Acyclovir Eye Ointment: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Acyclovir Eye Ointment is a prescription antiviral medicine applied inside the lower eyelid to treat herpes simplex virus infections of the cornea, including dendritic corneal ulcers. It works by blocking the virus from copying its DNA, which helps stop the infection from spreading and allows the corneal sore to heal. It is available as an eye ointment and is used according to a dosing schedule that depends on age.

What is Acyclovir Eye Ointment

Acyclovir eye ointment is a prescription antiviral medicine applied inside the lower eyelid to treat a viral infection of the cornea caused by the herpes simplex virus. Its generic name is Acyclovir, and it belongs to the antiviral (nucleoside analogue) drug class.

Acyclovir Eye Ointment uses

• Treats herpes simplex epithelial keratitis (dendritic corneal ulcer), an infection of the clear front part of the eye caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2)
• Treats acute herpetic keratitis (dendritic ulcers) in patients with herpes simplex virus

Benefits of Acyclovir Eye Ointment

• Specifically targets herpes simplex virus replication
• Helps promote healing of herpetic corneal ulcers
• Provides antiviral activity directly at the affected eye
• May reduce the duration of active superficial corneal infection

How Acyclovir Eye Ointment works

The ointment works by getting inside the virus-infected cells of the cornea and blocking the virus from copying its DNA. Since the virus cannot make new copies of itself, the infection stops spreading and the body can heal the corneal sore.

Acyclovir Eye Ointment dosage

Use only as directed by your eye doctor; do not use more often or for longer than prescribed. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying the ointment. Tilt your head back, gently pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a small pocket, and place the ointment into that pocket. Close your eyes for one to two minutes after applying, and avoid blinking hard so the ointment is not pushed out. Wipe away any excess ointment with a clean tissue.

Do not let the tip of the tube touch your eye, eyelid, or any other surface, to avoid contaminating the ointment. Keep the tube tip clean and close the tube tightly after each use. Do not wear contact lenses while treating the eye infection.

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for your next dose - do not double up. Complete the full course of treatment even if your symptoms improve, since stopping early can let the infection come back or become harder to treat.

Studies on children younger than 2 years have not been done, so safety and dosing in this age group have not been established and must be decided by a doctor. No special problems have been found that would limit use of this medicine in elderly patients.

Available forms and strengths

• Eye ointment

Side effects of Acyclovir Eye Ointment

Common

• Mild stinging or burning right after applying
• Redness, itching, pain, swelling, or other irritation of the eye
• Painful irritation of the clear front part of the eye (tiny spots on the cornea)
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Redness, swelling, or itching of the eyelid
• With prolonged use, tiny spots on the surface of the cornea (punctate keratopathy)

Serious

• Severe or worsening pain in or around the eye
• Sudden vision changes, blurry vision, or increased sensitivity to bright light
• Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, skin rash, or large swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use steroid eye drops while you have an active dendritic ulcer, since they can make the ulcer spread and worsen the infection seriously. Tell your doctor about all other eye medicines you are using.
• This is a prescription eye medicine. Use it only exactly as directed by your eye doctor, and do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.
• Do not touch the tip of the ointment tube to your eye, eyelid, or any other surface, and do not share your eye ointment with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms.
• Serious damage to the eye and possible loss of vision can happen if you use contaminated eye medicine, so keep the container tightly closed and avoid touching the applicator tip to any surface.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses while you have an active eye infection and while using this ointment; your eye doctor will tell you when it is safe to wear them again.
• If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your eye doctor before using this medicine. Studies suggest this medicine poses minimal risk to a breastfeeding infant, but tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
• Systemic absorption following ophthalmic application is minimal. No routine renal dosage adjustment is established, and no routine hepatic dosage adjustment is required for ophthalmic acyclovir. No major direct interaction has been established between ophthalmic acyclovir and alcohol.
• This ointment can sometimes cause temporary blurring of vision after you apply it. If this happens, avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision clears.

Storage

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light
• Keep from freezing
• Keep out of the reach of children
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed
• Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use

When to see a doctor

• Contact your eye doctor right away if eye pain or irritation occurs, or if your symptoms do not improve within a few days or get worse
• Get medical help immediately if you have severe eye pain, sudden vision changes, or intense sensitivity to light
• Contact your doctor if you notice any new or unusual symptoms such as a rash, swelling around the eye, or severe discomfort
• Seek medical help right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing
• Contact your doctor if you accidentally get the ointment in your mouth or swallow it

Alternatives

• Oral Acyclovir
• Ganciclovir Ophthalmic Gel
• Zovirax Eye Ointment
• Avaclyr