Dosage of Virest 400mg Tablets

Virest 400mg Tablets is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM).

Take as directed by the pharmacist or physician. The dose is dependent on the infection being treated.

Typical Dosage Examples (Dosing is complex and determined by the doctor):

• Shingles Treatment: Often 800 mg (two 400mg tablets) taken five times a day for 7 days.
• Suppression of Genital Herpes: Often 400 mg (one 400mg tablet) taken twice a day for up to 12 months.

Proper Administration

• Route: Oral tablet.
• How to Take: Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. You can take it with or without food.

Timing: Doses must be spaced evenly throughout the day and night (e.g., every 4 hours for a 5-time-a-day dose).

Contraindications of Virest 400mg Tablets

Do NOT take Virest 400mg Tablets if you:

• Have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to Aciclovir, Valaciclovir, or any other ingredient in the tablet.
• Have severe kidney problems (renal impairment), unless the dose is adjusted by a physician.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warnings

• Pregnancy: Consult your doctor. Aciclovir is classified as an FDA Pregnancy Category B drug (or C by older classifications). Consult your doctor to weigh the risks and benefits before taking the drug during pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor. Aciclovir passes into breast milk. Your doctor will advise on whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking the medicine, considering the benefit to the mother.

Side Effects of Virest 400mg Tablets

Side effects are generally mild, but vigilance for signs of toxicity is required.

• Common Side Effects (Mild and Expected): Headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and general feeling of being unwell.
• Serious but Rare Side Effects (that may require medical attention):
  • Kidney Damage (Nephrotoxicity): Symptoms include little or no urination, flank pain (pain in your side and back), blood in the urine, and swelling in the ankles, feet, or lower legs.
  • CNS Effects: Confusion, hallucinations, tremors, difficulty speaking, aggressive behaviour, or seizures.
  • Severe Allergic Reactions: Rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing (anaphylaxis).
  • Photosensitivity: Increased sensitivity to sunlight.

What to do if side effects occur:

• For mild gastrointestinal upset, try taking the tablet with food.
• If you experience any signs of kidney problems (reduced urination, pain) or confusion/hallucinations, or a severe allergic reaction, stop the medication and seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Precautions and Warnings of Virest 400mg Tablets

• Hydration is CRITICAL: Drink plenty of water (6 to 8 full glasses) every day while taking Virest 400mg Tablets to help keep your kidneys working well and prevent the drug from crystallizing in the renal tubules.
• Start Early: The medication works best when started as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of the first symptom (e.g., tingling, burning, or first blister) of an outbreak.
• Finish the Course: Do not miss any doses and keep taking the medicine until the full course is finished, even if symptoms clear up quickly, to ensure the virus is suppressed and to prevent drug resistance.
• Contagion Risk: This drug does not cure herpes and does not prevent its transmission. Avoid sexual contact when lesions are active or when symptoms first appear.

Elderly/Kidney Patients: If you are over 65 years of age or have kidney problems, your dose must be adjusted by a physician.

The active ingredient is Aciclovir (Acyclovir) 400 mg. It is supplied as an oral tablet, typically in blister packs of 25 tablets. It is an Antiviral Drug and a Prescription Only Medicine (POM).