It is an antiviral medicine used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. These include herpes simplex on the skin and mucous membranes (such as mouth or genital herpes), shingles (herpes zoster), and chickenpox (varicella). It may also be used to prevent or suppress herpes simplex in certain people, as directed by a healthcare provider. The tablets are taken by mouth.

What it is and what it is used for

Acyclovir is an antiviral that targets herpes viruses. ADCO ACYCLOVIR 200 mg tablets are indicated for:

Herpes simplex infections of the skin and mucous membranes, including initial and recurrent genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections.
Suppression of recurrent HSV infections in immunocompetent patients.
Prophylaxis (prevention) of HSV infections in immunocompromised patients.
Treatment of herpes zoster (shingles) when lesions are not older than 72 hours.
Treatment of varicella (chickenpox) when started within 24 hours after the typical chickenpox rash appears.

Note: Follow your doctor’s specific advice on whether treatment is for active infection, suppression, or prevention.

How it works

Herpes viruses make copies of themselves inside your cells using their own genetic material. Acyclovir is taken up by cells infected with herpes viruses and converted to an active form that blocks the viral DNA copying process. In plain terms, it slows or stops the virus from multiplying, so the infection settles faster and symptoms improve. It does not eliminate the virus from your body, and outbreaks may still happen in the future, but treatment can shorten the course and reduce severity.

Who should NOT use this medicine

Do not take ADCO ACYCLOVIR 200 mg tablets if:

You are allergic (hypersensitive) to acyclovir, valaciclovir, or any of the other ingredients in the tablet.
You are pregnant or breastfeeding your baby.
- Important: This leaflet lists pregnancy and breastfeeding under “Do not take”. Speak to your doctor for individual advice.

If you are unsure about any of the above, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings and precautions (Read before use)

Kidney problems / older age: If you are elderly or have renal (kidney) impairment, you may be at higher risk of side effects. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose and monitor you more closely.
Hydration: When taking high doses, it is important to drink plenty of water to help protect your kidneys.
Serious skin reactions (DRESS): Rare but serious reactions can occur. Stop the medicine and seek urgent medical care if you develop any combination of:
- Fever, severe rash, peeling skin, swelling of the face, swollen lymph glands, flu-like feelings, yellow skin or eyes, shortness of breath, dry cough, chest pain, feeling very thirsty, peeing less often or passing less urine.
Dizziness: The medicine can cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or operate machinery.
Sugar intolerance: Each tablet contains lactose. If you have been told you have an intolerance to some sugars, speak to your doctor before use.
Sodium content: Each dose is essentially sodium-free.

Always tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking, including complementary or traditional products.

Pregnancy, planning pregnancy, and breastfeeding

The leaflet lists pregnancy and breastfeeding under “Do not take”. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, are planning a baby, or are breastfeeding, speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider before use for specific advice.

Interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking:

Probenecid (for gout).
Cimetidine (for stomach ulcers).
Mycophenolate mofetil (used after organ transplantation).

Also inform your healthcare provider about any other medicines, including over-the-counter and traditional products.

How to take (Step-by-step)

General guidance

Take ADCO ACYCLOVIR exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you.

Oral use only.

The first dose for an active infection should be taken as early as possible after symptoms start.

Do not share your medicine with others.

If the effect feels too strong or too weak, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Adult dosing (as directed by your doctor)

Initial and recurrent herpes simplex (skin/mucous membranes, including genital):
200 mgfive times daily at 4-hour intervals for 5 days, omitting the night dose.
- In severe initial infection, treatment may be extended.
- In immunocompromised patients, the dose may be increased to 400 mg, or intravenous therapy may be considered.
Suppression of recurrent genital herpes simplex in immunocompromised patients:
200 mgfour times daily at 6-hour intervals, or400 mg12-hourly.
- Some patients may experience breakthrough infections on a total of 800 mg daily.
- Your doctor may interrupt therapy every 6–12 months to reassess your pattern of disease.
Prevention (prophylaxis) of herpes simplex in immunocompromised patients:
200 mgfour times daily at 6-hour intervals.
- In severely immunocompromised patients, or where there is impaired absorption, the dose may be doubled to 400 mg, or intravenous dosing considered.
Varicella zoster (shingles) in adults:
800 mg five times daily at 4-hour intervals for 7 days, omitting the night dose.
Varicella (chickenpox) in adolescents 12–18 years:
800 mg four times a day for 5 days.

Special dosing in renal (kidney) impairment

Your doctor will adjust the dose according to your creatinine clearance:

HSV treatment or prophylaxis:
If creatinine clearance 0–10 mL/min: 200 mg every 12 hours.
Varicella zoster in immunocompromised patients:
- 0–10 mL/min: 800 mg every 12 hours.
- 10–25 mL/min: 800 mg every 8 hours.
- >25 mL/min: 800 mg five times daily at 4-hour intervals.
Haemodialysis: Patients should receive their usual appropriate dose after each dialysis.

Paediatric information

Children under 2 years: Oral acyclovir has not yet been fully studied in this age group. Follow your doctor’s advice.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as normal.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Overdose

In the event of an overdose, contact your doctor or pharmacist. If unavailable, go to the nearest hospital or poison centre immediately.

