What is this medication used for?
Acyclovir 400 mg pills are used to treat infections caused by certain viruses, including herpes simplex, chickenpox, shingles, and genital herpes. It can improve symptoms and speed up healing. It can also help prevent outbreaks of genital herpes when taken at the first sign of an outbreak. This medication does not cure herpes, but it can prevent the virus from multiplying and spreading to other healthy cells in the body. It is also sometimes used to treat eczema herpeticum (a skin infection), herpes infections in the eyes, nose, and mouth in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and to treat hairy white or gray patches on the tongue or inside the cheek called oral hairy leukoplakia.
This medication is usually given by mouth or swallowed whole with water. It may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time each day. It is important to continue taking this medication until your doctor tells you to stop, even if you feel better. This allows the amount of drug in your body to remain constant, which can help to reduce side effects.
What should I know before taking this medicine?
Before taking acyclovir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to valacyclovir (Valtrex); or any other medications, or milk proteins. Also tell your doctor if you have: kidney disease; HIV or AIDS; or any other condition. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid exposure to sunlight or wear protective clothing when outdoors.