This second section of our medication database entry focuses on potential side effects, withdrawal or discontinuation effects, and additional information, while part one covers basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits.
Or click here for clinical trials research information on zovirax.
Side Effects of Aciclovir
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
- More common-For acyclovir injection only
- Pain, swelling, or redness at place of injection
- Less common
- Abdominal or stomach pain; decreased frequency of urination or amount of urine; increased thirst; loss of appetite; nausea or vomiting; unusual tiredness or weakness
- Rare
- Black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; chills, fever, or sore throat; confusion; convulsions (seizures); hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there); hives; pinpoint red spots on skin; trembling; unusual bleeding or bruising
- Frequency not determined
- Bleeding or oozing from puncture sites or mucous membranes (bowel, mouth, nose, or urinary bladder), continuing; blistering, peeling, or loosening of skin; bluish coloring, especially of the hands and feet; blurred vision; bruising at the place of injection; changes in facial skin color; changes in vision; clumsiness; coughing; decreased consciousness; difficulty in breathing or swallowing; dizziness or feeling faint, severe; fast heartbeat; irritability; itching or skin rash; large hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, sex organs; mood or mental changes; muscle cramps, pain, or weakness; pale skin; red or irritated eyes; sense of agitation or uneasiness; shakiness and unsteady walk; sores, ulcers, or white spots in mouth or on lips; swelling of eyelids, face, feet, hands, lower legs or lips; swollen, painful, or tender lymph nodes (glands) in neck, armpit, or groin; unsteadiness or other problems with muscle control or coordination; yellow eyes or skin
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
- More common- Especially seen with high doses
- General feeling of discomfort or illness
- Less common- Especially seen with long-term use or high doses
- Diarrhea; headache
- Frequency not determined
- Burning, prickling, or tingling sensations; drowsiness; loss of hair
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Additional Information About Aciclovir
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although not specifically included in product labeling, acyclovir by injection is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:
- Herpes simplex (for prevention of repeated infections) in people with a weak immune system
- Herpes zoster infections of the eye
- Shingles (for prevention of repeated infections) in people with a weak immune system
Other than the above information, there is no additional information relating to proper use, precautions, or side effects for these uses.
Limitations and the Source of Our Online Medication Information Database
Although we have made considerable efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, MedLibrary.org makes no guarantee to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This medication information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend any specific pharmacotherapy. This is an educational resource only -- intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of medically qualified healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. MedLibrary.org does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.
Revised: 01/15/2002