Ocuvir 1200 mg Tablet SR

Ocuvir 1200 mg Tablet SR is a prescription antiviral medicine that contains 1200 mg of acyclovir in each extended-release tablet. Acyclovir belongs to the anti-herpes virus class and is used to help treat infections caused by herpes viruses, including shingles, genital herpes, and cold sores, depending on the doctor’s diagnosis. Because this is a high-strength, extended-release tablet, it is meant for people whose prescriber has specifically chosen this dose and form.

How it works: Acyclovir works by blocking the herpes virus from making copies of itself, which helps slow the infection and reduce symptoms. In tablet form, Ocuvir 1200 mg Tablet SR releases the medicine over time after swallowing, so the drug can keep working through the day as directed.

Ocuvir 1200 mg Tablet SR is a higher-strength tablet, so it is not the kind of acyclovir dose most people would start with on their own. A doctor may choose this strength when a larger dose is needed in a simplified tablet schedule, but it should only be used exactly as prescribed.

• Shingles (herpes zoster)
• Genital herpes outbreaks
• Cold sores caused by herpes simplex
• Herpes virus infection treatment as prescribed by a doctor
• Sometimes prevention of recurrence in selected patients

• Swallow Ocuvir 1200 mg Tablet SR whole with water; do not crush, chew, or split it.
• Take it exactly at the time your doctor tells you, because the extended-release tablet is designed to release medicine slowly.
• You may take it with or without food unless your prescriber gives different instructions.
• Start treatment as soon as possible after symptoms begin for best effect, if your doctor has told you to use it that way.
• Drink enough fluids unless your doctor has told you to restrict fluids, because acyclovir can affect the kidneys in some people.

Each Ocuvir 1200 mg Tablet SR provides 1200 mg of acyclovir in one tablet, which is a high-strength dose compared with lower-dose acyclovir products. The number of tablets per day depends on the condition being treated and the prescriber’s plan; some regimens use one tablet once daily, while others may differ, but the exact maximum daily dose must be set by your doctor. Do not take extra tablets to make up for a missed dose unless your clinician tells you to.

Do not change your dose or stop the medicine without speaking to your doctor.

Common side effects of Acyclovir may include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Stomach pain
• Fatigue

• Ocuvir 1200 mg Tablet SR is a higher-strength acyclovir tablet, so it should be used only under medical supervision.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, because dose adjustment may be needed and side effects can be more likely.
• Stay well hydrated unless your clinician has told you otherwise, since acyclovir can stress the kidneys in some people.
• Use caution if you feel dizzy or tired after taking it; avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Tell your doctor about any history of neurologic problems, because confusion or unusual behavior can happen more easily if acyclovir builds up.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your prescriber whether this exact Ocuvir 1200 mg Tablet SR regimen is appropriate.
• Do not use it to replace safe sex practices; antiviral treatment does not fully prevent passing herpes to others.

• Probenecid
• Cimetidine
• Other medicines that can affect the kidneys, such as NSAIDs or certain antibiotics
• Acyclovir or valacyclovir from other products
• Any medicine that may lower kidney clearance or cause dehydration

Store Ocuvir 1200 mg Tablet SR in its original strip/box at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, and keep it out of reach of children.