Aciclovir 400 Tablet is an antiviral medicine. It helps in treating viral infections like herpes labialis, herpes simplex, shingles, genital herpes infection, and chickenpox. It prevents the multiplication of virus in human cells and therefore helps in clearing the infection.

Aciclovir 400 Tablet is used in the treatment of HIV infections

Uses of Aciclovir Tablet

Benefits of Aciclovir Tablet

In Herpes Simplex Virus Infections

Aciclovir 400 Tablet is an antiviral medicine. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus in the body. It will not cure herpes and neither it prevents passing on the infection to others. However, it can speed up healing of the sores and decrease the symptoms such as tingling, pain, burning, itching. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit.

In Chickenpox

Aciclovir 400 Tablet is used for the treatment of chickenpox. It is most effective if it is started within 24 to 48 hours after the onset of the rash. Take it as prescribed by the doctor to get the most of it. However, chickenpox is highly contagious. You can help prevent the spread of chickenpox by practicing good hygiene and washing your hands frequently. Reduce your exposure to people who have chickenpox. If you already have chickenpox, stay at home until all of your blisters have dried and crusted over.

In Herpes labialis

Herpes labialis, commonly known as cold sores, is a viral infection that primarily affects the lip. Symptoms typically include a burning pain followed by small blisters or sores. The first attack may also be accompanied by fever, sore throat, and enlarged lymph nodes. Aciclovir 400 Tablet can speed up healing of herpes labialis and also prevent recurrence of the sores.

In Shingles

Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. Aciclovir 400 Tablet can shorten the length and severity of shingles. It is most effective if you start taking it as soon as possible after the rash appears. Keeping the immune system healthy is the best way to prevent shingles. Maintaining good hygiene is another way of preventing shingles.

In Genital herpes infection

Genital herpes infection is a common sexually transmitted infection marked by genital pain and sores. It can affect both men and women. Symptoms include pain, itching and irritation. Aciclovir 400 Tablet helps in treating the symptoms effectively and also prevents multiplication of the infection causing virus.

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Side effects of Aciclovir Tablet

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Aciclovir

Headache
Dizziness
Vomiting
Nausea
Fatigue
Fever
Stomach pain
Diarrhea
Skin rash
Photophobia

How to use Aciclovir Tablet

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Aciclovir 400 Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Safety advice

Alcohol

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Aciclovir 400 Tablet. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy

SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Aciclovir 400 Tablet is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.

Breast feeding

SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Aciclovir 400 Tablet is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.

Driving

SAFE

Aciclovir 400 Tablet does not usually affect your ability to drive.

Kidney

CAUTION

Aciclovir 400 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Aciclovir 400 Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
It is advisable to drink plenty of water while you are taking this medicine.

Liver

CAUTION

Aciclovir 400 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Aciclovir 400 Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

All substitutes

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.

Aciclovir 400 Tablet

₹13.48/Tablet

Zovirax 400 Tablet

Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹13.81/tablet

2% costlier

Herperax 400 Tablet

Micro Labs Ltd

₹13.74/tablet

2% costlier

Norbita 400mg Tablet

Concept Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹1.25/tablet

91% cheaper

Aciherpin 400mg Tablet

AGIO Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹12.22/tablet

9% cheaper

Acicet 400mg Tablet

Kivi Labs Ltd

₹11.75/tablet

13% cheaper

View all substitutes

Quick tips

Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
Drink plenty of water while on treatment with this medicine. This helps to prevent dehydration and kidney damage.
If you have genital herpes, use barrier methods (condoms) for contraception and avoid sexual contact while the sores are present.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive or breastfeeding.

Fact Box

Chemical Class

Nucleoside analog

Habit Forming

Therapeutic Class

ANTI INFECTIVES

Action Class

Antiviral (Non-HIV) drugs

Patient concerns

Hello sir, PATIENT diagnosed with the Herpes. The blisters shown at half left face over the eye, forehead and head. He is now taking Paracetamol, Ibuprofen and Aciclovir 400 mg. But he got severe headache continuously for past 2 days. Pls sir suggest your best for his headache and the precautions should he take. Thanks sir.

