Acivir Cream: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Price, Composition & 20 FAQs

Acivir Cream belongs to a group of drugs called as “antiviral ointment”. Acivir Cream contains Aciclovir as chief ingredient. Acivir Cream is used in cases when viral skin infection is present. These include cold sores (herpes simplex infections), herpes zoster, chickenpox and genital herpes. Majority of the patients do not show any side effects. But few may include application site reaction including pain, redness, swelling, itching and exacerbation of underlying skin conditions.

Acivir Cream Composition – Aciclovir 5% w/w
Manufactured by – Cipla Ltd
Prescription– Required
Form – Cream
Price – Rs. 65.94
Type of Drug – Antiviral Cream

Acivir Cream is used in cases when viral skin infection is present. These include cold sores (herpes simplex infections), herpes zoster, chickenpox and genital herpes.

Read more: Ibuflamar P Uses | Dimetapp Uses

• Acivir Cream contains Aciclovir as chief ingredient.
• Acyclovir inhibits replication of herpes viral DNA and works by lowering the ability of the herpes virus to multiply in the body. This treats the symptoms of infection and speed the healing of sores or blisters but this drug doesn’t cure herpes infections.

• Acivir Cream is available in the form of skin cream.
• Acivir Cream must be applied in a thin layer and evenly to the skin as prescribed by your physician.
• Clean and dry the area on which Acivir Cream has to be used.
• Hands should be properly washed before and after applying Acivir Cream.
• The area treated with Acivir Cream should not be washed immediately after cream application.
• The area treated may be covered with gauze dressing if desired.

• The drug dosage is decided by the physician based upon:
• Health status/medical condition of the patient
• Severity of symptoms
• Reaction to the first dose
• History of allergy/drug reactions
• Dosage in adults: apply a small amount of this Cream (an amount equal to the surface area of the tip of a finger) on the affected area two to three times daily.

Q. What happens if I overdose on Acivir Cream?

Acivir Cream should not be applied in more than prescribed dose. If you have applied an over-dose, it is advisable to wash it with cold water and contact your consulting physician.

Q. What happens if I miss a dose of Acivir Cream?

The potency of the medicine may decrease because for effective working of the drug, a certain amount of drug must be present in your body at all times. Always apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. But, if it’s already time for the next dose – do not double the dose.

Q. What happens if I administer expired Acivir Cream?

The medicine may not work as well as the potency of the medicine gets affected. Please inform your physician regarding the same. To be on the safer side, always check and never use an expired medicine.

Q. What is the onset time of Acivir Cream?

You should start to feel recovered within 3-4 days following treatment with Acivir Cream.

Q. Till when does the effect of Acivir Cream stay?

The duration of time for which the medicine remains effective is not clinically established.

Read more: Dimetapp Dosage

• Acivir Cream should not be used if the patient is allergic to Aciclovir, Valacyclovir or any of the components present in Acivir Cream.
• if you are dehydrated from a recent illness or activity,
• if you have or have ever had problems with your immune system;
• if you are suffering from / have a history of human immunodeficiency virus infection or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
• If you are suffering from a kidney disease.

• The use of Acivir Cream skin ointment does not exclude concomitant systemic therapy with antiviral drugs where appropriate.
• Avoid prolonged without doctor’s consent.
• Ointment should not be used in the eyes.

Read more: Brupal Forte Precaution

Majority of the patients do not show any side effects. Few patients might show side effects which include- Application site reaction including pain, redness, swelling, itching and exacerbation of underlying skin conditions. (rare)

Are There Any Reported Allergic Reactions to Acivir Cream?

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

Signs and symptoms include:

• Rash (common)
• Itching (common)
• Shortness of breath (less common)
• Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat (rare)
• Loss of consciousness (rare)

Drug interaction refers to effect of drugs on each other and on human body after ingestion. Large numbers of medicines have shown to interact with each other. Interactions are not just limited to drugs, but certain food items and some laboratory tests which should not be taken right after consuming Acivir Cream. We explore these in details below.

1. Food Interactions with Acivir Cream

No interactions observed with any food products.

2. Medicines Interactions with Acivir Cream

It is always advised that the patient must inform the physician about all the drugs/over the counter products/vitamin supplements used. It may interact with large number of medicines. Few important ones include:

• You must also inform about all other medicines including antibiotics that you are consuming. You must not modify the drug regimen without your doctor’s approval.
• If you need to use other drugs on same area of skin it is advisable to leave a gap of few minutes between each application so as to avoid mixing of two drugs.
• If you need to use a moisturiser, it is advisable to apply it 30 minutes before applying Acivir Cream so as to soften the skin surface and allow enhanced absorption of Acivir cream.
• Please note that application of moisturiser just before/after application of Acivir Cream can dilute the drug and decrease its effectiveness.

