Aciclovir Intravenous Infusion



 
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Aciclovir Intravenous Infusion - Basic Information

 

Indication of Aciclovir Intravenous Infusion (DBL):

Aciclovir Intravenous Infusion (DBL) is used for acute skin and mucous membrane manifestations of Herpes simplex virus infections affecting immune deficient patients. Severe genital herpes in immune competent patients - Severe shingles in immune deficient and competent patients - Herpes simplex encephalitis (affecting brain matter)

Action of Aciclovir Intravenous Infusion (DBL):

- Aciclovir is active in vitro against Herpes simplex virus, types I and II and Varicella zoster virus, however its clinical response in therapy has not been fully established - It is a synthetic acyclic purine nucleoside analogue - It becomes phosphorylated to its active compound, aciclovir triphosphate which acts as an inhibitor of, and substrate for the specific DNA polymerase for the Herpes virus, which prevents further viral DNA production

Dose Advice of Aciclovir Intravenous Infusion (DBL):

Herpes Simplex infections: 5mg/kg every 8 hours Very severe shingles (Herpes Zoster): 5 mg/kg every 8 hours Varicella zoster infections in immunocompromised: 10mg/kg every 8 hours Herpes simplex encephalitis: 10mg/kg every 8 hours Patients with impaired kidney function: adjust dosage regimens according to creatinine clearance (a marker of kidney function). Creatinine clearance 25-50 mL/min – use recommended dose every 12 hours. Creatinine clearance 10-15 mL/min – use recommended dose every 24 hours. Creatinine clearance 0-10 mL/min – halve recommended dose every 24 hours after dialysisChildren: dosage calculated on basis of body surface area for children 1 to 12 years of age. Herpes simplex and Varicella zoster infections should be treated in doses of 250mg/m2 whereas immunocompromised children with Varicella zoster infections or Herpes simplex encephalitis should be treated in doses of 500mg/m2 of intravenous aciclovir. Elderly: No specific dosage data available however kidney function assessment prior to administration is highly recommended - Treatment duration: 5-7 days for most infections. At least 10 days for Herpes simplex encephalitis.

Schedule of Aciclovir Intravenous Infusion (DBL):

Schedule 4

Common side effects of Aciclovir Intravenous Infusion (DBL):

- Local inflammation at injection site - Injection site phlebitis (vein swelling) - Nausea - Vomiting - Increases in serum nitrogen and creatinine levels - Itching - Rashes

Uncommon side effects of Aciclovir Intravenous Infusion (DBL):

- Fever - Headache - Low blood pressure - Anorexia - Urinary changes– painful/blood in urine/lack of urine - Blood changes – anaemia, neutropaenia - Thirst - Generalised swelling - Lethargy - Tremors - Confusion, Agitation- Dizziness- Excessive perspiration - Seizures - Coma

Diseases treated by Aciclovir Intravenous Infusion (DBL):

Bells palsy Chickenpox - Varicella Zoster Virus Herpes simplex virus (HSV) Cold Sores; Genital Sores/Ulcers


GN: Aciclovir

Con: Headache