Dr. Gaurav Mittal

Paediatrics

Consult a immediately. Herpes ophthalmicus can cause serious problems . Pain in herpes are severe.

How to treat Herpes treatment sir?? Its came to me on sonta right side only, please help me sir

Dr. Souvik Sardar

Dermatology

Hello PATIENT a picture.Herpes simplex and herpes zoster r different and have different dosage

FAQs

Will I get cured after taking Aciclovir 400 Tablet for shingles?

Aciclovir 400 Tablet is an antiviral medicine effective against herpes simplex and varicella zoster viruses. It does not cure infections caused by these viruses but helps to minimize the symptoms and shorten the duration of infection. It does not remove the viruses from the body but prevents the viruses from dividing and spreading.

Does Aciclovir 400 Tablet prevent transmission of infection to others?

No, you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with Aciclovir 400 Tablet. Herpes infections are contagious, so avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching your eyes after touching an infected area. Wash your hands frequently to prevent transmitting the infection to others. You should practice safe sex by using condoms. You should not have sex if you have genital sores or blisters.

What are the serious side effects of Aciclovir 400 Tablet?

Serious side effects are rare, but if you experience them, you should seek medical advice right away. These rare side effects include hives, blistering or peeling rash, yellow skin or eyes, unusual bruising or bleeding, loss of consciousness, fits, difficulty in breathing, hallucinations and swelling of the face, tongue, lips or throat.

Do elderly patients need to be more careful while taking Aciclovir 400 Tablet?

Older adults (over age 65 years) tend to experience more side effects when taking Aciclovir 400 Tablet. The reason being, their kidneys do not flush the drug out of their system as quickly as a younger person’s kidneys would do. Elderly patients should drink plenty of water while taking Aciclovir 400 Tablet, and their kidney function should be monitored. These patients should be given a lower dose and should be monitored for neurological problems.

What can happen if somebody takes more than the recommended dose of Aciclovir 400 Tablet accidentally?

Accidental, repeated overdoses of oral Aciclovir 400 Tablet over several days have resulted in nausea, vomiting, confusion and headache. Consult your doctor in case of overdose.

Can I get resistant to Aciclovir 400 Tablet treatment?

Patients with advanced HIV disease or patients with an impaired immunity have reported resistance to Aciclovir 400 Tablet. If you are not responding to Aciclovir 400 Tablet, the possibility of drug resistance should be checked.

Is hair loss caused due to Aciclovir 400 Tablet permanent?

Hair loss is an uncommon side effect of Aciclovir 400 Tablet. It stops when the medicine is discontinued.

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Related lab tests

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 DNA PCR

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 IgG

Herpes Simplex Virus 2 DNA PCR

Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgG

Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgM

Varicella Zoster IgG

Varicella Zoster IgM

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Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.

References

Acosta EP, Flexner C. Antiviral Agents (Nonretroviral). In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. pp. 1594-1600.
Safrin S. Antiviral Agents. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. pp. 846-47.
Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 18-22.
Aciclovir. Hayes, UK: Ranbaxy (UK) Limited a Sun Pharmaceutical Company; 2007 [revised 15 Aug. 2018]. [Accessed 29 Jan. 2019] (online) Available from:
Drugs.com. Acyclovir. [Accessed 01 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
Chaves RG, Lamounier JA. Breastfeeding and maternal medications. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2004;80(5 Suppl):S189-98. [Accessed 29 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:

Marketer details

Name: Care Formulation Labs Pvt Ltd

Address: D-1659, DSIIDC, Narela Industrial Area, Delhi, 110040

Country of origin: India

The list of available options shown with the same composition has been prepared upon the advice of registered medical practitioners, pharmacists affiliated with TATA 1MG. TATA 1MG does not promote any pharmaceutical product of any particular company, and all recommendations are based on the medical opinion, advisories from specialist medical and pharmaceutical professionals.