Q: Which doctor should I consult for shingles?
A: You should visit your general physician if you suffer from shingles.
Q: Is acyclovir effective against the pain of shingles?
A: Acyclovir reduces the pain due to shingles, but additional medications are often required.
Q: What happens if I forget a dose of acyclovir?
A: The missed dose should be taken as soon as you remember it and any remaining doses for that day have to be taken at evenly spaced intervals. However, if the scheduled time for the next dose is near, the missed dose must be skipped and the regular dosing schedule should be followed. Double dosing to make up for a missed one should never be done.
Q: How should acyclovir be stored and disposed?
A: The medication should be kept tightly closed in the same container it came in, out of reach of children. It should be stored at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture.
The best way to dispose medications that are no longer required is through the community’s medicine take-back program. If there is no take-back program, please follow the FDA''s Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information.
Q: What do you do in case of an emergency due to an acyclovir overdose?
A: The symptoms of acyclovir overdose are agitation, seizures, tiredness and loss of consciousness, swelling in the extremities and decreased urination. Please call the local poison control center if this happens. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, please call an emergency ambulance service immediately.
