Aciclovir

Genital herpes is an infection commonly caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) but can also be caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). HSV-1 often causes cold sores. Genital herpesis a sexually transmitted infection and is passed on through sex.

Aciclovir works by stopping the growth of the herpes simplex virus responsible for causing genital herpes. By stopping the virus from multiplying, it helps to reduce the symptoms and stop the infection from spreading.

You should speak to your doctor if you are pregnant, planning on getting pregnant, or breastfeeding before taking aciclovir.

Do not take aciclovir if you:

• are allergic to aciclovir or any other ingredients in the tablets
• have kidney problems
• have any neurological problems

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The virus causes an outbreak of blisters in the genital or anal region.

The symptoms include:

• small red blisters that can be sore and open
• burning, itching, or tingling around the genitals
• pain when you pee
• an abnormal vaginal discharge in women

The treatment available for genital herpes is antiviral medicine which helps to control and stop outbreaks.

There are three main treatment options available, they are:

• aciclovir
• valaciclovir
• famciclovir

Valaciclovir is a pro-drug, that means your body converts it into aciclovir after you have taken it. Famciclovir is also an antiviral medicine used to treat genital herpes. It works best if it is taken as soon as you notice your symptoms appear.

As well as tablets, aciclovir is also available in a cream which is often used to treat cold sores. Aciclovir cream is not usually recommended to treat genital herpes. If you are not sure if you have herpes, you can take a genital herpes test at home.

The dosage of aciclovir you require will depend on whether you have genital herpes symptoms now. The usual dose for the first episode of genital herpes is 400mg 3 times per day for up to 10 days.

If you have more outbreaks after the first one, the 400mg is used 3 times a day for 5 days.

Aciclovir can also be used to prevent outbreaks. This is recommended for people who have 6 or more outbreaks in a year, or whose outbreaks are very severe when they happen. This is called suppression treatment. For this, 400mg is taken twice a day for 6 to 12 months.

You should take the tablets by mouth, swallowing them whole with a glass of water. Or, you can dissolve the tablet in a glass of water and stir before drinking. Take aciclovir as soon as possible after your symptoms have occurred.

While taking aciclovir tablets, it is important to drink plenty of water to help keep your kidneys working well. Because aciclovir can make you feel tired or drowsy, it may impair your ability to concentrate and react. If you are affected, do not drive or operate machinery.

There are no known interactions between aciclovir and alcohol, so drinking while taking aciclovir tablets should not affect your treatment. When you have an outbreak of genital herpes, it may be best to avoid excessive alcohol drinking to help your body fight and treat the infection.

If you take more aciclovir than you have been prescribed, you should speak to your doctor for advice. It is not usually harmful unless you take too much over several days.

If you forget a dose you should take it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time to take your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose entirely. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.