Description
Acyclovir is an antiviral agent. All forms of acyclovir (tablets, capsules and oral suspensions) can be used in the treatment o herpes zoster, genital herpes, and chickenpox. Each tablet contains 200 mg of Acyclovir as its active ingredient.
Drug = Acyclovir
Strength = 200 mg
Contains – 100 tablets
How to take
The medication may be taken on an empty stomach or even so after a meal to reduce gastric discomfort. It must be taken at the same time to maintain the therapeutic levels of the medication.
Therapy may be continued until the desired effect is achieved or as per physician recommendation.
Dosage of Aciclovir (ACIVIR DT) 200mg
Adult: Treatment of herpes simplex: 200 mg 5 times daily every 4 hours (DO NOT TAKE the night time dose) for five days.
For patients whose immune system is severely compromised (after marrow transplant and AIDS patients) or those with impaired gut absorption: Increase the dose to 400 mg, oral or IV route given every 6 hours
Prevention of recurrent herpes simplex infections:
Immunocompetent patient: 200 mg four times a day taken every 6 hours intervals or 400mg every 12 hours whichever is convenient. May titrate dose to 200 mg every 8 hours or 400mg every 12 hours. NOT to be given more than 6 months. If so, interrupt the treatment regimen for at least 2 weeks and then resume.
Prophylaxis of herpes simplex in immunocompromised patients: 200 mg every 6-hours intervals.
Severely immunocompromised patient (after marrow transplant) or those with impaired gut absorption:400mg ever 6 hours
Treatment of varicella & herpes zoster: 800 mg every 4 hours (DO NOT TAKE the nighttime dose) for seven days.
Severely immunocompromised patients: Consider IV dosing of acyclovir
Missed Dose
In case of missed doses, take the tablet as soon as you remember and make sure to adjust the time interval based on schedule. Resume the timing by the next day.
Overdose of Aciclovir (ACIVIR DT) 200mg
In cases wherein Acyclovir was taken more than the recommended dose. Seek help- immediately if you experience symptom of overdose.
Symptoms of overdose may include any of the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Confusion
Contraindications
- Those individuals with known hypersensitivity to Acyclovir or any of its component
Side Effects
Acyclovir may have the following side effects:
- GI disturbances (nausea,vomiting, abdominal pain,diarrhea)
- Itchiness and rashes
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Fever
Warnings
Do not take Acyclovir with any of the following medicines:
- Probenecid
- Cimetidine
- Mycophenolate mofetil
- Cyclosporin
- Tacrolimus
Do not forget to inform your physician if you are taking medications which are bought over the counter and other herbal food supplements.
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Acyclovir.
How Does It Work?
Acyclovir has inhibitory properties active against human herpes virus both in vitro and in vivo. The mechanism of action is dependent on its conversion to acyclovir triphosphate which is its most active form. The active form is active against viral DNA polymerase and DNA replication after its binding with the DNA of the virus.
Uses
Acyclovir is used to treat the following conditions:
- Infections caused by herpes simplex virus
- Initial and recurrent episodes of genital herpes
- Prophylaxis against herpes simplex infections in individuals with poor immune system
- Treatment of varicella infections (chicken-pox) & herpes zoster (shingles)
- Management of patients with severely compromised immune system, with advanced HIV disease or following bone marrow transplantation
Special Precautions and Warnings
Take special precautions if you have any of the following conditions:
- Kidney diseases
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Elderly
Storage Conditions
- Store at temperatures not to exceed 30°C
- Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
- Do not use Acyclovir after the date indicated on the package
