Effects of Acyclovir Ointment
Several studies have looked at how effective
acyclovir ointment is at treating herpes simplex infections in people with normal (healthy) or weakened immune systems.
Healthy Immune Systems
Acyclovir ointment was studied as a treatment for
genital herpes in people with healthy immune systems. For people who used the medication to treat their first genital herpes infection, the lesions healed more quickly, compared to people who did not use it. For some people, acyclovir ointment also helped the pain to go away more quickly and decreased the time that they were contagious.
Weakened Immune Systems
Acyclovir ointment was studied to treat genital herpes and
cold sores in people with weakened immune systems. The medication decreased the time that the lesions were contagious and helped the pain to go away more quickly.
When and How to Take Acyclovir Ointment
General considerations for when and how to take acyclovir ointment include the following:
- The medication is to be used on the skin (including the mouth and genitals); it is not to be ingested.
- You should use disposable rubber, latex, or similar gloves to apply acyclovir ointment in order to prevent spreading the infection to other parts of your body.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Make sure to take acyclovir ointment as directed by your healthcare provider.
Dosing Information for Acyclovir Ointment
There is only one standard recommended dose of acyclovir ointment, regardless of your age, weight, or other medical problems.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
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