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Acyclovir Inj Generic Name & Formulations
Legal Class
Rx
General Description
Acyclovir (as sodium) 500mg/vial; lyophilized pwd for IV infusion after reconstitution and dilution; contains sodium 49mg/vial.
Pharmacological Class
Nucleoside analogue.
How Supplied
Contact supplier.
Manufacturer
Acyclovir Inj Indications
Indications
Genital herpes (severe initial episodes in immunocompetent patients). Herpes simplex (in neonates, and as initial and recurrent treatment in immunocompromised patients). Herpes simplex encephalitis. Varicella zoster (immunocompromised patients).
Acyclovir Inj Dosage and Administration
Adult
Give by IV infusion over 1 hour. Mucocutaneous herpes simplex (immunocompromised): 5mg/kg every 8 hours for 7 days. Genital herpes: 5mg/kg every 8 hours for 5 days. Encephalitis: 10mg/kg every 8 hours for 10 days. Varicella zoster (immunocompromised): 10mg/kg every 8 hours for 7 days. All: max 20mg/kg every 8 hours. Obese: dose based on ideal body weight. Renal impairment: CrCl 25–50mL/min: give dose every 12 hours; CrCl 10–25mL/min: give dose every 24 hours; CrCl<10mL/min: reduce dose by 50% and give every 24 hours. Coincide a dose for after hemodialysis.
Children
Give by IV infusion over 1 hour. Neonatal (birth–3mos) herpes simplex: 10mg/kg every 8 hours for 10 days (doses of 15–20mg/kg every 8 hours have been used; see literature). Mucocutaneous herpes simplex (immunocompromised): 10mg/kg every 8 hours for 7 days. Encephalitis: 3mos–12yrs: 20mg/kg every 8 hours for 10 days. Varicella zoster: <12yrs (immunocompromised): 20mg/kg every 8 hours for 7 days. All: max 20mg/kg every 8 hours. Obese: dose based on ideal body weight. Renal impairment: CrCl 25–50mL/min: give dose every 12 hours; CrCl 10–25mL/min: give dose every 24 hours; CrCl <10mL/min: reduce dose by 50% and give dose every 24 hours. Coincide a dose for after hemodialysis.
Acyclovir Inj Contraindications
Contraindications
Valacyclovir hypersensitivity.
Acyclovir Inj Boxed Warnings
Not Applicable
Acyclovir Inj Warnings/Precautions
Warnings/Precautions
Renal impairment: see full labeling. Maintain adequate hydration. Neurological or serious renal, hepatic, or electrolyte abnormalities, or significant hypoxia. Elderly. Pregnancy. Nursing mothers.
Acyclovir Inj Pharmacokinetics
See Literature
Acyclovir Inj Interactions
Interactions
Avoid nephrotoxic drugs. Potentiated by probenecid.
Acyclovir Inj Adverse Reactions
Adverse Reactions
Inj site reactions, transient elevated BUN and serum creatinine, GI upset, pruritus, rash, CNS effects (esp. in elderly), elevated transaminases, hematologic abnormalities, renal failure, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome in immunocompromised patients.
Acyclovir Inj Clinical Trials
See Literature
Acyclovir Inj Note
Notes
Formerly known under the brand name Zovirax.
Acyclovir Inj Patient Counseling
See Literature
