Aciclovir cream is an antiviral, used to treat cold sores. This medicine contains Aciclovir, which treats infections caused by viruses. It is used to treat cold sores on the lips and face. It must not be used to treat herpes infections on your eye or in the genital area.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are or were under any kind of medication, or if you are suffering from problems with your immune system. A weak immune system might make you prone to further infections.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive while on this medication. Do not use this medicine in case you are allergic to any if its ingredients.
You must not touch the cold sore with your hands as it is infectious. Do not share food or utensils with other people and avoid kissing other people, especially children, until your cold sore has healed completely.
Do not freeze or refrigerate the cream.
Aciclovir cream may result in some side effects. In case you experience any of the following or if the condition worsens, stop using the cream and visit your doctor immediately.
Some of the side effects include:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Severe allergic reactions
- Burning or stinging of the skin where the cream has been applied
- Itchiness, dryness or flaking of the skin
- Swelling of the face, neck or throat
- Flushed skin or contact dermatitis
- Raised red itchy skin
Always wash your hands properly before applying the cream. You should not mix the cream with anything before you use it, not even water. Apply the cream every 4 hours, 5 times a week, for 5 days.
Cover the cold sore with the cream by applying a thin layer of the medicine on the affected skin. This is the usual recommended dose for adults and children.
The cream must be applied only to the lips and face and not inside the mouth, eyes or vagina, as it may cause irritation.
If your symptoms worsen during the course of medication, stop using the cream and visit your doctor immediately.
Do not use more than is recommended dose or apply twice to make up for a missed dose. In case, somebody swallows the cream, visit the doctor immediately.
Aciclovir cream is an antiviral cold sore cream. Aciclovir present in the medicine stops the infection caused by the herpes simplex virus from replicating. This process helps to treat the infection faster and elevates the symptoms, offering relief.
