Dosage Forms
- 400 mg and 200 mg tablets
Drug Group
Anti-Viral
Packaging
- HDPE flacons of 50’s.
Acyclovir is indicated for the treatment of Herpes Zoster infections, genital herpes and chickenpox.
Acyclovir is a synthetic purine nucleoside analogue with in vitro and in vivo inhibitory activity against Herpes Simplex Virus types 1 (HSV-1), 2 (HSV-2) and Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV).
Acyclovir is contraindicated for patients who develop hypersensitivity to acyclovir or valacyclovir. Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura/Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (TTP/HUS), which has resulted in death, has occurred in immunocompromised patients receiving acyclovir therapy.
The most frequent adverse effects are anaphylaxis, angioedema, fever, headache, pain, peripheral edema, confusion, dizziness, hallucinations, seizure, diarrhea, gastrointestinal distress, nausea and thrombocytopenia. Less frequent adverse effects are elevated liver function tests, jaundice, myalgia, erythema multiforme, photosensitive rash, pruritus, rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, urticaria, visual abnormalities, renal failure, elevated blood urea nitrogen and elevated creatinine.
Pregnancy category B. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Acyclovir should be administered to pregnant and nursing mother with caution and only when indicated.
Co-administration of probenecid with acyclovir has been shown to increase the mean half-life and the area under the concentration-time curve. Urinary excretion and renal clearance were correspondingly reduced.