GENERIC ACYCLOVIR

CLASSIFICATION Antivirals, Eye Antiinfectives & Antiseptics, Topical Antivirals

DOSAGE / INDICATIONS Adult: PO Primary herpes simplex infections 200 mg 5 times/day for 5-10 days. Suppression of recurrent herpes simplex 800 mg/day in 2-4 divided doses. Prevention of herpes simplex in immunocompromised patients 200 mg 4 times/day. Herpes zoster 800 mg 5 times/day for 710 days. Varicella zoster >40 kg: 800 mg 4 times/day for 5 days. IV Mucocutaneous herpes simplex in immunocompromised patients 5 mg/kg 8 hrly for 7 days. Genital herpes 5 mg/kg 8 hrly for 57 days. Herpes simplex encephalitis 10 mg/kg 8 hrly for 10 days. Herpes zoster in immunocompromised patients 10 mg/kg 8 hrly for 7 days. Ophth Herpes simplex keratitis As 3% oint: Apply 5 times/day until 3rd day of complete healing. Topical Herpes simplex skin infections As 5% oint/cream: Apply 5-6 times/day for 5-10 days.

MECHANISM OF ACTION Activity against HSV types I and II and varicella-zoster virus is due to intracellular conversion of aciclovir to the monophosphate by viral thymidine kinase with subsequent conversion to the diphosphate and active triphosphate by cellular enzymes. This active form inhibits viral DNA synthesis and replication by interfering with viral DNA polymerase enzyme and being incorporated into viral DNA.

ADVERSE REACTION Nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhoea, rash, haematological changes (occasional), increase in liver enzymes, burning, itching or erythema (topical use). Eye application may produce stinging, superficial punctate keratopathy, blepharitis or conjunctivitis. IV administration: Local reaction, pain, inflammation, phlebitis, extravasation leads to ulceration. Increase in BUN and/or creatinine. Rarely, renal failure. Potentially Fatal: Occasionally neurotoxicity after IV use: Lethargy, confusion, agitation, tremors, seizures, coma.