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What does it do?

Aciclovir is used to treat and prevent viral infections such as herpes and shingles.

Before you start

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, or have ever had a seizure.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take aciclovir regularly as directed. Keep taking it until the course is finished, even if you start to feel better.
Take the tablets with a glass of water. You can also dissolve the tablets in a glass of water before taking.

What if you forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as possible and continue as directed.

Can you take other medicines?

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side EffectsRecommended action

Seizures

Reduced number of blood cells that help your blood to clot - symptoms include: easy or unusual bruising or bleeding

Tell your doctor immediately

Confusion

Tell your doctor

Headache, tiredness or weakness

More sensitive to sunlight (sunburn or rash)

Abdominal pain

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea

Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

  • Drink plenty of fluids while taking aciclovir.
  • Protect yourself from too much sunlight while being treated with aciclovir. Always cover up and apply a thick layer of broad spectrum sunscreen (at least SPF 30) when outside. Do not use sunbeds.

This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.

Prepared by the MyMedicines Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha, New Zealand. March 2023

For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

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About My Medicines

My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.

For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

My Medicines is developed by a team at Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed