Acivir 3% w/w Eye Ointment

Acivir 3% w/w Eye Ointment is a prescription antiviral eye medicine containing acyclovir 3% w/w in each bottle. It belongs to the antiviral drug class and is used to treat herpes simplex infections of the eye, especially herpetic keratitis, when a doctor decides an ointment is appropriate. Because it is an eye ointment, it is designed to coat the surface of the eye and deliver medicine directly where it is needed.

How it works: Acyclovir works by stopping the herpes virus from copying its genetic material, which slows viral growth and helps the eye heal. In ointment form, Acivir 3% w/w Eye Ointment stays on the eye surface longer so the medicine can contact the infected area directly.

Acivir 3% w/w Eye Ointment is a higher-strength, eye-specific acyclovir product intended for people a doctor has already assessed for an eye herpes infection. Compared with lower-strength oral or skin forms of acyclovir, this ointment is made to act locally on the eye surface and may cause temporary blurring right after application. A clinician may choose Acivir 3% w/w Eye Ointment when direct treatment of the cornea or conjunctiva is preferred.

• Herpes simplex keratitis
• Herpes simplex infection of the eye surface
• Treatment of active ocular herpes under medical supervision
• Reducing viral replication in the affected eye

• Use exactly as your eye doctor prescribed; do not change how often you apply Acivir 3% w/w Eye Ointment on your own.
• Wash your hands before and after each application.
• Pull down the lower eyelid and apply a small ribbon of ointment into the pocket of the eye, without touching the tube tip to the eye, eyelid, or skin.
• Close the eye gently for a short time after applying the ointment; vision may blur briefly.
• If you use other eye medicines, wait the time your doctor or pharmacist recommends between products.
• Do not wear contact lenses during an active eye infection unless your eye doctor says it is safe.

Acivir 3% w/w Eye Ointment provides acyclovir 3% per bottle in a topical ophthalmic ointment form. The exact amount to apply and how many times per day depend on the type and severity of the eye infection, and your doctor will decide the schedule; this medicine is not meant to be self-dosed like an over-the-counter eye lubricant. Follow the prescribed frequency closely, since using more often than directed will not make it work faster and may irritate the eye.

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

Common side effects of Acyclovir may include:

• Temporary blurred vision after application
• Mild eye burning or stinging
• Eye irritation or discomfort
• Redness of the eye or eyelid
• Watery eyes
• Mild eyelid swelling

• Use only in the eye as directed; do not swallow the ointment or use it on the skin unless instructed.
• Your vision may be blurred after application, so avoid driving or operating machinery until vision clears.
• Do not touch the ointment tip to any surface to prevent contamination.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of eye allergies.
• Do not use contact lenses during treatment unless your eye specialist approves.
• Seek prompt care if symptoms worsen, because herpes eye infections can threaten vision.
• If you have kidney disease or are taking other acyclovir products, tell your clinician even though this is an eye ointment.

• Other eye medicines, which may need spacing between doses
• Other acyclovir or valacyclovir products, which may add to overall antiviral exposure
• Topical eye drops or ointments that can dilute or block absorption if used at the same time
• Contact lens use, which can worsen irritation or contaminate the eye during infection

Store Acivir 3% w/w Eye Ointment at room temperature in the original container, tightly closed, and keep it clean and away from heat, moisture, and direct light.