Indications for Acyclovir Inj:
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).
Adult Dose for Acyclovir Inj:
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's Dose for Acyclovir Inj:
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.
Pharmacological Class:
Nucleoside analogue.
Contraindications:
Valacyclovir hypersensitivity.
Warnings/Precautions:
Renal impairment: see literature. Maintain adequate hydration. Neurological or serious renal, hepatic, or electrolyte abnormalities, or significant hypoxia. Elderly. Pregnancy (Cat.B). Nursing mothers.
Interactions:
Avoid nephrotoxic drugs. Potentiated by probenecid.
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.
Note:
Formerly known under the brand name Zovirax.
How Supplied:
Contact supplier.