Practical tips

Start treatment as early as possible after symptoms begin.
Maintain good hydration, especially at high doses.
If you feel dizzy, avoid driving and operating machinery.

Dosing table

Standard dosing (as prescribed)

Condition / Use	Age group	Dose	Frequency	Duration / Notes
Herpes simplex (initial or recurrent; skin/mucosa including genital)	Adults	200 mg	5 times daily (every 4 hours)	5 days; omit night dose. Severe initial infections may need extended treatment. Immunocompromised may require 400 mg or IV.
Suppression of recurrent genital HSV in immunocompromised patients	Adults	200 mg or 400 mg	200 mg 6-hourly (4×/day) or 400 mg 12-hourly	Doctor may interrupt every 6–12 months. Breakthroughs may occur on 800 mg total daily.
Prophylaxis of HSV in immunocompromised patients	Adults	200 mg (may be doubled to 400 mg)	6-hourly (4×/day)	Consider IV if severely immunocompromised or poor absorption.
Varicella (chickenpox)	Adolescents 12–18 years	800 mg	4×/day	5 days
Herpes zoster (shingles)	Adults	800 mg	5 times daily (every 4 hours)	7 days; omit night dose. Start within 72 hours of lesion onset.

Renal impairment dosing (prescriber-directed)

Indication	Creatinine clearance (mL/min)	Dose & Frequency
HSV treatment / prophylaxis	0–10	200 mg every 12 hours
Varicella zoster (immunocompromised)	0–10	800 mg every 12 hours
Varicella zoster (immunocompromised)	10–25	800 mg every 8 hours
Varicella zoster (immunocompromised)	>25	800 mg five times daily (every 4 hours)
Haemodialysis	—	Give the usual appropriate dose after each dialysis

Possible side effects

ADCO ACYCLOVIR 200 mg tablets can have side effects. Not everyone gets them. If your general health worsens or you notice any unexpected effects, contact your healthcare provider.

Common (frequent)

Headache
Dizziness
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain
Itching (pruritus), skin rash, hives (urticaria)
Skin sensitivity to light (photosensitivity)
Hair loss
Feeling tired, fever

Less common / reported

Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
Angioedema (rapid swelling under the skin)
Abnormal blood tests (including bilirubin and liver enzymes)
Liver inflammation (hepatitis), jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes)
Shortness of breath
Raised urea/creatinine, renal pain, renal failure
Neurological symptoms: agitation, confusion, tremor, poor coordination, slurred speech, hallucinations, psychotic symptoms, seizures (fits), drowsiness, brain disorders, coma

Serious—seek urgent help

Signs of severe allergy (wheezing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing).
Symptoms suggestive of DRESS or other severe skin reactions: fever, widespread or severe rash, peeling skin, swollen glands, yellow skin/eyes, chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent cough, marked thirst, reduced urine.

What to do: Stop the medicine and seek urgent medical care if you have symptoms of a serious reaction. For milder effects (e.g., nausea, headache) speak to your pharmacist or doctor for advice.

Storage and disposal

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at or below 25 °C in a dry place.
Protect from light and moisture.
Store in the original package.
Do not use after the expiry date on the label/carton/bottle.
Return all unused medicine to your pharmacist.
Do not dispose of medicines in drains or toilets.

What the medicine contains

Active ingredient: acyclovir.
Other ingredients (excipients): colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinised starch, sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium starch glycollate, stearic acid.
Sugar content: contains lactose (about 170 mg per tablet).
Sodium content: essentially sodium-free (less than 1 mmol sodium per dose).

Pack information and appearance

Product: ADCO ACYCLOVIR 200 mg tablets.
Appearance: white, hexagonal tablets, scored on one side.
Packs: securitainer of 25 tablets; blister packs of 25 tablets.

Practical FAQs

Can I drive while taking ADCO ACYCLOVIR?
If you feel dizzy, do not drive or operate machines.

Does it contain sugar or sodium?
Yes, it contains lactose (about 170 mg per tablet) and is essentially sodium-free.

Do I need to drink more water?
When taking high doses, you should drink plenty of water.

What should I do if I miss a dose?
Take it as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose.

When should I start treatment for shingles or chickenpox?
For shingles, start within 72 hours of lesions appearing. For chickenpox, start within 24 hours after the rash appears.

Can children under 2 years take these tablets?
Oral acyclovir in children under 2 years has not yet been fully studied. Follow your doctor’s advice.

I have kidney problems—can I take it?
Yes, but your doctor may lower the dose and will monitor you. Special dose adjustments are provided for reduced kidney function.

I’m pregnant or breastfeeding—can I use it?
The leaflet lists pregnancy and breastfeeding under “Do not take”. Speak to your doctor for personalised advice.

Which medicines can interact with acyclovir?
Tell your doctor if you take probenecid, cimetidine, or mycophenolate mofetil, and mention all other medicines you use.

What serious side effects should I watch for?
Stop the medicine and get urgent help if you develop signs of severe allergy or serious skin reactions (see details above).

Militian Inessa Mesropovna

Education:
Sochi Medical College 2014 – 2017

Work experience:
2017 – to date Sochi Pharmacy – Pharmacist