Aciclovir

Aciclovir as a treatment

Generic Aciclovir works inside your body to attack the virus that causes a genital herpes outbreak, weakening it to the extent where your immune system can effectively attack it and drive it into its dormant state. It does this by preventing the virus from duplicating itself, by stopping the viral enzyme DNA polymerase from performing its job. If the virus can’t duplicate itself during an outbreak, it can’t overpower your immune system.

Benefits of Aciclovir

Aciclovir tablets can’t cure genital herpes; however they can provide effective relief from the uncomfortable symptoms and help you manage your condition better. When you notice the first signs of an outbreak of genital herpes, taking Aciclovir can reduce the amount of time you experience an outbreak for. It can also lessen the symptoms of an outbreak and take away the associated pain and discomfort. It can also be used as a preventative medication if you experience regular outbreaks of genital herpes.

Side effects

Side effects aren’t common, but if they do occur they tend to be mild the majority of the time. Some of the most common side effects include dizziness, headaches, diarrhoea, stomach pain, skin rashes and tiredness. These aren’t likely to be prolonged; however, if they don’t pass quickly or if you experience anything more uncomfortable, contact your doctor straight away.

Taking Aciclovir

Generic Aciclovir tablets can be taken by most men and women over the age of 18 for the treatment of genital herpes. Don’t take Aciclovir if you have an allergy to its active ingredient, aciclovir. Make sure you mention to your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic or if you are taking cimetidine, zidovudine and ciclosporin. This is because your dose may need to be adjusted or an alternative treatment might need to be considered.

Dosages

You can take Aciclovir tablets with or without food, to treat or prevent genital herpes. In general, a doctor may make the following recommendations:

• To treat genital herpes, your doctor may prescribe one 200mg dose five times a day for five days
• To prevent genital herpes, a single 200mg dose four times a day for six to 12 months may be prescribed