Acivir Eye Ointment (3% w/w)
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About Acivir Eye Ointment (3% w/w)
Medicine information
- Active ingredient
- Aciclovir
- Indication
- Treatment of acute herpetic keratitis (dendritic corneal ulcers) caused by herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2.
- Manufacturer
- Cipla Limited
- Packaging
- 5 g tube
- Strength
- 3 % w/w
- Dosage form
- Eye ointment
- Route
- Ophthalmic
Medicine overview
Acivir Eye Ointment 3% w/w is an ophthalmic antiviral medicine containing aciclovir. It is used to treat acute herpetic keratitis, an infection of the cornea caused by herpes simplex virus types 1 or 2. Aciclovir belongs to the nucleoside analogue antiviral group and interferes with the virus's ability to make new DNA. The ointment is applied directly inside the lower eyelid of the affected eye. It is intended only for ophthalmic use and should not be swallowed or injected.
What it is used for
Acivir Eye Ointment is used for acute herpetic keratitis caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2. This condition affects the cornea, the clear surface at the front of the eye, and may produce characteristic dendritic or branching ulcers. Treatment limits replication of herpes simplex virus in infected ocular tissue and helps the corneal ulcer heal. Other eye infections should not be assumed to respond to this medicine without an appropriate diagnosis.
How it works
Aciclovir becomes activated mainly inside herpes-virus-infected cells. Its active form, aciclovir triphosphate, inhibits viral DNA polymerase, an enzyme the virus needs to copy its genetic material. It also becomes incorporated into the developing viral DNA chain and stops further DNA synthesis. This suppresses replication of HSV-1 and HSV-2 in affected eye tissue while having comparatively little effect on uninfected cells.
How it is taken
Acivir is applied directly to the affected eye. The product prescribing information directs application of a 1 cm ribbon into the lower conjunctival sac five times daily, approximately every 3 hours while awake, until the corneal ulcer has healed, followed by a 1 cm ribbon three times daily for 7 days. Follow the prescribed course. Avoid touching the tube tip to the eye, fingers, or other surfaces because this can contaminate the sterile ointment. Do not wear contact lenses during treatment.
Important warnings
Do not use Acivir Eye Ointment if you are hypersensitive to aciclovir, valaciclovir, or an ingredient in the formulation. It is for ophthalmic use only. Avoid contact lenses when signs or symptoms of herpetic keratitis are present and throughout treatment. Keep the tube tip from touching the eye or other surfaces to reduce contamination. Seek medical review if eye pain develops or redness, itching, or inflammation becomes worse. Clinically significant drug interactions have not been identified with topical ophthalmic aciclovir. Evidence for combined use with topical corticosteroids is limited; such treatment should be managed by an eye specialist.
Side effects and monitoring
Common or reported ocular effects include temporary stinging or burning after application, eye pain, superficial punctate keratopathy, and conjunctivitis. Blepharitis, or inflammation of the eyelid margin, has been reported less commonly. Very rare immediate allergic reactions can include hives and angioedema, with swelling particularly around the face. Temporary visual disturbance can occur after applying an eye ointment, so avoid driving or operating machinery until vision is clear. Obtain medical attention promptly for a severe allergic reaction or worsening eye pain, redness, itching, or inflammation.
Pregnancy
Available pregnancy data for aciclovir have not demonstrated an increased overall rate of birth defects compared with the general population, although available human data cannot exclude every possible risk. Systemic exposure after ophthalmic administration is expected to be very low. Ophthalmic aciclovir may be used during pregnancy when clinically necessary under medical guidance.
Breastfeeding
Aciclovir can enter breast milk after systemic administration. Exposure of a breastfed infant following ophthalmic use is expected to be very small because systemic absorption from the eye is minimal. Ophthalmic aciclovir can be considered during breastfeeding when clinically needed.
Food and drink
No food-related administration requirement is expected because Acivir is applied to the eye rather than taken by mouth.
Storage
Store below 25°C. Keep the tube properly closed and avoid contaminating the applicator tip.
Frequently asked questions
Will the ointment make my vision blurry after I put it in?
It can temporarily affect vision after application because it is an eye ointment. Do not drive or use machinery until your vision has cleared.
Can I wear contact lenses while treating herpes keratitis?
No. Contact lenses should be avoided while you have signs or symptoms of herpetic keratitis and during treatment with ophthalmic aciclovir.
Does Acivir cure herpes permanently or can keratitis return?
Acivir treats the active herpes simplex infection in the cornea by suppressing viral replication, but it does not eliminate latent herpes virus from the body. Herpetic eye disease can therefore recur.
What should I do if my eye still hurts or becomes more red during treatment?
Contact your eye doctor if pain develops or redness, itching, or inflammation becomes worse. Herpetic keratitis can affect vision, so worsening eye symptoms should be medically assessed rather than managed by changing treatment yourself.
Is stinging after applying Acivir Eye Ointment normal?
Mild, temporary stinging or burning can occur immediately after application. Seek medical advice if irritation is severe, persistent, or accompanied by worsening inflammation.
Can I stop the ointment when my eye starts feeling better?
Follow the full treatment course prescribed for you rather than stopping solely because symptoms improve. The Acivir prescribing information continues treatment after the corneal ulcer has healed.
Can I use steroid eye drops with Acivir?
Do not add steroid eye drops on your own. Clinical information on combining ophthalmic aciclovir with topical corticosteroids is limited, and corticosteroid treatment for herpetic eye disease requires specialist supervision.
Can Cheap Generic Med ship Acivir Eye Ointment internationally?
Cheap Generic Med serves multiple international destinations, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. Shipping availability does not establish that personal import is permitted, and prescription or import requirements may apply in the destination country.
Will my Acivir order have tracking?
Under the standard Cheap Generic Med international fulfilment model, tracked shipping is used and a tracking number should be provided after dispatch. Carrier systems may take 24–72 hours to begin showing movement.
Sources
Medical information notice: This information does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Use prescription medicine only as directed by the prescriber and the approved product information.
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