Synthetic purine analog- Antiviral (systemic)

Herpes genitalis, initial episode ; Herpes genitalis, recurrent episodes ; Herpes simplex, Herpes simplex, neonatal infection ; Herpes simplex encephalitis;  Herpes zoster; Varicella.

Category B

Pregnancy:

Acyclovir crosses the placenta. Acyclovir has been used in all stages of pregnancy.

Breast -feeding:

Acyclovir is distributed into breast milk and a very small amount of acyclovir has been measured in one nursing infant's urine; no toxicity was observed.

Patients allergic to valacyclovir may also be allergic to acyclovir.

Geriatric patients may be more sensitive to the central nervous system effects of Aciclovir.

Contraindications

Risk-benefit should be considered when the following medical problems exist

Dehydration or Renal function impairment, pre-existing.

Hypersensitivity to acyclovir, ganciclovir, or valacyclovir.

Drug interactions

Nephrotoxic medications, Probenecid .

Genital herpes infection-Initial episode:

Oral, 200 mg every four hours while awake, five times a day, for ten days.

Recurrent infections, intermittent therapy (< 6 episodes per year):

Oral, 200 mg every four hours while awake, five times a day, for five days.

Recurrent infections, chronic suppressive therapy (≥ 6 episodes per year):

Oral, 400 mg twice a day, or 200 mg three to five times a day, for up to twelve months.

Varicella (chickenpox):

Oral, 800 mg four times a day for five days. Treatment should be initiated at the earliest sign or symptom of chickenpox.

Varicella (chickenpox)-Children up to 2 years of age:

Safety and efficacy have not been established.

However, no unusual toxicity or pediatrics-specific problems have been observed in studies done in children given 3000 mg per square meter of body surface area per day or 80 mg per kg of body weight per day.

Children 2 to 12 years of age, up to 40 kg of body weight:

Oral, 20 mg per kg of body weight, up to 800 mg per dose, four times a day for five days.

Treatment should be initiated at the earliest sign or symptom of chickenpox.

Children 2 to 12 years of age, 40 kg of body weight and over: See Usual adult and adolescent dose

Agitation, dizziness, paresthesia , and somnolence may be marked, particularly in older adults. 

Store below 30^oC.Protect from light and moisture.

Box of 30 Tablets Aciclovir 200 mg.

Box of 60 Tablets Aciclovir 400 mg.

Box of 40 Tablets Aciclovir 800 mg.