What is the most important information I should know about acyclovir and hydrocortisone topical?
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
What is acyclovir and hydrocortisone topical?
Acyclovir is an antiviral medicine. Hydrocortisone is a steroid.
Acyclovir and hydrocortisone topical (for the skin) is a combination medicine that is used to treat cold sores in adults and children at least 6 years old.
This medicine will not cure or prevent cold sores caused by herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection.
Acyclovir and hydrocortisone topical is for use for cold sores on the lips and around the mouth. This medication will not treat herpes lesions that affect the genitals or the eyes.
Acyclovir and hydrocortisone topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using acyclovir and hydrocortisone topical?
Tell your doctor if you have ever had a weak immune system (caused by disease by or using certain medicines).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Acyclovir and hydrocortisone topical is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.
How should I use acyclovir and hydrocortisone topical?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Start using this medicine as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, itching, or redness). Acyclovir and hydrocortisone topical may not be effective if taken after you already have symptoms.
Wash your hands before and after applying the medicine. Also wash the skin area to be treated.
Apply a thin layer of acyclovir and hydrocortisone topical cream to cover the cold sore or tingly area. Do not rub the cold sore, to avoid making it worse or spreading the virus to other areas of your mouth.
Do not cover the treated skin with a bandage. Do not apply sunscreen, lip balm, or cosmetics to the treated cold sore area.
Acyclovir and hydrocortisone topical is usually applied 5 times per day for 5 days in a row. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of acyclovir and hydrocortisone topical is unlikely to occur.
What should I avoid while using acyclovir and hydrocortisone topical?
Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of infection.
Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina.
What are the possible side effects of acyclovir and hydrocortisone topical?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have severe burning, stinging, or irritation of treated skin.
Common side effects may include:
- mild burning or tingling after applying the medicine;
- skin dryness or flaking;
- swelling; or
- skin redness or discoloration.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect acyclovir and hydrocortisone topical?
Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about acyclovir and hydrocortisone topical.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
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