Acyclovir and Hydrocortisone Topical

Acyclovir and Hydrocortisone Topical is a combination medication used to treat cold sores on the lips and around the mouth in adults and children at least 6 years old.

• Acyclovir and Hydrocortisone Topical is available under various brand names: Xerese 

Common side effects of Acyclovir and Hydrocortisone Topical include:

• mild burning or tingling after applying for the medicine.
• skin dryness or flaking.
• swelling; or
• skin redness or discoloration.

Serious side effects of Acyclovir and Hydrocortisone Topical include:

• hives. 
• difficulty breathing. 
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• severe burning, stinging, or irritation of treated skin.

Rare side effects of Acyclovir and Hydrocortisone Topical include:

• none

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.
• Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult and pediatric dosage

Topical cream

• 5%/1%

Herpes labialis (cold sores): 

Adult dosage

• Topical: Apply 5 times/day for 5 days

Pediatric dosage

• Children above 6 years and Adolescents: 
• Topical: Apply 5 times daily for 5 days.
• initiate therapy at the first sign of infection (ie, during the prodrome or when lesions appear).

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Acyclovir and Hydrocortisone Topical has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs.
• Acyclovir and Hydrocortisone Topical has no noted serious interactions with any other drugs.
• Acyclovir and Hydrocortisone Topical has no noted moderate interactions with any other drugs.
• Acyclovir and Hydrocortisone Topical has no noted minor interactions with any other drugs

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Have a weak immune system (caused by the disease or using certain medicines).
• Acyclovir and hydrocortisone Topical are not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Acyclovir and Hydrocortisone Topical?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Acyclovir and Hydrocortisone Topical?”

Cautions

• Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
• Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of infection.
• Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
• Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina.

Pregnancy and Lactation

• May be acceptable during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant 
• Lactation
  • Unknown whether Topical product distributed in breast milk, caution advised. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.