Acivir 400 mg

Medically Reviewed by

Dr. Akanksha Kaushal

Dr. Akanksha, Pharm-D

Dr. Akansha is a licensed Clinical Pharmacologist with extensive expertise in pharmacovigilance, prescription analysis, drug information, and safety. She's a dedicated educator and avid learner. Dr. Akansha also reviews medical content on GoodRx Medicine, ensuring accurate pharmaceutical information is accessible to all.

Written by

Julian Carter

Julian Carter

Julian, an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management, brings a dynamic blend of expertise and impact with his contributions at Goodrxmedicine. His dedication and innovative spirit continue to shape a brighter future in pharmaceutical management.

About Acivir 400 mg 

Acivir is an antiviral medicine used to treat viral infections.

Acyclovir, its active salt, is an effective remedy to treat symptoms involved in viral infections and ailments.

Cipla Limited is the manufacturer of this medicine.

Acivir 400 mg Uses

Acivir 400 mg treats viral infections caused by specific virus types.

Its primary salt, Acyclovir, treats and regulates viral infections (such as Influenza, HIV, and Pneumonia).

This medicine is also utilized to treat Genital Herpes outbreaks.

Working of Acivir 400 mg 

Acivir 400 contains Acyclovir as its primary salt. 

It blocks viral DNA polymerase by acting like deoxyGuanosine Triphosphate (dGTP). 

When Acyclovir is added to DNA, the chain ends, making it impossible for more nucleosides to join.

It sticks to viral DNA polymerase much better than it sticks to the cellular homolog, giving it a high therapeutic ratio.

Therefore, it effectively alleviates the symptoms of viral infections.

Dosage of Acivir 400 mg 

Take this medication orally, with or without food, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Usually, you can take it two to five times daily. 

Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication.

This medicine is most effective when administered at the first sign of an outbreak, as prescribed by a doctor. 

If you delay treatment, its effectiveness may diminish.

Acyclovir is most effective when the amount of drug in the body is constant. 

Take this medication at regular intervals. 

Try to take it at the same time each day to help you remember.

Continue taking this medication until the entire dosage has been consumed. 

Without your doctor's approval, you should not alter your dosage, skip doses, or discontinue its use early.

Inform your doctor if the symptoms persist or worsen.

Side Effects of Acivir 400 mg 

Until taken as prescribed, this medicine is not known to have any severe adverse effects.

However, one may develop certain signs of discomfort after its consumption. 

Common side effects of this medicine include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Renal Dysfunction
• Frequent mood changes
• Unsteady movement
• Difficulty to speak

In rare circumstances, Acyclovir may cause severe problems such as:

• Unconsciousness
• Abdominal pain
• Extreme tiredness
• Yellowing eyes or skin
• Sudden loss of vision
• Allergic reactions

Inform your doctor immediately if you have any severe adverse effects. 

Interactions of Acivir 400 mg 

Acivir 400 may occasionally interact with certain medicines, diseases, and food items. 

Drug Interactions

Interactions between medications may alter the efficacy of your treatments.

Few medicines which may react with Acyclovir include:

• Valacyclovir
• Ibuprofin
• Naproxen
• Multivitamins
• NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs)

Disease Interactions

Consuming Acyclovir may increase your risk for severe adverse effects if you have specific diseases, such as:

• Renal impairment
• Dehydration
• Neurotoxicity
• Hemodialysis

If you consume medicines for any of the following diseases, avoid consuming Acivir 400.

If the problem persists, seek medical help. 

Food Interactions

Taking certain food items with this medicine may cause interactions.

One should avoid the following:

• Alcohol
• Tobacco

However, discuss with your doctor if you interact with other food items. 

In case of an emergency, consult your physician.

Precautions

• Acyclovir is associated with severe allergic reactions. Talk to your doctor if you have any allergy symptoms
• Suppose you have renal disease or a history of kidney disease. In that case, you may be unable to eliminate this medicine effectively. It may increase the drug's concentration in the body and create other adverse effects
• Consult your practitioner if you are pregnant or expect to become pregnant
• Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You may have to choose between stopping nursing and stopping this medication
• This medication has not been evaluated in children less than two years. Hence, they should not consume Acivir 400 mg

Storage of Acivir 400 mg 

Keep Acivir 400 at room temperature. Maintain it between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius.

Avoid exposure to light. Do not store it in moist or damp environments, such as bathrooms or toilets.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I take Acivir 400 mg?

Take Acivir 400 with or without food or as directed by your doctor.

Is it safe to consume Acivir 400 mg?

Yes. Acivir 400 is safe until taken per a doctor's prescription.

When will Acivir 400 mg begin to work?

You can start experiencing the effects of Acyclovir about 1.5 to 2 hours after oral use. 

How long does the effect of Acyclovir last?

The usual duration of Acivir 400 mg action is 9 to 12 hours.

Are there any side effects of using Acyclovir?

Acyclovir may have common side effects such as drowsiness, frequent mood changes, and difficulty in speech. 

If used unconsciously, it might lead to severe complications like abdominal pain, sudden loss of vision, and allergic reactions.

However, you may prevent these adverse effects by using the medicine cautiously.

What happens if I overdose on Acivir 400 mg?

Continuous overdosage of Acyclovir may lead to specific adverse effects such as gastrointestinal issues (nausea and vomiting) and neurological troubles (headache and confusion).