Acyclovir tablet What is this medicine? ACYCLOVIR is an antiviral. It is used to treat infections caused by a virus, like chicken pox, herpes, and shingles. It is also used to prevent herpes outbreaks. This medicine will not cure herpes infections. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •kidney disease •an unusual or allergic reaction to acyclovir, ganciclovir, valacyclovir, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. You can take it with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think your are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early. Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply. Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others. What if I miss a dose? If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What may interact with this medicine? •probenecid This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine. What should I watch for while using this medicine? Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve. This medicine works best when started very early in the course of an infection. Begin treatment at the first signs of infection. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water or fluids every day while you are taking this medicine. This will help prevent side effects. You can still pass chickenpox, shingles, or herpes to another person even while you are taking this medicine. Avoid contact with others as directed. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease. Talk to your doctor about how to stop the spread of infection. What side effects may I notice from this medicine? Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: •allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue •chest pain •confusion, hallucinations, tremor •dark urine •increased sensitivity to the sun •redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth •seizures •trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine •unusual bleeding or bruising, or pinpoint red spots on the skin •unusually weak or tired •yellowing of the eyes or skin Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •diarrhea •fever •headache •nausea, vomiting •stomach upset This list may not describe all possible side effects. Where should I keep my medicine? Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.