3. Effects of Acivir Cream on Lab Tests

No effect on any lab tests noted while taking Acivir Cream.

4. Interactions with Pre-existing Conditions/Diseases

Patients suffering from pre-existing kidney diseases and perforated ear drum must consult their physician before consuming Acivir Cream.

Q. Can I have Acivir Cream with alcohol?

Acivir Cream is usually not known to interact with alcohol. However, alcohol consumption must be avoided due to lack of clinical data.

Q. Any particular food item to be avoided?

No alteration in its action seen with any food product.

Q. Can I have Acivir Cream when pregnant?

Always consult your doctor first. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Q. Can I have Acivir Cream when feeding a baby?

There is no evidence as whether ingredients of Acivir Cream are excreted in human breast milk or not thus it should be used with caution in lactating mothers.

Q. Can I drive after taking Acivir Cream?

Acivir Cream is not generally known to affect your ability to drive.

Read more: Alerid D Side Effects | Amlopres At Side Effects

 Buy & save from: Netmeds | Medlife | Pharmeasy

The following are alternative drugs for Acivir Cream:

• Zovirax cream:
  • Manufactured by –Glaxo group Ltd
  • Price – Rs. 151.9
• Herpex Cream:
  • Manufactured by – Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd
  • Price – Rs. 68.1
• Ocuvir Cream:
  • Manufactured by – FDC Ltd
  • Price – Rs. 59.5
• Zoster Cream:
  • Manufactured by – Leeford Healthcare Ltd
  • Price – Rs. 50.03
• Herpesafe Cream:
  • Manufactured by – Alkem Laboratories Ltd
  • Price – Rs. 75
• Glenvirax Cream:
  • Manufactured by – Glenmark Ltd
  • Price – Rs. 48
• Cyclopiz Cream:
  • Manufactured by – Gary Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
  • Price – Rs. 50
• Psyvir Cream:
  • Manufactured by – Psycoremedies Ltd
  • Price – Rs. 68.68
• Eclovir Cream:
  • Manufactured by – Scott Edil Pharmacia Ltd
  • Price – Rs. 49.5
• Sarivir Cream:
  • Manufactured by – Sarian Healthcare Ltd
  • Price – Rs. 50
• Acirax Cream:
  • Manufactured by – Synmedic Ltd
  • Price – Rs. 50

Read more: Brufamol Price

Storage requirements for Acivir Cream

• Storage at room temperature away from direct light and heat unless mentioned in the package insert.
• Keep medicines away from children and pets.

Q. What is Acivir Cream?

Acivir Cream belongs to a group of drugs called as “antiviral ointment”. Acivir Cream contains Aciclovir as chief ingredient. Acivir Cream is used in cases when viral skin infection is present. These include cold sores (herpes simplex infections), herpes zoster, chickenpox and genital herpes. Majority of the patients do not show any side effects. But few may include application site reaction including pain, redness, swelling, itching and exacerbation of underlying skin conditions.

Q. What are the uses of Acivir Cream?

Acivir Cream is used in cases when viral skin infection is present. These include cold sores (herpes simplex infections), herpes zoster, chickenpox and genital herpes.

Q. What are the side effects of Acivir Cream?

Majority of the patients do not show any side effects. But few may include application site reaction including pain, redness, swelling, itching and exacerbation of underlying skin conditions.

Q. Should Acivir Cream be taken on an empty stomach?

Acivir Cream is a skin ointment. You can apply the medicine with or without food.

Q. Does Acivir Cream make you drowsy?

Acivir Cream does not make you drowsy.

Q. What should be the time gap between the intakes of two Acivir Cream doses?

Acivir Cream is usually applied after a gap of 4-6 hours after the first dose.

Q. Should I complete the whole cycle of the medicine even if cured?

A complete course must be taken for complete cessation of symptoms from your body.

Q. Does Acivir Cream effect my menstrual cycle?

No, Acivir Cream does not affect your menstrual cycle.

Q. Is Acivir Cream safe for children?

Acivir Cream is safe for application in children above 12 years of age. Children below 2 years should use it with caution.

Q. Are there any symptoms that I should consider before taking Acivir Cream?

Patients with history of allergic reaction to any of the ingredients of Acivir Cream should not use it.

Q. Is Acivir Cream legal in India?

Yes, Acivir Cream is legal in India

Similar Read: 

• Alerid Tablet
• Ibuflamar P Composition

Disclaimer – The information provided above is to the best of our research and knowledge. However, you are recommended to consult a physician before consuming the drug.