For shingles, the 800 mg tablet is used unless IV treatment is needed. You cannot take ddC with acyclovir until you are stable on acyclovir. Dosage reduction is required if you have kidney failure. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, it is recommended that you do not take acyclovir. How long it may take to work Herpes sores usually disappear in a few days after starting treatment.
Effectiveness is noted by crusting over and healing of sores.
Long-term therapy with acyclovir may be required if you have chronic outbreaks of herpes. Managing side effects Medications to help reduce symptoms of nausea include Compazine, Phenergan, and Reglan. Nutrition strategies such as eating dry salted crackers and not lying down after you eat can help reduce stomach upset. Aspirin or pain killers may help with headache. Dosage may be adjusted if side effects are severe.