Can you continuously take acyclovir?
Nevertheless, we conclude that the use of oral acyclovir for more than 12 months provides substantial additional prevention against recurrence of ocular HSV. Our data suggest that long-term oral acyclovir use remains effective in decreasing the number of recurrences beyond 12 months.
Can I take acyclovir every 6 hours?
Aciclovir works best when it is given four or five times over 24 hours. For four times a day: ideally this is every 6 hours through the day and night.
What to do if acyclovir isn’t working?
If the response is poor, the dose of oral ACV should be increased to 800 mg five times a day. If no response seen after 5 to 7 days, it is unlikely that the lesion will respond to intravenous ACV (or chemically and structurally related drugs such as VCV or famciclovir), so an alternative regimen must be assigned.
What causes acyclovir resistance?
Acyclovir resistance has been increasingly described and is caused by mutations in either the thymidine kinase or the DNA polymerase genes.
What’s the maximum dose of acyclovir you can take in one day?
Less than 12 years: 20 to 25 mg/kg orally twice a day; Maximum dose: 400 mg 12 years or older: 200 mg orally 5 times a day for 5 days OR 800 mg orally 2 times a day for 5 days OR 800 mg orally 3 times a day for 2 days
How often should you take acyclovir for genital herpes?
Treatment of First Episode of Genital Herpes: 200 mg orally every 4 hours 5 times a day for 10 days (manufacturer dosing) 400 mg orally 3 times a day for 5 to 10 days (CDC recommendation) Severe Disease or Complications Requiring Hospitalization:
What kind of infections can acyclovir be used for?
Acyclovir is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, such as genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chickenpox. Sitavig (acyclovir tablet, delayed release) is only for use in treating cold sores on the lips. Sitavig will not treat genital herpes.
Which is better for herpes, acyclovir or famciclovir?
One study showed that a small 500 mg dose of valacyclovir is as effective as a larger 800 mg dose of acyclovir in preventing recurrence of HSV eye disease. Famciclovir is another antiviral drug that’s used for certain herpes infections.