Apo Acyclovir

Genital herpes: The usual recommended adult dose for treating genital herpes is 200 mg every 4 hours, 5 times daily for 10 days. The usual recommended adult dose for preventing genital herpes infection from coming back (called suppressive therapy) varies but usually starts at 200 mg 3 times daily. You should start acyclovir as early as possible following the onset of signs and symptoms.

Shingles: The recommended dose for treating shingles is 800 mg every 4 hours, 5 times daily for 7 to 10 days. Treatment should be started within 48 hours of onset of the rash or lesions for maximum benefit, however it may be started as late as 72 hours after lesions begin to form.

Chickenpox: The recommended dose for chickenpox is based on body weight. The usual dose is 20 mg per kilogram of body weight (not to exceed 800 mg) 4 times daily for 5 days. Therapy should be started within 24 hours of onset of the rash.

Tablets should be swallowed whole, with water. If you are using the suspension, the bottle should be shaken well before use. Use an oral syringe to measure each dose of the suspension, as it gives a more accurate measurement than household teaspoons.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Apo Acyclovir exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Apo Acyclovir at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause headaches; it may cause diarrhea; it may cause dizziness - use caution when getting up from a lying or sitting position and use caution if driving; it may cause nausea and vomiting. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

200 mg
Each blue, round, flat-faced, bevelled-edge tablet engraved "APO" over "200" on one side contains 200 mg of acyclovir. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, lactose, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; colouring agent: FD&C Blue No. 2 (Indigotine Aluminum Lake).

400 mg
Each pink, round, flat-faced, bevelled-edge tablet engraved "APO" over "400" on one side contains 400 mg of acyclovir. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; colouring agent: red ferric oxide (Orange Shade No. 34690).

800 mg
Each blue, biconvex, oval, scored, compressed tablet engraved "APO 800" on one side contains 800 mg of acyclovir. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; colouring agent: FD&C Blue No. 2 (indigotine Aluminum Lake) and FD&C Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF Aluminum Lake).

Do not take acyclovir if you are allergic to acyclovir, Valacyclovir, or any of the ingredients of the medication.

There may be an interaction between acyclovir and any of the following:

• foscarnet
• mycophenolate
• tenofovir
• Tizanidine
• varicella virus (shingles) vaccine
• zidovudine
• zoster (chicken pox) vaccine

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Acyclovir may affect the mental or physical abilities needed to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Apo Acyclovir affects you.

Genital herpes: To reduce the risk of spreading the virus, wash your hands immediately after touching your skin sores. You should avoid intimate contact when live lesions are visible on your skin. The herpes virus can still be spread even when you do not have blisters or sores.

Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Apo Acyclovir to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Apo Acyclovir may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Acyclovir, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

People with reduced kidney function generally require a lower dose of Apo Acyclovir.

Long-term use: The effect of long-term use of Apo Acyclovir has not been established. Your doctor may periodically stop your medication to reassess your need for continuous treatment.

Pregnancy: Apo Acyclovir is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless your doctor has determined that the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Apo Acyclovir, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Apo Acyclovir passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking acyclovir, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Apo Acyclovir have not been established for children less than 2 years of age.

Seniors: Seniors are more likely to have reduced kidney function and therefore are at greater risk of experiencing the side effects of acyclovir. Lower doses may be needed.

This medication is typically used every 4 hours. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Take it regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up. This medication may be taken with or without food.