Acyclovir (Oral Route, Intravenous Route)

Side Effects

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

1. Pain, swelling, or redness at place of injection

Less common

1. Abdominal or stomach pain
2. decreased frequency of urination or amount of urine
3. increased thirst
4. loss of appetite
5. nausea or vomiting
6. unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare

1. Black, tarry stools
2. blood in urine or stools
3. chills, fever, or sore throat
4. confusion
5. convulsions (seizures)
6. hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)
7. hives
8. pinpoint red spots on skin
9. trembling
10. unusual bleeding or bruising

Frequency not determined

1. Bleeding or oozing from puncture sites or mucous membranes (bowel, mouth, nose, or urinary bladder), continuing
2. blistering, peeling, or loosening of skin
3. bluish coloring, especially of the hands and feet
4. blurred vision
5. bruising at the place of injection
6. changes in facial skin color
7. changes in vision
8. clumsiness
9. coughing
10. decreased consciousness
11. difficulty in breathing or swallowing
12. dizziness or feeling faint, severe
13. fast heartbeat
14. irritability
15. itching or skin rash
16. large hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, sex organs
17. mood or mental changes
18. muscle cramps, pain, or weakness
19. pale skin
20. red or irritated eyes
21. sense of agitation or uneasiness
22. shakiness and unsteady walk
23. sores, ulcers, or white spots in mouth or on lips
24. swelling of eyelids, face, feet, hands, lower legs or lips
25. swollen, painful, or tender lymph nodes (glands) in neck, armpit, or groin
26. unsteadiness or other problems with muscle control or coordination
27. yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

1. General feeling of discomfort or illness

Less common

1. Diarrhea
2. headache

Frequency not determined

1. Burning, prickling, or tingling sensations
2. drowsiness
3. loss of hair

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Precautions

Portions of this document last updated: May 01, 2024

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