Acyclovir Tablet (Zovirax): Uses, Dosage & Side Effects in Pakistan

Acyclovir Tablet (Zovirax) Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Price in Pakistan

1. Quick Info (Mukhtasir Maloomat)

2. What is Acyclovir Tablet? (Acyclovir Tablet kya hai)

Acyclovir Tablet is a commonly prescribed antiviral medicine in Pakistan for herpes virus infections. It belongs to the Nucleoside Analogue class and is manufactured by GSK under the Zovirax brand name; local generic brands are also available.

Acyclovir stops viral DNA replication: viral thymidine kinase selectively phosphorylates it, and the triphosphate form inhibits viral DNA polymerase, terminating the DNA chain. This mechanism causes minimal damage to host cells.

3. Uses (Fayde / Kis kaam aati hai)

• Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 cold sores / HSV-2 genital herpes)
• Herpes Zoster / Shingles (Daad — chickenpox reactivation)
• Varicella (chickenpox — immunocompromised patients)
• Suppressive therapy — prevention of HSV recurrence in immunocompromised
• Herpes Encephalitis (IV form — life-threatening brain infection)
• Eczema herpeticum

4. Who Should Take (Kis ko leni chahiye)

• Patients with confirmed HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection (cold sores, genital herpes)
• Shingles (herpes zoster) patients — within 72 hours of rash onset for best results
• Immunocompromised patients (organ transplant, HIV, chemotherapy) needing HSV suppression
• Patients with eczema herpeticum (widespread skin infection)

5. When NOT to Take (Kab nahi leni chahiye)

• If you are allergic to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any tablet ingredient
• Without a doctor's prescription — especially in pregnancy or for children
• Kidney disease (renal impairment) patients without dose adjustment
• Do not self-diagnose viral infections and start acyclovir — a proper diagnosis is essential

6. Dosage (Kitni leni hai)

• As prescribed by doctor — dose varies by indication (herpes vs shingles vs suppression)

• As prescribed — typically 5 times daily for HSV/herpes zoster treatment (more frequent than valacyclovir)

• Do not exceed the recommended limit — monitor renal function

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is close, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose.

7. How to Take (Kaise leni hai)

• Follow your doctor's instructions — usually multiple doses per day

• Drink plenty of water

• Can be taken with or without food

• Complete the course — do not stop when symptoms improve

8. Best Time (Kab leni chahiye)

• Take doses evenly spaced throughout the day

• For shingles, start within 72 hours of rash onset — for maximum benefit

9. Empty Stomach or After Food (Khali pait ya khane ke baad)

Acyclovir can be taken on an empty stomach or with food — food does not significantly affect absorption. However, adequate hydration (drinking plenty of water) with every dose is essential — it prevents crystal formation in the kidneys.

10. Warnings (Ihtiyat)

• Allergic to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any ingredient
• Severe renal impairment — without doctor's dose adjustment

• Drink plenty of water — especially at high doses (nephropathy prevention)
• Dose reduction is necessary in kidney disease — consult your doctor
• Does not cure herpes — virus remains latent; only controls symptoms
• Transmission is still possible even on suppressive therapy — inform your partner

11. Precautions (Ahm ehtiyaat)

• Store in a cool, dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight
• Keep out of the reach of children

• Pregnancy: consult your doctor — acyclovir generally considered low risk but Rx only
• Elderly: monitor kidney function — dose adjustment may be needed
• Children: weight-based dose — only as prescribed

12. Side Effects (Nuksanat)

• Nausea (ji machlana), Vomiting (qai), Diarrhea (dast), Headache (sar dard), Dizziness (chakkar)

• Nephrotoxicity / crystalluria (kidney damage — especially with dehydration) — see a doctor immediately
• Neurotoxicity — confusion, tremor, especially with renal impairment — see a doctor immediately
• Reversible renal impairment at high doses — see a doctor immediately

13. Drug Interactions (Dawaon ke sath reaction)

• Nephrotoxic drugs (NSAIDs, aminoglycosides) — additive renal toxicity — avoid concurrent use
• Probenecid / cimetidine — increase acyclovir blood levels
• Mycophenolate — additive nephrotoxicity potential
• Theophylline — acyclovir may slightly increase theophylline levels

Dual load on the kidneys is possible — this can be dangerous.

14. When to See Doctor (Kab doctor ke paas jayein)

• Confusion, agitation, severe tremor (neurotoxicity — especially with renal impairment)
• Decreased urination — a sign of renal damage
• Severe headache + neck stiffness — herpes encephalitis — EMERGENCY
• Skin rash, difficulty breathing (allergic reaction)
• Side effects worsen or do not improve after starting treatment

15. Alternatives (Sasti Dusri Dawaein)

16. Price in Pakistan (Price kitni hai)

17. FAQs (Aksar poochay jane walay sawalat)

Q: Acyclovir kis kaam aata hai?

A: Acyclovir is used for herpes simplex virus (cold sores, genital herpes), shingles, and chickenpox treatment. It is an antiviral medicine that stops virus replication. Do not take without a doctor's advice.

Q: Acyclovir ke side effects kya hain?

A: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness. Serious but rare side effects include kidney damage and neurotoxicity — drink plenty of water and have regular monitoring by your doctor.

Q: Acyclovir aur valacyclovir mein kya farq hai?

A: Valacyclovir is a prodrug of acyclovir with higher bioavailability — it is taken twice daily whereas acyclovir must be taken 5 times daily. Valacyclovir is more expensive but has a more convenient dosing schedule. Acyclovir is more affordable in Pakistan.

Q: Acyclovir Pakistan mein kahan milti hai aur price kya hai?

A: Acyclovir is available as Zovirax brand from GSK and from local brands. Price varies by pharmacy and city — confirm at a local store or online pharmacy.

Q: Kya Acyclovir herpes theek kar deta hai?

A: No — Acyclovir does not completely cure herpes. The virus remains latent in the body. Acyclovir only reduces symptoms, speeds up healing, and can reduce the frequency of recurrences (suppressive therapy).

18. Medical Review (Medical jaiza)

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-17

19. Disclaimer (Zaroori tanbeeh)

The information on this page is for awareness only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. PakVita is not responsible for any harm.