Acivir 200 Dt Tablet

ACIVIR 200 DT TABLET

ACIVIR 200 DT TABLET is an antiviral medication manufactured by Cipla Health Ltd.

• Composition Each dispersible tablet contains Aciclovir 200 mg. Aciclovir is a synthetic purine nucleoside analogue that inhibits the multiplication of human herpes viruses.

• Uses ACIVIR 200 DT TABLET is prescribed for the treatment of various viral infections caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV). These include:

  • Herpes labialis (cold sores).
  • Herpes simplex virus infections.
  • Genital herpes infection (initial and recurrent).
  • Shingles (herpes zoster).
  • Chickenpox (varicella). It works by preventing the virus from multiplying in human cells, thereby helping to clear the infection and minimize symptoms.

• Dosage and Administration Take ACIVIR 200 DT TABLET as advised by your doctor regarding dose and duration. Dissolve the tablet in a glass of water before consumption. It can be taken with or without food, but it is advisable to take it at a fixed time. Do not skip any doses and complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve. Drinking plenty of water is recommended during treatment to help prevent dehydration and potential kidney damage.

  • General Adult Guidance:
    • Initial Genital Herpes: Typically 200 mg five times daily for 5-10 days.
    • Recurrent Genital Herpes: Often 200 mg three times daily for 5 days, or for suppression, 400 mg twice daily for up to 12 months.
    • Herpes Labialis (Cold Sores): Commonly 200 mg five times daily for 5-10 days, initiated at the first sign of symptoms.
    • Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Usually 800 mg five times daily for 7-10 days.
    • Chickenpox: Typically 800 mg four to five times daily for 5-7 days.
  • Children (2 years and older) Guidance:
    • Chickenpox: 20 mg per kg of body weight (up to a maximum of 800 mg) four times daily for 5 days.
    • Cold Sores (2 to 11 years): Usually 200 mg four times daily for 5 days.

• Side Effects

  • Common Side Effects: Headache, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, fatigue, fever, diarrhea, skin rash, itching, abdominal pain, increased thirst, and unusual tiredness and weakness.
  • Serious Side Effects (Seek medical advice immediately if experienced): Hives, blistering or peeling rash, yellow skin or eyes, unusual bruising or bleeding, loss of consciousness, fits/seizures, difficulty in breathing, hallucinations, and swelling of the face, tongue, lips or throat.

• Precautions

  • Kidney Disease: Use with caution. Dosage adjustments may be necessary, and patients should drink plenty of water. Elderly patients may require lower doses and careful monitoring due to potential neurological issues as their kidneys may not flush the drug as quickly.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor. ACIVIR 200 DT TABLET is generally considered unsafe for use during pregnancy due to definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. It is also probably unsafe during breastfeeding.
  • Allergies: Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to aciclovir or any of its components.
  • Alcohol: It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with this medicine; it is advisable to limit alcohol intake.
  • Driving and Operating Machinery: This medicine may decrease alertness, affect vision, or cause sleepiness and dizziness. Avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience these effects.
  • Contagion: Herpes infections are contagious even while undergoing treatment with ACIVIR 200 DT TABLET. Avoid contact with infected areas, practice safe sex using condoms, and wash hands frequently to prevent transmission. Do not have sex if genital sores or blisters are present.
  • Overdose: Symptoms of overdose can include extreme tiredness, seizures, changes in the amount of urine, loss of consciousness, and agitation. Consult a doctor immediately if an overdose is suspected.
  • Other Conditions: Exercise caution in patients with neurological abnormalities, significant hypoxia, or serious hepatic or electrolyte abnormalities.

• Storage Store ACIVIR 200 DT TABLET in a cool, dry place, protected from light, heat, and moisture. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children and pets. Recommended storage temperature is typically between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC.

What is ACIVIR 200 DT Tablet used for?

ACIVIR 200 DT Tablet is an antiviral medicine primarily used to treat various viral infections caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). These include herpes labialis (cold sores), genital herpes, shingles (herpes zoster), and chickenpox. It can also be used to prevent herpes simplex infections in individuals with weakened immune systems.

How does ACIVIR 200 DT Tablet work?

ACIVIR 200 DT Tablet contains Aciclovir, which is an antiviral medication. It works by interfering with the virus's ability to multiply in human cells. Aciclovir is converted into an active form inside the body, which then inhibits a viral enzyme called DNA polymerase. This process prevents the virus from replicating its DNA, stopping its growth and spread, and helping to clear the infection.

What is the usual dosage of ACIVIR 200 DT Tablet?

The dosage of ACIVIR 200 DT Tablet varies depending on the infection being treated and the patient's condition. For instance, for the treatment of herpes, a common dosage is 200 mg taken five times daily for 5 to 10 days. For shingles, an adult dosage might be 800 mg five times a day for 7 days. For chickenpox in adults, it could be 800 mg five times daily for 7 days, and for children, it's often calculated based on weight (20 mg/kg body weight, not exceeding 800 mg) four times daily for 5 days. It's crucial to follow your doctor's prescribed dose and duration and to complete the full course of treatment. The tablet can be dissolved in a glass of water before taking it and can be taken with or without food, preferably at a fixed time.

What are the possible side effects of ACIVIR 200 DT Tablet?

Common side effects include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and skin rash. Serious but rare side effects can include hives, blistering or peeling rash, yellow skin or eyes, unusual bruising or bleeding, loss of consciousness, fits, difficulty breathing, hallucinations, and swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat. If any side effects persist or worsen, or if you experience serious side effects, seek immediate medical attention.

Is ACIVIR 200 DT Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

ACIVIR 200 DT Tablet should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the developing baby, and only under a doctor's consultation. There is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. For breastfeeding, Aciclovir can pass into breast milk, potentially exposing nursing infants to the drug. Therefore, caution is advised, and it should only be used if prescribed by a doctor after assessing benefits over risks.

Can ACIVIR 200 DT Tablet be taken with other medications?

Some medicines can affect how ACIVIR 200 DT Tablet works, and vice versa. It's important to inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking or plan to take. For example, medicines like probenecid, cimetidine, and mycophenolate mofetil can increase aciclovir plasma concentrations. Caution is also advised if taken with other nephrotoxic agents as it may increase the risk of kidney injury.

What precautions should be taken with ACIVIR 200 DT Tablet?

It is important to drink plenty of water while taking this medicine to prevent dehydration and kidney damage. Patients with kidney disease, those over 65 years of age, or individuals with a weakened immune system should use this medicine with caution and under strict medical supervision, as dose adjustments may be necessary. ACIVIR 200 DT Tablet may cause drowsiness or dizziness, so it is advisable to avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience these effects. Inform your doctor if you have liver conditions or are allergic to aciclovir or any of its ingredients.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of ACIVIR 200 DT Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one.

How should ACIVIR 200 DT Tablet be stored?

ACIVIR 200 DT Tablet should be stored in a cool, dry place, protected from light, heat, and moisture. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children and pets. The medicine should generally be stored below 25°C or 30°C.