Acifar

Acifar is a medicine to treat infections caused by the herpes virus, such as shingles and herpes simplex in the genital area or lips. This medicine can also prevent recurrence and reduce the risk of spreading the virus in the body in people with weak immune systems.

Acifar is available in caplet form and contains the active ingredient acyclovir. The acyclovir content in Acifar is a type of antiviral drug. This drug works by inhibiting the growth of the herpes virus in the body so that herpes symptoms can subside. 

Please note that Acifar is only used to relieve symptoms of infection and cannot cure the disease.

Acifar Products

Acifar is available in 2 variants, namely:

• Acifar 200 mg caplets, containing 200 mg of acyclovir per caplet.
• Acifar 400 mg 10 Caplets, containing 400 mg of acyclovir per caplet.

What is Acifar

Warnings before consuming Acifar

Before consuming Acifar, please pay attention to the following:

• Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have. Acifar should not be used by people who are allergic to the ingredients in this drug.
• Inform your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease or have a weak immune system, for example due to HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy.
• Consult your doctor if you plan to have any vaccinations while using Acifar.
• To reduce the risk of transmission, it is not recommended to have sex if you have genital herpes. Use barrier contraception, such as condoms, if you want to have sex. 
• Discuss with your doctor regarding the use of Acifar if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including supplements or herbal products. The goal is to anticipate drug interactions.
• See a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug or serious side effects after taking Acifar.

Dosage and Rules for Use of Acifar

The following is the general dosage for Acifar based on the patient’s condition and age:

Condition: Herpes simplex

• Adults: 200–400 mg, 5 times daily (every 4 hours), for 5 days. To prevent relapse, the dose is 200 mg, 4 times daily (every 6 hours), the dose may be increased to 400 mg for people with weakened immune systems.
• Children <2 years: Half the adult dose. 
• Children aged ≥2 years: Same as adult dose. 

Condition: Shingles (herpes zoster)

• Adults and children aged ≥12 years: 800 mg, 5 times daily, for 5 days.
• Patients with renal impairment: 800 mg, 2–3 times daily.

How to Consume Acifar Correctly

Follow your doctor’s instructions and read the information on the drug label before taking this medicine. Do not reduce or increase the dose without your doctor’s approval.

Here’s how to use Acifar correctly:

• It is recommended to take this medication as soon as possible when the first symptoms of herpes infection appear.
• Take Acifar before or after meals. Swallow the capsules whole with water.
• Take Acifar at the same time every day for optimal results. If you forget, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and do not double the next dose.
• Drink more water while taking Acifar. This is to avoid side effects.
• While taking this medication, you may need to have regular kidney and liver function tests. Follow the check-up schedule set by your doctor to ensure optimal treatment.
• Do not stop taking Acifar suddenly even if you feel healthy or have no complaints unless advised by your doctor. The goal is to avoid recurrence of infection.
• Store Acifar in a dry place and avoid direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.

Acifar Interactions with Other Drugs

Drug interactions that can occur when Acifar is used with certain drugs are:

• Increased risk of side effects from theophylline 
• Increased risk of side effects from Acifar if used with probenecid or cimetidine
• Increased risk of impaired kidney function if used with ciclosporin or tacrolimus

To avoid unwanted interaction effects, consult a doctor before using Acifar together with other drugs.

Side Effects and Dangers of Acifar

Considering that Acifar contains acyclovir, there are side effects that may occur after taking this drug, including:

• Dizzy
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Muscle pain
• Fever 

Consult a doctor if the above side effects occur and do not improve. The doctor can provide advice and treatment to overcome the side effects. 

Seek immediate medical attention if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or serious side effects, such as: 

• A rash that spreads over the entire body, including the eyes, mouth, and genitals
• Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Dark colored urine
• Unusual fatigue
• Seizures
• Restlessness, confusion, or hallucinations 
• Jaundice

Majewska, A., & Mlynarczyk-Bonikowska, B. (2022). 40 Years After the Registration of Acyclovir: Do We Need New Anti-Herpetic Drugs? International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(7), pp. 3431.
Rivai, H., Monicha, E., & Andayani, R. (2020). Review of Acyclovir Analysis in Pharmaceutical Preparations and Biological Matrices. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 9(6), pp. 849–875.
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