Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 6, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Sitavig
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet
Therapeutic Class: Antiviral
Pharmacologic Class: Viral DNA Polymerase Inhibitor
Chemical Class: Guanosine Nucleoside Analog
Uses for acyclovir
Acyclovir buccal tablet is used to treat the symptoms of herpes simplex virus infection on the lips and around the mouth (cold sores) in adults with normal immune systems. Although acyclovir will not cure herpes simplex, it may help the sores to heal faster and relieve some of the pain and discomfort. Acyclovir is an antiviral agent (treats a virus).
Acyclovir is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using acyclovir
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For acyclovir, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to acyclovir or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of acyclovir buccal tablets in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established. Use in younger children is not recommended due to the potential risk of choking.
Geriatric
Although appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of acyclovir buccal tablets have not been performed in the geriatric population, no geriatric-specific problems have been documented to date.
Breastfeeding
Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want ...
