Aciclovir 200mg Dispersible Tablets

Aciclovir tablets are an antiviral medication used to treat infections caused by the herpes simplex virus, including:

• cold sores (oral herpes) – small, fluid filled blisters that appear grouped together on or around your lips
• genital herpes – small blisters that appear around your genitals, anus, thighs or bottom and burst

They can also be used to treat:

• chickenpox – small spots that can appear anywhere on the body, blister and become scabs
• shingles – a tingling, painful rash that tends to occur on the chest and tummy, but can appear anywhere on the body

These tablets contain 200mg of the active ingredient aciclovir, which works by stopping the herpes virus from growing and spreading. Aciclovir can also be used to prevent infections caused by the herpes simplex virus in people who have been infected before or have a weakened immune system.

Always take these tablets exactly as described in the patient information leaflet or as one of our pharmacists has instructed you to.

The usual dose is 200mg, taken five times per day. However, the dosage you’re prescribed will depend on the type of herpes virus, as well as your age.

You should try to space your doses out by at least four hours throughout the day. For example, you could take a tablet at 7am, 11am, 3pm, 7pm and 11pm.

Usually, you’ll take aciclovir for five days, but you can take it for longer if your doctor or pharmacist tells you to.

You can either dissolve the tablet in a glass of water or swallow it whole with water. There is no specific benefit to either approach, so choose the option that's right for you. However, if you choose to dissolve the tablet in water, make sure you drink all the liquid so that you get the full dose.

You can take these tablets with or without food.

You may not experience any side effects when taking aciclovir, however, all medicines have the potential to cause side effects. Common side effects of aciclovir include:

• headache
• dizziness
• nausea (feeling or being sick)
• diarrhoea
• stomach pains
• rash
• photosensitivity (skin reaction after exposure to light)
• itching
• fatigue (tiredness)
• unexplained fever
• light headedness (especially when standing up)

Since aciclovir tablets can cause some people to feel drowsy, dizzy or faint, you should not drive, cycle, use any tools or operate machinery after taking this medicine for the first time, until you know how it affects you.

If you do experience any side effects, including any not included in the patient information leaflet, you can report them using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

Serious side effects

You should seek emergency medical attention if you notice the following signs of a severe allergic reaction:

• swelling of the face and throat
• skin rash
• breathing difficulties
• loss of consciousness

What to do if your symptoms get worse

If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact one of our pharmacists or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://nhs.uk.

Most adults can take aciclovir, but it’s not suitable for everyone. Specifically, you shouldn’t take these tablets if you have ever had an allergic reaction to valaciclovir or aciclovir.

You should speak to your doctor before taking aciclovir if you:

• have kidney problems (make sure you stay hydrated, as aciclovir can be harsh on the kidneys)

• are over 65 years of age

• are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby

• are taking or using any other medicines, including:

• probenecid (used to treat gout)

  • cimetidine (used to treat stomach ulcers)
  • mycophenolate mofetil (used to stop your body rejecting transplanted organs)
  • theophylline (used to treat asthma or other breathing problems) 

• are taking or using any other complementary therapies

• suffer from any allergies

• have an underlying medical problem

This medicine is potentially suitable for use in children, if recommended by a healthcare professional. However, we are only able to prescribe aciclovir tablets to those aged 18 and over.

Store these tablets in a cool, dry place out of sight and reach of children. Do not use them after the expiry date, referring to the last day of the month stated on the packaging. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste.