Acyclovir (Systemic)

(ay SYE kloe veer)

How does this drug come?

• This drug comes as a capsule, an injection, a liquid, and a tablet.

Pharmacologic Category

• Antiviral Agent

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or reactions to drugs, food preservatives, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to stop or treat herpes infections.
• It is used to treat chickenpox.

How does this drug work?

• Acyclovir works to harm the virus and fight the infection.

How is this drug given?

• All products:
• To gain the most benefit, do not miss giving your child doses.
• Give as you have been told, even if your child is feeling better.
• Have your child drink lots of noncaffeine liquids every day unless told to drink less liquid by your child's doctor.
• Oral:
• Give with or without food. Give with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• There is a liquid (suspension) if your child cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
• Children who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after this drug is given.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with this drug. If there is none, get an oral syringe, a dropper, a spoon, or a cup (only for older children) from your pharmacist.
• If your child was given this drug for herpes zoster, start it as soon as you can; no later than 3 days after the rash shows up.
• If your child was given this drug for chickenpox, start it as soon as you can; no later than 24 hours after the rash shows up.
• Injection:
• It is given as a shot into a vein.

How long does this drug take to work?

• Your child may start feeling better a few days after starting this drug.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child's normal time.
• Do not give two doses or extra doses.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• If your child has kidney disease, talk with the doctor.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Headache.
• Feeling dizzy. Have your child get up slowly over a few minutes when sitting or lying down. Have your child be extra careful climbing stairs.
• Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals and good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Loose stools.

What do I need to watch for when my child is using this drug?

• Change in the health problem being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• For unwanted reactions to the drug.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted reactions happen, or if your child's is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child is not able to pass urine.
• If your child has a very bad upset stomach or is throwing up.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect capsules and tablets from water. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
• Follow how to store the injection closely. Talk with the doctor.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You can get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• Most drugs can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Many drugs do not work with other drugs. Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. You may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.