Acloveer 400 Tablet: Complete Guide to Uses, Side Effects, and Safety
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Decreased urine output or no urine output
- Severe abdominal pain or blood in urine
- Confusion, hallucinations, or seizures
- Swelling of face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Severe headache with visual changes
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is hevir 400mg tablet used for?
This medicine is an antiviral tablet containing acyclovir 400 mg. It is used to treat infections caused by herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus, such as genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chickenpox. It works by stopping the virus from multiplying in the body.
- Generic Name: Acyclovir (400mg)
- Manufacturer: SH Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 hevir 400mg tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा एसाइक्लोविर 400 मिलीग्राम की एक एंटीवायरल गोली है। इसका उपयोग हर्पीस सिम्प्लेक्स वायरस और वैरिसेला-ज़ोस्टर वायरस के कारण होने वाले संक्रमणों के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है, जैसे जननांग दाद, ठंडे घाव, दाद और चेचक। यह वायरस को शरीर में बढ़ने से रोकती है। यह दवा सबसे प्रभावी तब होती है जब संक्रमण के शुरुआती लक्षण दिखने पर तुरंत शुरू की जाए। यह दवा हर्पीस का इलाज नहीं है, लेकिन लक्षणों की गंभीरता और अवधि को कम करने में मदद करती है।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के आम दुष्प्रभावों में सिरदर्द, मतली, उल्टी, दस्त और पेट में परेशानी शामिल हैं। कुछ लोगों को चक्कर आना, थकान या त्वचा पर दाने हो सकते हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं, लेकिन गुर्दे की समस्या, भ्रम, मतिभ्रम, दौरे और गंभीर एलर्जी प्रतिक्रिया हो सकती है। यदि आपको कोई असामान्य लक्षण दिखे तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें। खुराक न छोड़ें और न ही बीच में दवा बंद करें, भले ही आप बेहतर महसूस करें। दिन भर पर्याप्त पानी पिएं ताकि गुर्दे की रक्षा हो सके। अगर दवा से पेट में परेशानी हो तो इसे भोजन के साथ लें। अगर आपको गुर्दे या लीवर की बीमारी है तो डॉक्टर को बताएं। सक्रिय हर्पीस घाव होने पर यौन संपर्क से बचें। यह दवा दूसरों में हर्पीस फैलने से नहीं रोकती। गर्भवती होने, गर्भधारण की योजना बनाने या स्तनपान कराने से पहले डॉक्टर से सलाह लें।
💊 hevir 400mg tablet Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Genital herpes","description":"Treats initial and recurrent episodes of genital herpes caused by herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, reducing symptoms and viral shedding.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Herpes labialis (cold sores)","description":"Used to treat cold sores caused by herpes simplex virus, especially when started at the first sign of tingling or blistering.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Herpes zoster (shingles)","description":"Reduces pain and speeds healing of shingles rash when started within 72 hours of rash onset.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Varicella (chickenpox)","description":"Used in certain patients to reduce the severity and duration of chickenpox.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Herpes simplex encephalitis","description":"Used in the treatment of this serious brain infection, usually in injectable form but oral therapy may be used for follow-up.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Mucocutaneous herpes simplex in immunocompromised patients","description":"Helps treat and prevent herpes simplex infections in patients with weakened immune systems.","evidence":"Well-established"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Bell's palsy","description":"Sometimes used in combination with corticosteroids, based on the theory that herpes simplex virus may contribute to facial nerve inflammation.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Eczema herpeticum","description":"May be used in some cases of this widespread herpes skin infection, though evidence is limited.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Herpes simplex virus infections
Also treats: Varicella-zoster virus infections (shingles, chickenpox), Herpes labialis, Genital herpes, Herpes simplex encephalitis, Mucocutaneous herpes simplex in immunocompromised patients
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Acyclovir (400mg) |
| Brand Name | hevir 400mg tablet |
| Manufacturer | SH Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | ANTI INFECTIVES |
| Action Class | Antiviral (Non-HIV) drugs |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Keep away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from the date of manufacture. |
| WHO Guideline | The World Health Organization recommends acyclovir for the treatment of genital herpes and for the management of herpes simplex virus infections in certain populations. However, specific recommendations should be verified with current guidelines. |
