Inadvertently Overdosed on Aciclovir: Should I Be Concerned?
I’m a 31-year-old female from the UK, 175 cm tall, and weighing 192 lbs. I was diagnosed with shingles about a week ago. Currently, my prescription includes 800mg of aciclovir taken five times daily, but I just realized that I mistakenly consumed six doses today. I’m anxious about whether this will have any adverse effects on my health. Additionally, I have recently used some co-codamol. I do not have any pre-existing medical issues.
Answers (1)
2/15/2026, 12:40:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious after taking an extra dose of aciclovir, but the main points to consider are that while aciclovir can have side effects, a single extra dose in a healthy adult is generally not expected to cause serious harm.
Explanation:
Aciclovir is an antiviral medication commonly used to treat viral infections like shingles. The recommended dose for shingles is usually 800mg five times a day, and while taking six doses (4,800mg instead of 4,000mg) is more than prescribed, the body can often handle a slight overdose without severe consequences, especially if you are otherwise healthy.
Common side effects of aciclovir may include nausea, diarrhea, and headache, and in rare cases, more serious side effects can occur, especially with significantly high doses or in those with kidney issues. However, since you do not have any pre-existing medical conditions, your risk is lower.
It's also important to keep in mind that co-codamol contains paracetamol (acetaminophen), which can cause liver damage if taken in excessive amounts. Just ensure that your total intake of paracetamol from all sources does not exceed the maximum daily limit of 4,000mg.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close watch for any unusual symptoms such as severe nausea, headache, dizziness, or changes in urination.
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Stay Hydrated: Make sure to drink plenty of fluids to help your body process the medication.
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Avoid Further Doses: Stick to your prescribed dosing schedule moving forward and avoid taking any extra doses.
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Consider Timing of Co-codamol: If you’ve used co-codamol, check how much paracetamol you’ve taken in total, and do not exceed the daily limit mentioned earlier.
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Seek Help if Needed: If you start to experience severe side effects or feel very unwell, do contact a health professional for further advice.
It's perfectly okay to feel concerned, and your health is the priority. Keeping calm and following these steps will help you navigate this situation safely. Let me know if you have specific concerns or need more information!
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