|  | Conditions Treatments | Herpes

Acyclovir and Stomach Pain

Acyclovir (Zovirax) is an anti-viral medication primarily used to reduce symptoms and promote healing in people who have disorders caused by herpes viruses. It does not cure the diseases but can speed healing time. Acyclovir is available as a tablet, capsule, liquid and intravenous fluid. It is categorized as a synthetic nucleoside analogue that prevents the spread of the virus in the body.

  1. Uses

    • Acyclovir is prescribed to treat health conditions caused by herpes, including chickenpox, shingles, cold sores and genital herpes. Acyclovir also can prevent outbreaks of genital herpes in people who have had previous occurrences. Doctors sometimes prescribe acyclovir to treat a skin infection caused by herpes called eczema herpeticum and to prevent herpes infections in HIV patients.

    Common Side Effects

    • Gastrointestinal problems are the most commonly-reported acyclovir side effects, according to Drugs.com. They include upset stomach, stomach pain or cramps, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Other common acyclovir side effects include dizziness, fatigue, hair loss, joint pain, sensitivity to sunlight and vision changes.

    Serious Side Effects

    • Liver dysfunction is a serious but rare acyclovir side effect that can involve abdominal pain, with additional symptoms of jaundice, extreme fatigue and dark urine. Other uncommon side effects that also call for immediate medical attention include decreased urination, confusion, aggressive behavior, hallucinations, difficulty speaking, seizures and loss of consciousness. Rarely, some people have an allergic reaction to acyclovir, with symptoms of hives or rash, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing and facial swelling. Uncontrollable tremors or a temporary inability to move certain parts of the body are effects also calling for immediate medical attention.

    Blood Disorder

    • Rarely, some people taking acyclovir have developed a serious condition involving decreased red blood cells and platelets, which results in many small blood clots. Symptoms may include unusual bruising or bleeding, bloody diarrhea, blood in urine, a rash with tiny reddish-purple spots, abdominal pain, fatigue and fever. This condition can lead to kidney failure and it can be life-threatening. It is treated with plasma exchange and medication.

    Drug Interaction

    • The drug probenecid, prescribed to increase uric acid excretion, can increase the level of acyclovir in the blood, increasing the risk of acyclovir side effects, including stomach pain and other gastrointestinal problems. When taking both medications, the patient may need to ask a doctor about reducing acyclovir dosage.

Herpes - Related Articles