| ICMR Guideline | The Indian Council of Medical Research has guidelines for the management of sexually transmitted infections, which include the use of acyclovir for genital herpes. Consult current ICMR guidelines for detailed recommendations. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine is an antiviral agent that works by selectively inhibiting the replication of herpes viruses. It is a nucleoside analogue that requires activation by viral thymidine kinase. Once activated, it inhibits viral DNA polymerase and causes chain termination of the viral DNA, preventing the virus from multiplying.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take hevir 400mg tablet
Strength: This medicine is available as a 400 mg immediate-release tablet for oral administration.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine for genital herpes is 400 mg three times daily for 7 to 10 days for initial episodes, or 400 mg three times daily for 5 days for recurrent episodes. For herpes zoster, the dose is 800 mg five times daily for 7 to 10 days. For herpes labialis, 400 mg three times daily for 5 days may be used. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients may require dose adjustment based on kidney function. Because kidney function declines with age, lower doses or longer dosing intervals may be necessary. Close monitoring for neurological side effects is recommended. |
| Renal Impairment | Dose adjustment is required in patients with kidney impairment. For adults with creatinine clearance less than 25 mL/min, the dose may be reduced or the dosing interval extended. Consult a healthcare professional for specific dosing recommendations. |
| Hepatic Impairment | No specific dose adjustment is generally required for hepatic impairment, as acyclovir is minimally metabolized by the liver. However, caution is advised in patients with severe liver disease. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum recommended daily dose for oral acyclovir is 4000 mg (4 grams) per day, usually given as 800 mg five times daily. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of hevir 400mg tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Probenecid | Major | |
| Nephrotoxic drugs | Major | |
| Mycophenolate mofetil | Major | |
| Cimetidine | Moderate | |
| Theophylline | Moderate | |
| Zidovudine | Moderate | |
| Antacids | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, NSAIDs)
- Probenecid
- Mycophenolate mofetil
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Cimetidine
- Theophylline
- Zidovudine
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol may increase the risk of dizziness and drowsiness. It is advisable to avoid or limit alcohol while taking this medicine, especially if you experience neurological side effects.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Hypersensitivity to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any component of the formulation","Severe renal impairment without dose adjustment","Not for use in treating viral infections other than herpes viruses"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Use with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment may be required.","Ensure adequate hydration during treatment to prevent kidney damage.","Elderly patients are at higher risk of neurological side effects and require careful monitoring.","Avoid contact with eyes if using topical forms. This information is for oral tablets.","This medicine does not prevent the transmission of herpes to others. Practice safe sex.","Do not use this medicine for longer than prescribed without medical advice.","Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Acyclovir is excreted in breast milk. The amount ingested by the infant is generally low and considered safe. However, consult your doctor before breastfeeding while taking this medicine.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose of this medicine may cause nausea, vomiting, headache, and kidney problems. In severe cases, neurological symptoms such as confusion, hallucinations, and seizures may occur. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Treatment is supportive and may include hemodialysis, especially in patients with kidney failure.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip doses or stop treatment early, even if you feel better, as this may allow the virus to return. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help protect your kidneys. Take this medicine with food if it upsets your stomach. Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a weakened immune system. Avoid sexual contact when you have active genital herpes lesions to prevent spreading the virus to your partner. This medicine does not prevent the transmission of herpes to others. Do not share this medicine with anyone else. Keep all appointments with your doctor for monitoring, especially if you are on long-term therapy. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients are at higher risk of kidney problems and neurological side effects from this medicine. Dose adjustment based on kidney function is often necessary. Ensure adequate hydration and monitor for confusion, hallucinations, or seizures.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. Acyclovir is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks. Use effective contraception if you are taking this medicine and do not wish to become pregnant.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
