Avaclyr (Ophthalmic)

Generic name:acyclovir (ophthalmic route) [ ay-SYE-kloe-vir ]

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 9, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Avaclyr

Pharmacologic Class: Viral DNA Polymerase Inhibitor

Chemical Class: Guanosine Nucleoside Analog

Uses for Avaclyr

Acyclovir ophthalmic ointment is used to treat acute herpetic keratitis (dendritic ulcers) in patients with herpes simplex (HSV-1 and HSV-2) virus.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using Avaclyr

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of acyclovir ophthalmic ointment in children younger than 2 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of acyclovir ophthalmic ointment in the elderly.

Breastfeeding

Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Proper use of Avaclyr

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

To use the eye ointment:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
• Tilt the head back. Press your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid and pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a pocket.
• Squeeze a ribbon of ointment into the pocket between your lower lid and eyeball. Close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. You may wipe the excess ointment away.
• Wipe the tip with a clean tissue and close the tube tightly. Keep the tube tightly closed when you are not using it.
• To keep the medicine as ...