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Acyclovir Generic Name & Formulations
Legal Class
Rx
General Description
Acyclovir 200mg; caps.
Pharmacological Class
Nucleoside analogue.
See Also
How Supplied
Caps, tabs—contact supplier; Susp—473mL
Manufacturer
Acyclovir Indications
Indications
Genital herpes. Herpes zoster. Varicella.
Acyclovir Dosage and Administration
Adult
May give with food. Genital herpes: Initially 200mg every 4hrs (5 times daily) for 10 days. Chronic: 400mg 2 times daily or 200mg 3–5 times daily for up to 12 months, then reevaluate. Intermittent: (at 1st sign of recurrence) 200mg every 4hrs (5 times daily) for 5 days. Herpes zoster: 800mg every 4hrs (5 times daily) for 7–10 days. Varicella (start at earliest sign/symptom): 800mg 4 times daily for 5 days. Renal impairment: reduce dose (see full labeling); give another dose after hemodialysis.
Children
<2yrs: not recommended. ≥2yrs: Varicella (start at earliest sign/symptom): 20mg/kg 4 times daily for 5 days; max 800mg/dose. >40kg: as adult. Others: see full labeling.
Acyclovir Contraindications
Contraindications
Valacyclovir hypersensitivity.
Acyclovir Boxed Warnings
Not Applicable
Acyclovir Warnings/Precautions
Warnings/Precautions
Renal impairment: see full labeling. Maintain adequate hydration. Pregnancy (Cat.B). Nursing mothers.
Acyclovir Pharmacokinetics
See Literature
Acyclovir Interactions
Interactions
Avoid nephrotoxic drugs. Potentiated by probenecid.
Acyclovir Adverse Reactions
Adverse Reactions
Nausea, vomiting, headache, CNS disturbances (esp. elderly), diarrhea, vertigo, myalgia, rash, malaise, viral resistance, renal failure, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome in immunocompromised patients.
Acyclovir Clinical Trials
See Literature
Acyclovir Note
Notes
Formerly known under the brand name Zovirax.
Acyclovir Patient Counseling
See Literature
