Generic
Acyclovir
Indications
Acyclovir intravenous infusion is indicated for the treatment of- Acute clinical manifestations of Herpes simplex virus in immunocompromised patients Severe primary or non-primary genital herpes in immune competent patients Varicella zoster virus infection in immunocompromised patients Herpes zoster (shingles) in immune competent patients who show very severe acute local or systemic manifestations of the disease Herpes simplex encephalitis
Pharmacology
Herpes simplex infection: For normal or immunocompromised immune status: 5 mg/kg every 8 hours Very severe Herpes zoster infection (shingles): For normal immune status: 5 mg/kg every 8 hours Varicella zoster infection: For immunocompromised immune status: 10 mg/kg every 8 hours Herpes simplex encephalitis: For normal or immunocompromised immune status: 10 mg/kg every 8 hours Each dose should be administered by slow intravenous infusion over a one-hour period.
Dosage Administration
Herpes simplex infection: For normal or immunocompromised immune status: 5 mg/kg every 8 hours Very severe Herpes zoster infection (shingles): For normal immune status: 5 mg/kg every 8 hours Varicella zoster infection: For immunocompromised immune status: 10 mg/kg every 8 hours Herpes simplex encephalitis: For normal or immunocompromised immune status: 10 mg/kg every 8 hours Each dose should be administered by slow intravenous infusion over a one-hour period.
Side Effects
Co-administration of probenecid with Acyclovir has been shown to increase the mean Acyclovir half-life and the area under the concentration time curve. Urinary excretion and renal clearance correspondingly reduced. In patients over 60 years of age concurrent use of diuretics increases plasma levels of Acyclovir very significantly.
Pregnancy And Lactation
Acyclovir IV Injection is contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to Acyclovir or Valacyclovir.
Therapeutic
Some infrequent adverse reactions are lethargy, obtundation, tremors, confusion, hallucinations, agitation, somnolence, psychosis, convulsions and coma, phlebitis, nausea, vomiting, reversible increases in liver-related enzymes, pruritus, urticaria, rashes, increases in blood urea and creatinine. Local inflammatory reactions may occur if Acyclovir IV Infusion is inadvertently infused into extracellular tissues.
Storage Conditions
Pregnancy category B. There have been no adequate and well controlled studies concerning the safety of Acyclovir in pregnant women. It should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits to the patient clearly outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. Acyclovir should only be administered to nursing mothers if the benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risks to the baby. There is no experience of the effect of Acyclovir on human fertility.
Over The Counter Products
