Oral antivirals

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
	Aciclovir

Oral antivirals - What is it for

This medication is used to treat viral infections. Examples include herpes simplex on the skin and mucous membranes (cold sores, genitals and anus); herpes zoster (shingles); and chickenpox.

The viruses that cause these infections are similar. They are inactive in the body until an outbreak is triggered (e.g., during weakened immunity or stress).

This medication is not a cure for the infection. However, treatment of a viral outbreak can speed up the healing of sores, decrease pain, and lower the risk of complications (e.g., infection spreading to the whole body, brain infection, persistent pain after sore healing).

Oral antivirals - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Oral antivirals cause?

Common side effects include:

Headache

You may take Paracetamol (if not allergic to Paracetamol) to treat the headache.

Nausea or vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhoea

Take the medication with or after food.
If diarrhoea occurs, drink sufficient water to prevent dehydration.

Tiredness or weakness

If any of the following effects persist or are severe, consult your doctor.

Rare but serious side effects include:

Allergic reaction

Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
Difficulty in breathing
Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Mental or mood changes

Agitation
Confusion
Hallucinations

Severe tiredness and weakness, unusual bruising or bleeding, yellowing of eyes or skin, change in vision, difficulty speaking or thinking, change in balance, or fever
Unable to urinate, change in volume or darkening of urine or blood in urine
Seizures
Tremors, difficulty moving around, stiffness

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Oral antivirals , what precautions must I follow?

Inform your healthcare professional if you:

Have kidney disease.
Are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

If you are taking this medication for treatment of genital herpes, it is important to follow safe sex practices to lower the chance of spreading herpes to your partner, even if no symptoms are present. Always use a condom made of latex or polyurethane. When you have symptoms or are experiencing an outbreak, do not have sexual contact with your partner.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Oral antivirals ?

Inform your doctor if you are taking or planning to take other medications, supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

Oral antivirals - Dosage and How to Use

How should Oral antivirals be used?

Acyclovir: Take this medication with or without food. However, taking this medication with food may decrease stomach upset.
Valaciclovir: Take this medication with or after food.
Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication.
When using this medication to suppress or control outbreaks, take it exactly as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this medication at evenly spaced intervals, at the same time each day.
When treating an outbreak, complete the course of medication even if the symptoms have disappeared.
Do not skip doses or stop treatment without your doctor’s approval. Stopping therapy earlier than recommended by your doctor may result in ineffective treatment.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Then take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.