If you are undergoing surgery, inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist that you are taking this medicine. It is generally safe to continue, but your doctor may adjust the dose based on your kidney function and overall health.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine before any dental procedure. No specific precautions are usually needed, but maintain good hydration and continue your regular dosing schedule.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
This medicine may cause dizziness or fatigue in some people. Avoid strenuous exercise or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. If you experience dizziness, rest and avoid driving.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine may cause dizziness, fatigue, or headache in some people. If you experience these side effects, avoid driving or operating machinery. Most people can continue their normal daily activities while taking this medicine. If you have active herpes lesions, avoid close contact with colleagues and practice good hygiene.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor. Complete the full course as prescribed, even if symptoms improve. If you experience severe side effects, contact your doctor immediately. For long-term suppressive therapy, your doctor will determine when it is safe to stop.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine is generally well tolerated. However, prolonged use may increase the risk of kidney problems and neurological side effects, especially in elderly patients or those with kidney disease. Regular monitoring of kidney function is recommended for patients on long-term therapy. This medicine does not cure herpes, so long-term use may be needed for suppression of recurrent outbreaks.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
A prodrug of acyclovir with better bioavailability, allowing less frequent dosing.
Evidence: Well-establishedAnother antiviral that is effective against herpes viruses and may be used as an alternative.
Evidence: Well-establishedFor cold sores, topical acyclovir or penciclovir creams may be used, though they are less effective than oral therapy.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
There is no vaccine interaction with this medicine. However, live vaccines should be avoided in immunocompromised patients. Consult your doctor before receiving any vaccine while taking this medicine.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specified
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight
❌ DON'T
Do not store in bathroom cabinet
✅ DO
Keep out of reach of children
❌ DON'T
Do not use after expiry date
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling with this medicine, carry it in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Keep it in your carry-on luggage to avoid loss. Store at room temperature and protect from extreme heat or cold. If crossing time zones, adjust dosing times gradually to maintain even intervals. Check customs regulations for carrying prescription medicines. Always carry enough supply for your entire trip.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: This medicine starts working within hours, but you may notice improvement in symptoms within 1-2 days. Complete the full course as prescribed.
A: Yes, you can take this medicine with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with a meal.
A: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double dose.
A: This medicine is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but you should consult your doctor before taking it.
A: It is advisable to avoid or limit alcohol as it may increase dizziness and drowsiness.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for hevir 400mg tablet
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
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norbita 400mg tabletConcept Pharmaceuticals Ltd ₹11.72 88.7% CHEAPER
-
zenclovir 400mg tabletZenlabs Ethica Ltd ₹42.19 59.5% CHEAPER
-
aciherpin 400mg tabletAGIO Pharmaceuticals Ltd ₹45.83 56% CHEAPER
-
okavir 400mg tabletCipla Ltd ₹46.88 54.9% CHEAPER
-
docvir 400mg tablet dtSwiss Pharma Pvt Ltd ₹51.00 51% CHEAPER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: Acyclovir can cure herpes permanently.
Fact: Acyclovir does not cure herpes. It helps manage symptoms and reduces outbreaks, but the virus remains in the body. - Myth: You can stop taking acyclovir as soon as symptoms improve.
Fact: You should complete the full course as prescribed to prevent the infection from returning and to reduce the risk of resistance. - Myth: Acyclovir is safe to take without a prescription.
Fact: Acyclovir is a prescription medicine and should only be taken under medical supervision. - Myth: Acyclovir can be used for any viral infection.
Fact: Acyclovir is only effective against herpes viruses. It does not treat other viral infections like the flu or common cold.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Acyclovir 400 mg tablet (generic)
Brand Alternatives
- Acloveer 400 tablet
- Zovirax 400 mg tablet
- Acivir 400 mg tablet
- Ciplox 400 mg tablet