Acyclovir Tablet: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects in Pakistan

Acyclovir Tablet 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)

• Oral treatment of herpes simplex infections, including cold sores and genital herpes, when prescribed
• Shingles and chickenpox when an oral antiviral is clinically indicated
• Prevention of recurrent herpes infections in selected patients

4. Who May Use It (Kis ko leni chahiye)

A healthcare professional should confirm that the indication, age and exact formulation match the patient’s needs. An ingredient match alone does not make another brand or formulation interchangeable.

5. When Not to Use (Kab nahi leni chahiye)

• Do not take Acyclovir if you are allergic to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any ingredient in the tablet
• Ensure adequate fluid intake
• Dose reduction required in renal impairment — kidney function testing is necessary
• Does not cure herpes — virus remains latent; suppresses replication only
• Transmission still possible even on suppressive therapy — inform partner

6. Dosage (Kitni leni hai)

Adult guidance

The oral aciclovir dose and number of daily doses differ for herpes simplex, shingles and prevention. Kidney function can require a reduced dose. Follow the indication-specific prescription; an intravenous regimen is not an oral-tablet regimen.

Child guidance

A clinician must choose the oral formulation and calculate the dose for the infection, age and kidney function. This page does not provide a paediatric dosing calculation.

Dose limits

Use the limit specified for your exact product and individual prescription. A strength printed on a pack is not automatically a recommended dose.

7. How to Use (Kaise leni hai)

Check the medicine name, strength and instructions before each course. Do not share a prescription or change its dose, duration or formulation without professional advice.

8. Timing (Kab leni chahiye)

Check the local leaflet or ask a pharmacist about food timing for this exact formulation; do not infer it from another medicine.

9. Missed Dose (Dose chhoot jaye)

Follow the exact leaflet or contact a pharmacist for missed-dose instructions. Do not double a dose or change a tapering or monitored treatment plan yourself.

10. Warnings (Ihtiyat)

• Do not take Acyclovir if you are allergic to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any ingredient in the tablet
• Ensure adequate fluid intake
• Dose reduction required in renal impairment — kidney function testing is necessary
• Does not cure herpes — virus remains latent; suppresses replication only
• Transmission still possible even on suppressive therapy — inform partner

11. Precautions (Ahm ehtiyaat)

Check allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding, kidney and liver conditions, and all other medicines with the prescriber or pharmacist. Store according to the local pack and keep out of reach of children. Below 30°C, dry place, away from direct sunlight

12. Side Effects (Nuksanat)

Reported effects

• Nausea (ji machlana)
• Vomiting (qai)
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Dizziness (chakkar)

Serious effects and warning symptoms

• Severe allergic reaction
• Kidney injury, especially with dehydration or impaired kidney function
• Confusion, tremor or other neurological symptoms requiring urgent assessment

These lists do not establish the frequency of an effect or prove that a new symptom is caused by this medicine. Persistent or worsening symptoms need assessment.

13. Interactions (Dawaon ke sath reaction)

Nephrotoxic drugs e.g. NSAIDs, aminoglycosides — additive renal toxicity; probenecid/cimetidine — increase acyclovir levels; mycophenolate — additive nephrotoxicity potential; theophylline — acyclovir may slightly increase theophylline levels

14. When to Get Help (Kab doctor se milein)

Seek emergency help for difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, collapse, severe bleeding or suspected overdose. For the medicine-specific warning symptoms above, contact a clinician promptly. Bring the pack and a list of medicines.

15. Alternatives (Dusri dawaein)

Ask a pharmacist to compare the exact ingredients, strength, route and release type. A generic name alone does not prove dose equivalence. Do not substitute a combination product for a single-ingredient treatment.

16. Price in Pakistan (Price kitni hai)

A current price matched to the local strength and pack size has not been verified. Confirm the printed price, pack and expiry with a licensed pharmacy.

17. FAQs (Aksar poochay jane walay sawalat)

Q: Acyclovir Tablet kis kaam aati hai?

A: Acyclovir Tablet contains Acyclovir. Oral treatment of herpes simplex infections, including cold sores and genital herpes, when prescribed; Shingles and chickenpox when an oral antiviral is clinically indicated. The diagnosis and exact product determine suitability.

Q: Dose kaise confirm karein?

A: The oral aciclovir dose and number of daily doses differ for herpes simplex, shingles and prevention. Kidney function can require a reduced dose. Follow the indication-specific prescription; an intravenous regimen is not an oral-tablet regimen.

Q: Bachon ke liye dose kya hai?

A: A clinician must choose the oral formulation and calculate the dose for the infection, age and kidney function. This page does not provide a paediatric dosing calculation.

Q: Pakistan mein price kitni hai?

A: A current price matched to the local strength and pack size has not been verified. Confirm the printed price, pack and expiry with a licensed pharmacy.

Q: Nuksanat hon to kya karein?

A: Reported effects include Nausea (ji machlana); Vomiting (qai); Diarrhea. Seek medical help for Severe allergic reaction; Kidney injury, especially with dehydration or impaired kidney function. A symptom list does not predict how often an effect occurs.

18. Editorial Information (Medical jaiza)

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-10-15

This correction adds ingredient-specific sources and separates verified facts from unverified local pack details. The recorded medical-review date is unchanged; this editorial correction is not a new clinician review. Foreign labels inform ingredient safety and do not establish Pakistani registration or every local pack’s instructions.

19. Disclaimer (Zaroori tanbeeh)

Educational information only. Confirm the diagnosis, local leaflet and individual prescription with a qualified clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing treatment.