Apo-Acyclovir

In this factsheet:

• How does Apo-Acyclovir work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Apo-Acyclovir?
• What form(s) does Apo-Acyclovir come in?
• Who should NOT take Apo-Acyclovir?
• What side effects are possible with Apo-Acyclovir?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Apo-Acyclovir?
• What other drugs could interact with Apo-Acyclovir?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Apo-Acyclovir work? What will it do for me?

Acyclovir belongs to the family of medications known as antivirals. Acyclovir is used to treat and prevent genital herpes. It is also used for the acute treatment of herpes zoster (shingles) and varicella (chickenpox). All of these infections are caused by viruses.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Apo-Acyclovir?

Genital herpes: The usual recommended adult dose for genital herpes is 200 mg every 4 hours, 5 times daily for 10 days. The dosage varies for suppression of genital herpes recurrences, 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 shingles is 800 mg every 4 hours, 5 times daily for 7 to 10 days. Treatment should be started within 72 hours of onset of the rash or lesions.

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.

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 that this medication be taken 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 this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

This medication is available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under "What form(s) does this medication come in?"

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.

What form(s) does Apo-Acyclovir come in?

200 mg
Each blue, round, flat-faced, bevelled-edged tablet, engraved "APO" over "200" on one side, contains acyclovir 200 mg. 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-edged tablet, engraved "APO" over "400" on one side, contains acyclovir 400 mg. 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 acyclovir 800 mg. 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).

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take Apo-Acyclovir?

Acyclovir should not be taken by anyone who is allergic to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any of the ingredients of the medication.

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