Acyclovir (Aciclovir, Zovirax)

An Anti-Viral drug
INDICATIONS:For treatment of Herpes simplex, Varicella Zoster infections
AVAILABLE AS:

• 200 mg, 400 mg, 800 mg tablets
• 200 mg, 400 mg, 800 mg dispersible tablets
• Oral suspensions – 200 mg/5 mL, 400 mg/5 mL
• 5% cream
• 250 mg powder (for reconstitution and IV administration)

ACIVIR (Cipla) - DisperTab - 200 mg, 400 mg, 800 mg, Vial 25 mg x 10 ml, Cream - 5% x 5 gm

CYCLOVIR (Zydus) - Tab 200 mg, Cream 5%

HERPEX (Torrent) - Tab 200 mg, DisperTab 800 mg, Cream 5%

OKAVIR (Cipla) - DisperTab 200 mg, 400 mg, Skin Cream 5%

DOSE:
Adults:

• For Primary HSV Infections: 200-400 mg 5 times daily (or topical application on the lesion, 5 times daily) for 5-10 days
• For suppression of Recurrent HSV Infection: 200 mg Q.I.D. or 400 mg B.I.D. (i.e. 800 mg/day)
• For Prevention of HSV in immunocompromised patients: 200 mg q.i.d. 
• For Herpes Zoster: 800 mg 5 times per day for 7-10 days
• For Varicella Zoster: 800 mg 4 times per day for 5 days.
• For skin infections: 5% cream applied 5 times per day for 5-10 days.

Children under 2 years: half the adult dose.

ADMINISTRATION: With or without food

CONTRAINDICATIONS:  Hypersensitivity
PRECAUTIONS:

• Renal disease
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Maintainence of adequate fluid intake is mandatory when high doses are administered.

SIDE EFFECTS:

• Stinging sensation at site of application
• Altered taste
• GI upset
• Renal failure
• Bone Marrow depression
• Tremors
• Convulsions
• Lichenoid reactions
• Rashes
• Urticaria

DRUG INTERACTIONS:

• Reduces the efficacy of anticonvulsant drugs (phenytoin and sodium valproate)
• increases the toxicity of pethidine