Indication of Aciclovir:
Acyclovir is an antiviral agent which is active against types 1 and 2 of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (that cause genital herpes) and varicella zoster virus (that causes shingles) Acyclovir is used for the following Treatment of a first episode of genital herpes Management of recurrent episodes of genital herpes in certain patients. Treatment of shingles when the rash has been present for less than 72 hours The management of patients with advanced HIV disease
Action of Aciclovir:
Acyclovir is an antiviral agent which is active against types 1 and 2 of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (causes genital herpes) and varicella zoster virus (causes shingles) Acyclovir prevents the virus from replicating in the cell and thus precents it from infecting more cells in the body
Dose Advice of Aciclovir:
First episode of genital herpes 200 mg every four hours while awake resulting in a total of 1000mg a day. This dose should be continued for ten days. Suppressive therapy for recurrent genital herpes 200 mg three times daily for six months. After 6 months Acyclovir should be ceased Intermittent therapy for recurrent genital herpes 200 mg every four hours while awake resulting in a total of 1000mg a day. This dose should be continued for five days. Acyclovir should started as soon as signs or symptoms of a recurrent episode appear Herpes zoster 800 mg five times daily at four hour intervals Treatment should start as soon as possible after the rash appears This dose should be continued for seven days. For shingles with eye involvement therapy should be continued for seven to ten days Advanced HIV disease. 800 mg four times daily at six hour intervals for 12 months. Doses may required adjustment in patients with reduced kidney function
Schedule of Aciclovir:
Schedule 4
Common side effects of Aciclovir:
Nausea and vomiting Headache Dizziness Aching joints Gastrointestinal disturbance
Uncommon side effects of Aciclovir:
Diarrhoea Loss of appetite Fatigue Swelling of the ankles and lower legs Skin rashes Leg pain Taste alteration Sore throat Heart palpitation Muscle cramps Irritability Hair loss Confusion Hallucinations Sleep disturbances Convulsions Chest pain Constipation
Diseases treated by Aciclovir:
Bells palsy Chickenpox - Varicella Zoster Virus Encephalitis (Viral Encephalitis) Herpes simplex virus (HSV) Cold Sores; Genital Sores/Ulcers
