Acivir 800 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 800 mg 

Acivir 800 mg is a medicine used to treat infections caused by viruses.

Its active constituent, Acyclovir, is a potent medication for alleviating the signs and symptoms of viral infections and illnesses.

Cipla Limited produces this pharmaceutical.

Acivir 800 mg Uses

Acivir 800 mg cures illnesses caused by certain types of viruses.

Acyclovir, its primary salt, cures, and controls viral infections.

These infections include Influenza, HIV, and Pneumonia.

Additionally, this medication is taken to treat outbreaks of Genital Herpes.

Working of Acivir 800 mg 

Acivir 800 mg is primarily composed of Acyclovir salt.

It inhibits viral DNA polymerase by functioning similarly to deoxyGuanosine Triphosphate (dGTP).

When Acyclovir gets introduced to DNA, the chain breaks, preventing additional nucleosides from joining.

It adheres to viral DNA polymerase far better than its cellular counterpart.

It results in a high therapeutic ratio.

Eventually, it reduces the signs of viral infections significantly.

Dosage of Acivir 800 mg 

Depending on your doctor's instructions, you can take this medication orally, with or without food.

As a general practice, it can be taken anywhere from twice to five times daily.

Keep your body hydrated enough while using this medicine.

Use it as directed by your doctor at the earliest indication of an outbreak for maximum effectiveness.

The effectiveness of treatment may decrease with delay.

Consistent dosing of Acyclovir is essential for optimal efficacy.

You should take your doses of Acivir 800 mg at regular intervals.

Take it at the same time daily if that will help you remember to take it.

Don't stop taking it until the entire quantity has been used completely.

There should be no changes to your dosage, no missed doses, and no early treatment stopping without first consulting your doctor.

If your symptoms don't improve or worsen, contact your physician.

Strengths

Acyclovir is the primary component in the Acivir 800 mg medication.

The amount of Acyclovir that is administered in this variant is 800 mg.

Acivir is available in various other strengths, the most common of which is Acivir 400 mg.

Additionally, you can use Acivir Cream 5 gm for application purposes.

Side Effects 

The benefits can overcome any possible adverse effects if Acivir 800 mg is used cautiously.

However, typical unfavorable reactions include:

• Unsteady motion
• Dizziness
• Problems with speech
• Drowsiness
• Rapid shifts in temper
• Impairment of the Kidneys 

Extreme side effects are possible with the medicine, but they are uncommon. These include:

• Frequent fatigue
• Discoloration, especially in the eyes or skin
• Hurting belly
• Unconsciousness
• Reactions caused by allergies
• The sudden loss of eyesight

You should immediately contact your doctor if you're experiencing severe side effects.

Interactions 

Acivir 800 mg may sometimes interfere with certain medications, illnesses, and foods.

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may alter the efficacy of your treatments.

The following drugs may interact with Acivir 800:

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

Therefore, inform your physician in case you consume these medicines.

Disease Interactions

Acivir 800 mg might have severe side effects if you have certain conditions, such as:

• Neurotoxicity
• Renal impairment
• Hemodialysis
• Dehydration

Avoid using Acivir if you are taking medication for the following conditions.

Reach out for medical assistance if the condition persists.

Food Interactions

Certain foods may interact negatively with this medication.

Therefore, you should avoid consuming the following along with Acivir 800 mg:

• Alcohol
• Tobacco

Additionally, see your physician if you experience adverse reactions to other foods.

In the event of an emergency, speak with your doctor.

Precautions

• If you have an existing kidney condition, you may be unable to eliminate this medication effectively. It could enhance the drug's concentration in the body and cause additional severe effects
• There have been reports of adverse responses to Acyclovir. Consult your physician if you experience any allergic symptoms
• Consult your practitioner if you are pregnant or foresee getting pregnant
• Inform your physician if you are lactating. You may need to decide between ending breastfeeding and discontinuing this medicine
• This medicine has not been studied in children younger than two years. Therefore, they should not consume it

Storage 

You should store Acivir 800 mg at room temperature. 

Keep it at a temperature between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius.

Limit its exposure to light. Do not keep it in damp areas like bathrooms or kitchens.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times a day should I take Acyclovir 800mg?

You can consume Acivir 800 mg two to five times a day.

However, the exact dosage depends on your condition's severity.

For the same reason, consult your physician.

What are the side effects of Aciclovir 800mg?

After consuming Aciclovir 800mg, one can experience common side effects like dizziness, unsteady motion, drowsiness, and difficulty speaking. 

In rare cases, symptoms can turn severe, such as unconsciousness, discoloration of eyes & skin, and allergic reactions. 

Can you take 800 mg of Acyclovir twice a day?

Yes. Although your exact dosage depends on the severity of your condition. 

Hence, before consuming Acivir 800 mg, first, consult your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Acyclovir?

Certain drugs and food items may interact with Acyclovir. These include:

Drugs: NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory medications) and multivitamins
Food: Alcohol and tobacco

Hence, you should avoid them.

What is the most common side effect of Acyclovir?

The most common side effects of Acyclovir include drowsiness and dizziness.

Does Acyclovir affect kidneys?

In extreme cases, Yes. 

If taken unconsciously, Acyclovir (Acivir 800mg) may adversely affect kidneys, leading to their impairment.