Viral infections:
Indications for Acyclovir Inj:
Genital herpes (severe initial episodes in immunocompetent patients). Herpes simplex (in neonates, and as initial and recurrent treatment in immunocompromised patients). Herpes simplex encephalitis. Varicella zoster (immunocompromised patients).
Adult:
Give by IV infusion over 1 hour. Mucocutaneous herpes simplex (immunocompromised): 5mg/kg every 8 hours for 7 days. Genital herpes: 5mg/kg every 8 hours for 5 days. Encephalitis: 10mg/kg every 8 hours for 10 days. Varicella zoster (immunocompromised): 10mg/kg every 8 hours for 7 days. All: max 20mg/kg every 8 hours. Obese: dose based on ideal body weight. Renal impairment: CrCl 25–50mL/min: give dose every 12 hours; CrCl 10–25mL/min: give dose every 24 hours; CrCl<10mL/min: reduce dose by 50% and give every 24 hours. Coincide a dose for after hemodialysis.
Children:
Give by IV infusion over 1 hour. Neonatal (birth–3mos) herpes simplex: 10mg/kg every 8 hours for 10 days (doses of 15–20mg/kg every 8 hours have been used; see literature). Mucocutaneous herpes simplex (immunocompromised): 10mg/kg every 8 hours for 7 days. Encephalitis: 3mos–12yrs: 20mg/kg every 8 hours for 10 days. Varicella zoster: <12yrs (immunocompromised): 20mg/kg every 8 hours for 7 days. All: max 20mg/kg every 8 hours. Obese: dose based on ideal body weight. Renal impairment: CrCl 25–50mL/min: give dose every 12 hours; CrCl 10–25mL/min: give dose every 24 hours; CrCl <10mL/min: reduce dose by 50% and give dose every 24 hours. Coincide a dose for after hemodialysis.
Contraindications:
Valacyclovir hypersensitivity.
Warnings/Precautions:
Renal impairment: see full labeling. Maintain adequate hydration. Neurological or serious renal, hepatic, or electrolyte abnormalities, or significant hypoxia. Elderly. Pregnancy. Nursing mothers.
Pharmacologic Class:
Nucleoside analogue.
Interactions:
Avoid nephrotoxic drugs. Potentiated by probenecid.
Adverse Reactions:
Inj site reactions, transient elevated BUN and serum creatinine, GI upset, pruritus, rash, CNS effects (esp. in elderly), elevated transaminases, hematologic abnormalities, renal failure, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome in immunocompromised patients.
Note:
Formerly known under the brand name Zovirax.
How Supplied:
Contact supplier.
