Acyclovir Tablets

— THERAPEUTIC CATEGORIES —
  • Viral infections

Acyclovir Tablets Generic Name & Formulations

General Description

Acyclovir 400mg, 800mg.

Pharmacological Class

Nucleoside analogue.

How Supplied

Caps, tabs—contact supplier; Susp—473mL

Acyclovir Tablets Indications

Indications

Genital herpes. Herpes zoster. Varicella.

Acyclovir Tablets 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 Tablets Contraindications

Contraindications

Valacyclovir hypersensitivity.

Acyclovir Tablets Boxed Warnings

Not Applicable

Acyclovir Tablets Warnings/Precautions

Warnings/Precautions

Renal impairment: see full labeling. Maintain adequate hydration. Pregnancy (Cat.B). Nursing mothers.

Acyclovir Tablets Pharmacokinetics

See Literature

Acyclovir Tablets Interactions

Interactions

Avoid nephrotoxic drugs. Potentiated by probenecid.

Acyclovir Tablets 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 Tablets Clinical Trials

See Literature

Acyclovir Tablets Note

Notes

Formerly known under the brand name Zovirax.

Acyclovir Tablets Patient Counseling

See Literature