Acivir 800 DT Tablet (Acyclovir) – High-Strength Antiviral Treatment

Acivir 800 DT Tablet is a high-potency dispersible antiviral medication containing Acyclovir, specifically formulated to treat severe herpes infections including genital herpes, shingles (herpes zoster), cold sores (herpes labialis), and chickenpox. This maximum strength 800mg dispersible tablet provides enhanced viral suppression, making it particularly effective for immunocompromised patients or those with recurrent outbreaks. The DT (dispersible) formulation allows for easy administration by dissolving in water, which is beneficial for patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets. While not curative, it significantly reduces outbreak duration and severity when taken as prescribed.

Uses of Acivir 800 DT Tablet:

• Treatment of severe genital herpes outbreaks
• Management of acute shingles (herpes zoster)
• Suppression of frequent cold sore recurrences
• Therapy for chickenpox in adults
• Prevention of CMV infection in transplant patients

Benefits of Acivir 800 DT Tablet:

• Maximum strength formula for aggressive viral suppression
• Dispersible tablet for easy administration
• Reduces healing time by 1-2 days when started early
• Decreases transmission risk of genital herpes
• Effective for resistant cases requiring higher doses

Side Effects of Acivir 800 DT Tablet:

• Headache (more frequent at this strength)
• Gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fatigue
• Skin rash or itching
• Mild fever

The 800mg dose may intensify side effects – report persistent symptoms immediately.

How to Use Acivir 800 DT Tablet?

Dissolve the tablet in a glass of water and drink immediately. Can be taken with or without food, but maintain consistent timing. Typically taken 2-5 times daily depending on condition. Critical to start at first symptom for best results. Maintain excellent hydration (8-10 glasses water daily). If a dose is missed, take when remembered unless within 2 hours of next dose – never take two 800mg tablets together.

How Acivir 800 DT Tablet Works?

This maximum strength formulation contains Acyclovir which converts to its active triphosphate form in infected cells. It competitively inhibits viral DNA polymerase, incorporating into viral DNA to cause chain termination. The 800mg dose maintains higher therapeutic levels for enhanced suppression of HSV-1, HSV-2, and VZV viruses throughout the dosing interval.

Safety Advice:

• Renal Function: Mandatory monitoring required – high risk of nephrotoxicity
• HIV Patients: Increased TTP/HUS risk – requires close monitoring
• Pregnancy: Use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk
• Elderly: Likely need dose adjustment due to reduced kidney function
• Driving: May impair reactions – assess tolerance first
• Hydration: Crucial to prevent crystal nephropathy

What If You Missed a Dose?

If you forget a dose of this high-strength medication, take it as soon as remembered unless it’s nearly time for the next dose. Never take two 800mg tablets together due to overdose risk. If multiple doses are missed, consult your doctor before resuming treatment.

FAQs:

Q1: How should I prepare the dispersible tablet?

Place tablet in half glass of water, allow to dissolve completely (2-3 minutes), then stir and drink immediately. Rinse glass with more water and drink to ensure full dose.

Q2: Does Acivir 800 DT cure herpes infections?

No, it controls symptoms and reduces outbreaks but doesn’t eliminate the virus from your body. The herpes virus remains dormant in nerve cells between outbreaks.

Q3: Why is the 800mg strength prescribed?

The higher dose is typically for: severe initial outbreaks, frequent recurrences, immunocompromised patients, or when lower doses prove ineffective.

Q4: What special precautions are needed with this high dose?

Key precautions include: strict adherence to dosing, mandatory hydration, kidney function tests, neurological monitoring in elderly, and immediate reporting of unusual symptoms.

Q5: Can children take this 800mg formulation?

Generally not recommended for children. Pediatric dosing is weight-based and typically uses lower strength formulations.

Q6: What are signs of overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include: severe nausea/vomiting, neurological changes (confusion, hallucinations), kidney pain, decreased urination.

Q7: How does this compare to regular tablets?

The DT formulation offers easier administration while providing the same high potency as regular 800mg tablets.

Q8: Can I take this for COVID-19?

No quality evidence supports Acyclovir for COVID-19. Use should be strictly for approved herpes indications.

Q9: Why is hydration so important?

The 800mg strength significantly increases risk of crystal formation in kidneys. Adequate water intake (2-3L daily) helps prevent nephrotoxicity.

Q10: How long can I safely take this high dose?

Duration depends on condition: acute treatment typically 7-10 days, while suppressive therapy may continue longer with monitoring.