on one face, CP on the reverse.
Aciclovir 200mg Tablets are available in blister packs of 25 tablets.
Aciclovir 400mg Tablets are available in blister packs of 56 tablets.
Aciclovir 800mg Tablets are available in blister packs of 35 tablets.
Marketing Authorisation Holder:
Manufacturer:
How Does Your Medicine Work?
Aciclovir belongs to a group of medicines called antivirals. These medicines work by stopping viruses from
spreading in the body.
What Are Aciclovir Tablets For?
Aciclovir Tablets are used to treat shingles in adults and infections of the lips or nose (“cold sores”), skin and genitals caused by herpes virus. Aciclovir tablets are also used to prevent repeated herpes infections and to protect people who have a low resistance to disease and have been in contact with herpes.
Doctors sometimes prescribe this medicine for other purposes. If you think this applies to you, ask your doctor.
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not take Aciclovir Tablets if you have ever had a reaction or been told that you are allergic to aciclovir or any of the other ingredients in the tablets. Check by reading the list of ingredients above.
If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.
Before taking this medicine, you should let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breast-feeding or planning to become pregnant or start breast-feeding.
Taking another medicine while you are taking Aciclovir Tablets can affect how it or the other medicine works. Make sure that your doctor knows what other medicines you are taking. Do not take any other medicines while you are taking Aciclovir Tablets unless you have told your doctor or pharmacist and asked their advice. This includes medicines you may have bought yourself.
Examples of medicines that can affect Aciclovir Tablets are:
- Probenecid, a drug used to prevent gout.
- Zidovudine, another antiviral drug.
- Theophylline, used in asthma.
If you have any doubts about whether you should take this medicine then talk to your doctor.
Advice When Taking Aciclovir Tablets
- It is important to drink plenty of water while you are taking aciclovir.
- Care is required if you have kidney problems, any nervous disorder, liver disease, abnormal levels of electrolytes (salts) in the blood or severe breathing difficulties. Your dosage may be reduced.
- You should not drive or operate machinery until you are sure that the tablets are not affecting your ability to do so.
Taking This Medicine
The usual adult dose of Aciclovir Tablets for the treatment of cold sores, skin or genital herpes is 200mg five times daily (usually every four hours while awake) for five days. For children over two years the dose is the same as the adult dose. For children under two years, the usual dose is 100mg five times a day.
The usual adult dose of Aciclovir Tablets for the prevention of repeated herpes infections is 200mg four times daily or 400mg twice daily, which can be reduced to 200mg two or three times daily. For children over two years the dose is the same as the adult dose. For children under two years, the usual dose is 200mg twice daily. Treatment should be interrupted every 6 -12 months to see if you are free from infection.
The usual adult dose for protection from herpes infections in those with low resistance to disease is 200mg four times daily, which may be increased to 400mg four times daily for severe cases. For children over two years the dose is the same as the adult dose. For children under two years, the usual dose is 100mg four times daily. Treatment should be given for as long as there is a risk of herpes infection.
The usual adult dose for the treatment of shingles in adults is 800mg five times daily (usually every four hours while awake). This should start no later than three days after the first sign of infection and continue for seven days.
Your doctor will decide the dose that is best for you. Always follow your doctor’s instructions completely. Also, follow any instructions or warnings that appear on the label that the pharmacist has put on the pack. If you do not understand, or are in any doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
To remove a tablet, press on the tablet from the blister (or bubble) side, pushing it through the foil. Do not remove the tablet from the blister until you are ready to take it.
Unless told otherwise, swallow your tablets whole with plenty of water.
You should take your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you to. If you forget to take a dose, take another as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, then do not take the missed dose at all. Never double the next dose to make up for the one missed. Do not stop taking the medicine without talking to your doctor first.
If you accidentally take too many tablets, you should contact your doctor, pharmacist or nearest hospital casualty department. Take this leaflet and any tablets you have left to show the doctor or pharmacist.
Are There Any Side-Effects?
Like many medicines, Aciclovir Tablets may cause side-effects in some patients, particularly when you first start taking them. The side-effects that some other patients have had with Aciclovir Tablets include kidney problems, blood problems (which could cause sore throats, mouth ulcers, or generally feeling tired or unwell), rashes, sore muscles, swelling of the feet or hands, visual disturbances, itching, fever, headaches, stomach pain, feeling sick, being sick and diarrhoea. There may be some increases in levels of chemicals in the blood, indicating kidney or liver disturbances.
Rarely, swollen glands, allergic reactions (sometimes with fever, rash, swelling of the face and difficulty breathing), liver problems, jaundice (with yellow skin and whites of eyes), thrombocytopenia (reduced blood platelets), hair loss, serious skin conditions such as Steven-Johnsons syndrome, erythema multiforme and toxic epidermal necrolysis, mental illness, psychosis, tiredness, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, feeling agitated, shaking, “pins and needles”, fits and loss of consciousness have been reported, particularly in older patients or those with renal impairment.
If you experience any other side effects or feel that the medicine is affecting you badly, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Safe Keeping For This Medicine
Do not take this medicine if the expiry date on the label has passed or if the tablets show signs of “going on” such as discoloration.
Do not store these tablets above 25°C. Keep them in the package or container in which they were given to you. Do not transfer Aciclovir Tablets to another container.
Keep Aciclovir Tablets out of the reach and sight of children.
Remember this medicine is for you only. Never give it to anyone else. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
Unless your doctor tells you to, do not keep medicines that you no longer need. Give them back to your pharmacist.
Other formats:
To listen to or request a copy of the leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge:
0800 198 5000 (UK Only)
Please be ready to give the following information:
Product Name - Reference Number
- Aciclovir 200mg Tablets - 29831/0002
- Aciclovir 400mg Tablets - 29831/0001
- Aciclovir 800mg Tablets - 29831/0003
This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of the Blind.
DATE OF PREPARATION
August 2007
CP4
103799/1
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