Acyclovir Information is offered to you to make sure that you use this drug in the right manner. Acyclovir information guide also helps you know more about the drug, its uses, precaution and information about the manufacturer.

Acyclovir information guide's main purpose is to knowledgeate you against any mishap like overdose or precaution against side effects of the drug. The right dosage, interaction with other drugs and much more Acyclovir information is provided in this site. To learn more read the individual pages or click here to buy Acyclovir.

Important Acyclovir Information

Drug:

ACYCLOVIR(Zovirax)

Classification:

Antiviral

Indication:

Herpes genitalis, herpes simplex, herpes zoster

Dose:

Genital herpes (initial): 200mg po q 4 hours 5 times/day X 10 days
Genital herpes (recurrent or suppressive therapy): 400mg 2 times/day for up to 12 months, then re-evaluate.
Herpes zoster: 800mg 5 times/day X 7-10 days
Sever HZV or complications: 5-10mg/kg IV q 8 hours X 7-10 days. Administer at constant rate over 1 hour.

Side Effects:

Parenteral:
1. Renal toxicity; precipitation of acyclovir crystals can occur in renal tubules if the maximum solubility of free acyclovir (2.5mg/ml at 37° C in water) is exceeded or if the drug is given by bolus injection. Serum creatinine and BUN rise and creatinine clearance decreases.
2. Encephalopathic changes: Approximately 1% of patients receiving IV acyclovir manifested encephalopathic changes characterized by lethargy, obtundation, tremors, confusion, hallucinations, agitation, seizures or coma.
3. Other: transient elevation of serum creatinine; rash or hives; diaphoresis; hematuria; hypotension; headache and nausea; thrombocytosis.
Oral: (GI side effects reduced if take with meals)
Short-term therapy: nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, skin rash, edema. inguinal adenopahty, anorexia, leg pain, medication taste, sore throat.
Long-term: nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, headache, vertigo, insomina, irritability, depression, skin rash, acne. accelerated hair loss, arthralgia, fever, palpitations, sore throat, muscle cramps, mestrual abnormalities, lyphadenopathy.

Drug Interactions:

Other nephrotoxic agents and probenecid. Reports of 30% decrease clearance of acyclovir when used with probenecid; reduced acyclovir dose.

Monitoring:

BUN and serum creatinine.