What is Acyclovir (buccal mucosa)? Uses, effects, side effects & warnings

What is Acyclovir

Acyclovir buccal tablets are utilized to treat the symptoms associated with herpes virus infections on the mouth and lips (cold sores) in adults with healthy immune systems. While this medication cannot solve herpes simplex, it could aid in healing the sores quicker and ease some discomfort and pain. Acyclovir can be described as an antiviral drug that treats the virus.

This medication is only available on prescription from your physician.

Before You Take This Drug

In making a decision to use any medicine, the dangers of using the drug should be evaluated against the benefits it can bring. It is a choice you and your physician will make. To determine the appropriate medicine, it is important to take the following into consideration:

Warnings

Allergies

Discuss with your doctor if you have experienced any strange or unusual reactions to this medication or any other medications. Be sure to inform your health doctor if you are suffering from other kinds of allergies, for example, to dyes, foods, or preservatives. You may also be allergic to animals. For products that are not prescription-only, you must look over the label or package ingredients attentively.

Pediatric

The right studies haven't been conducted on the relationship between age and the effects of acyclovir buccal tablets within the population of children. The safety and effectiveness of the medication are not known. It is not advised due to the possible danger of being choked.

Geriatric

While appropriate studies regarding the impact of age on the effects of the buccal tablets of acyclovir have not yet been conducted in the geriatric population, there have been no specific geriatric issues reported to date.

Breast Feeding

Women's studies suggest the medication carries a low risk for infants when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions With Other Drugs

Certain medicines shouldn't be taken together. In other cases, two drugs can be used simultaneously even though there is a risk of interaction. In these situations, the doctor may decide to adjust the dosage or take other precautions. If you are taking this medication, it is essential to inform your healthcare provider that you are using any one of the medications listed below. The interactions listed below were chosen for their potential impact and are not meant to be exhaustive. Combining this medication with the following medications is generally not advised but could be necessary in certain situations. If both medications are prescribed in conjunction, the doctor could alter the dosage or frequency at which you take one or both of the drugs.

Bupropion
Dichlorphenamide
Emtricitabine
Fexinidazole
Foscarnet
Leflunomide
Nitisinone
Tenofovir Alafenamide
Teriflunomide

Utilizing this medicine in conjunction with one of the following medicines could increase your chance of experiencing certain adverse effects; however, taking both medicines could be the most effective treatment for you. If you are prescribed both medicines by your doctor, they might alter the dosage or frequency at which you take either or both medications.

Fosphenytoin
Phenytoin
Valproic Acid

Interactions Between Alcohol, Food, Tobacco, and Food

Certain medications are not recommended to be taken with or in conjunction with eating food or eating certain kinds of food, as interactions can occur. Smoking or drinking alcohol in conjunction with certain medications may create interactions. Talk with your healthcare provider about the interaction of your medication with alcohol, food, or tobacco.

How To Take Acyclovir

Take this medicine according to your doctor's instructions to improve your condition to the maximum extent possible. Do not take more than you need or use it for longer periods of time, and avoid using it for longer than your doctor prescribed.

This drug should be provided in a patient information sheet. Take these guidelines seriously. Consult your physician or pharmacist for assistance if you have concerns.

This medication is intended for cold sores that are on the lips and around the mouth.

To utilize:

Peel back the blister to release the tablet. Be careful not to push the tablet into the blister, as this could harm the tablet.
Apply this medicine within 1 hour following the first sign of a cold sore, such as redness, itching, burning, tingling, or burning, and before a cold sore develops.
Place the tablet in your mouth and place it on the gums just above the incisor teeth, using a clean, dry finger. The upper lip should be pressed at a gentle pace for at least 30 seconds to make sure that it is adhesive.
To ensure comfort, put the rounded end of the tablet in front of the gums on the top.
The tablet will slowly dissolve throughout the day. Don't crush, chew, or suck the tablet.
Place the tablet on the opposite side of your mouth to treat the symptoms of cold sores.
You can eat or drink beverages while the tablet is sitting on your gums.
Drink more fluids if your mouth gets dry after using this medication.
Avoid chewing gum, pressing, or touching the tablet once it has been put in place, or, if you wear upper dentures, brushing your teeth while taking this medicine.
Don't take the tablet off in the event that it sticks to your gums on the upper. If the tablet fails to stick or falls off your gums within the first six hours after applying it, apply the same tablet and put it back on your gums. If it does not stick, substitute it with a different tablet.If you take a tablet and swallow it within the first six hours after applying it, sip a glass of water before placing a new tablet on your gums.
Do not apply a new tablet if it is smashed or in the event that you take it in after having placed it for at least 6 hours.

Details On Dosage

The dosage of this medication can differ to different people. Follow the doctor's instructions or the instructions in the prescription. The information below is only the doses that are typical of this medication. If your dose differs you should not alter this unless the doctor instructs you to.

The quantity of medicine you consume is contingent on your strength drug. In addition, the number of doses you will take every day, the interval between doses and the duration of time you are taking the medication are contingent on the medical issue that you're treating with the medication.

For buccal dosage form (tablets):
- To treat cold sores:
  - Adults: 50 milligrams (mg) in one dose.
  - Children - The dosage and dosage must be determined by a physician. The use of this product in children younger than 5 years old is not advised due to the possible danger of getting choked.

Storage

Keep the medication in a sealed bottle at room temperatures, and away from moisture, heat, and bright light. Avoid getting frozen.

Be sure to keep out of children's reach.

Don't store old medicines or medications that are not needed.Ask your physician what you can do with any medication that you do not take.

Acyclovir is a Prescription Drug.

It is vital to have your doctor examine your progression following your use of this medication to ensure that it's functioning properly.

If the symptoms don't improve in a couple of days, or if symptoms get worse, consult your physician.

Acyclovir Side Effects

Alongside its necessary effects, medicines can produce unwanted side negative effects. While none of these side effects could be present, if they do occur, they could require medical attention. Consult your doctor right away if any of the following side symptoms occur:

Canker sores
Gum pain
ulcers, sores and white marks on or around the mouth or in of the mouth

Adverse Side Effects

Certain adverse effects may occur, however they normally do not necessitate medical attention. These symptoms may disappear after treatment, when your body adapts. Additionally your health professional could be able to inform you how to avoid or minimize certain adverse effects. Talk to your physician in the event that any of these symptoms persist or become uncomfortable or in case you have questions regarding these:

The skin is red or flushed. skin
Rash
A strange drowsiness, dullness fatigue, weakness or a sense of slowness
Extremely warm skin

Other adverse side effects that are not listed can also be seen in certain patients. If you observe any other side effects, you should consult with your medical professional. Call your physician for advice from a medical professional regarding the effects. It is possible to report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.