Virustat 200 Mg - 30 Tabs

Product Name

• Virustat Tablets

Scientific Name

• Acyclovir 200 mg

Category Of Virustat Tablets

• Anti-Viral

Mechanism Of Action Of Acyclovir

• Acyclovir is an antiviral that acts by interfering with viral DNA polymerase to inhibit DNA replication via chain termination

Therapeutic Indications Of Virustat Tablets

• treat chickenpox: a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It can cause an itchy, blister-like rash. The rash first appears on the chest, back, and face, and then spreads over the entire body
• treat shingles: a viral infection that causes a painful rash.
• treat cold sores, genital herpes and other herpes simplex infections
• stop these problems in people whose immune system works less well, which means their bodies are less able to fight infections

Method of Administration of Virustat Tablets

• Take this medicine by mouth.
• Dissolve the tablet in a glass of water and stir before drinking.
• If you prefer, the tablet can also be swallowed whole with a little water.
• Start to take acyclovir 200 mg Tablets as soon as possible.
• Treatment of chickenpox and shingles:

1. The usual dose is one 800 mg tablet taken five times a day
2. You should space your dose by at least four hours
3. Suggested times are: 7am, 11am, 3pm, 7pm and 11pm

• Treatment of cold sores and genital herpes:

1. The usual dose is one 200 mg tablet taken five times a day
2. You should space your dose by at least four hours
3. Suggested times are: 7am, 11am, 3pm, 7pm and 11pm

• Doses may be changed in special conditions so always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions.
• If you take more than you should, talk to a doctor or go to the hospital straight away.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember it unless it is nearly time for your next dose.
• Do not take a double dose (two doses at the same time) to make up for the forgotten dose.

Undesirable Side Effects Of Virustat Tablets

• headache
• feeling dizzy
• feeling or being sick
• diarrhea
• stomach pains
• skin reaction after exposure to light (photosensitivity)
• feeling tired
• unexplained fever (high temperature) and feeling faint, especially when standing up.
• Allergic reactions (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
• If you have an allergic reaction, stop taking Acyclovir Tablets and see a doctor straight away. The signs may include:

1. rash, itching or hives on your skin
2. swelling of your face, lips, tongue or other parts of your body
3. shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing
4. collapse

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Precautions While Taking Virustat Tablets

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.

Non-Pharmacological Treatments & Advice To Reduce The Risk of Infections

• The following advice may help you to reduce viral infection:

1. Eat Healthily: Much of your immune system is in your GI tract, so keeping a healthy gut is half of the battle. Immune-system-boosting foods include fish, nuts, and olive oil.
2. Take Your Vitamins
3. Wash Your Hands Often and Sanitize
4. Get Enough Sleep

Warnings & Special Precautions while Taking Virustat Tablets

• Do not take Acyclovir Tablets:

1. If you are allergic to acyclovir or valacyclovir or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
2. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before taking Acyclovir Tablets
3. if you have kidney problems
4. if you are over 65 years of age

• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines:

1. probenecid used to treat gout
2. cimetidine used to treat stomach ulcers
3. mycophenolate mofetil used to stop your body from rejecting transplanted organs

Storage Conditions Of Virustat Tablets

• store below 25°c
• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• Store in the original package to protect from moisture.
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the box/blisters/label. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month.

For More Information About Acyclovir

• Ask your physician or pharmacist
• Visit Medscape at Information About Acyclovir
• Visit Drugbank at Information About Acyclovir
• Visit Drugs.com at Information About Acyclovir
• SFDA website