What are the common side effects of Acyclovir 400mg. How does Acyclovir work against herpes viruses. What precautions should be taken when using Acyclovir. When should you seek medical attention while taking Acyclovir.

Understanding Acyclovir: An Antiviral Powerhouse

Acyclovir is a potent antiviral medication that plays a crucial role in combating various herpes virus infections. This drug works by inhibiting viral DNA replication, effectively slowing down the growth and spread of the herpes virus within the body. Acyclovir is available in multiple formulations, including oral tablets, topical creams, and intravenous injections, allowing for versatile treatment options depending on the specific condition and patient needs.

How Does Acyclovir Work?

Acyclovir functions as a nucleoside analogue, mimicking one of the building blocks of DNA. When the herpes virus attempts to replicate, it incorporates acyclovir into its DNA instead of the normal building block. This process effectively terminates the viral DNA chain, preventing further replication and limiting the spread of the infection.

Primary Uses of Acyclovir

• Treatment of chickenpox
• Management of cold sores (herpes labialis)
• Control of genital herpes outbreaks
• Alleviation of shingles symptoms (herpes zoster)

In addition to these primary uses, acyclovir may also be prescribed for other herpes virus infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients who are at higher risk for severe or prolonged viral infections.

Common Side Effects of Acyclovir 400mg

While acyclovir is generally well-tolerated, some patients may experience side effects. It’s important to note that the severity and frequency of side effects can vary depending on the dosage, route of administration, and individual patient factors.

Oral Acyclovir Side Effects

When taken orally, the most commonly reported side effects of acyclovir include:

• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

Injectable Acyclovir Side Effects

For patients receiving acyclovir via injection, the most frequent side effects are:

• Inflammation or redness at the injection site
• Nausea
• Vomiting

It’s worth noting that these side effects are typically mild and often resolve on their own as the body adjusts to the medication. However, if these symptoms persist or worsen, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider.

Mild Side Effects: What to Expect

In addition to the common side effects mentioned above, patients taking acyclovir may experience a range of mild side effects. These can include:

• Itching or mild skin pain
• Rash
• Difficulty sleeping
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Flushing or skin redness
• Muscle or leg pain
• Sore throat
• Sweating
• Taste disturbances

For patients using acyclovir buccal tablets, mouth or gum pain may occur. It’s important to remember that not all patients will experience these side effects, and many find that the benefits of acyclovir outweigh the potential for mild side effects.

Serious Side Effects: When to Seek Medical Attention

While rare, acyclovir can cause serious side effects in some patients. It’s crucial to be aware of these potential complications and seek immediate medical attention if they occur.

Kidney-related Side Effects

Acyclovir can affect kidney function, particularly when given in high doses or to patients with pre-existing kidney issues. Signs of kidney problems may include:

• Decreased urination frequency
• Pain during urination
• Lower back or flank pain
• Blood in the urine
• Crystals in the urine

Neurological Side Effects

In rare cases, acyclovir may cause neurological side effects, such as:

• Confusion or agitation
• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Tremors
• Difficulty with coordination (ataxia)

Severe Allergic Reactions

Although uncommon, some patients may experience severe allergic reactions to acyclovir. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction can include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Severe skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
• Anaphylaxis

If any of these serious side effects occur, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services.

Long-term Effects and Safety Considerations

One common question patients have is whether acyclovir causes any long-term side effects. In general, acyclovir is considered safe for long-term use, and most side effects are temporary, resolving once the medication is discontinued or after the body adjusts to the treatment.

Is Long-term Use of Acyclovir Safe?

Long-term use of acyclovir is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, patients on extended therapy should have regular check-ups with their healthcare provider to monitor for potential side effects or complications. This is particularly important for individuals with kidney problems or those taking high doses of the medication.

Acyclovir and Pregnancy

For pregnant women, the use of acyclovir should be carefully considered. While studies have not shown an increased risk of birth defects, the potential benefits of treatment must be weighed against any possible risks. Pregnant women should consult with their healthcare provider before starting or continuing acyclovir treatment.

Drug Interactions and Precautions

Understanding potential drug interactions and taking necessary precautions can help minimize the risk of side effects and ensure the effectiveness of acyclovir treatment.

Common Drug Interactions

Acyclovir may interact with several medications, including:

• Probenecid (used to treat gout)
• Certain antibiotics (e.g., ampicillin, amoxicillin)
• Immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil)
• Zidovudine (an antiviral used in HIV treatment)

It’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you’re taking to avoid potential interactions.

Alcohol and Acyclovir

While there is no direct interaction between alcohol and acyclovir, consuming alcohol while taking this medication is not recommended. Alcohol can suppress the immune system, potentially interfering with the body’s ability to fight the viral infection. Additionally, alcohol may increase the risk of certain side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, and headaches.

Optimizing Acyclovir Treatment: Tips for Patients

To maximize the benefits of acyclovir treatment while minimizing the risk of side effects, consider the following tips:

1. Take acyclovir exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
2. Stay well-hydrated to help prevent kidney-related side effects.
3. If you experience persistent or severe side effects, contact your healthcare provider promptly.
4. Complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished.
5. Inform your healthcare provider of any changes in your health or new symptoms that occur during treatment.

By following these guidelines and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider, you can help ensure a safe and effective acyclovir treatment experience.

Acyclovir Alternatives and Future Developments

While acyclovir remains a cornerstone in the treatment of herpes virus infections, there are alternative antiviral medications available for patients who may not tolerate acyclovir well or have resistant viral strains.

Alternative Antiviral Medications

Some alternatives to acyclovir include:

• Valacyclovir (Valtrex): A prodrug of acyclovir with improved bioavailability
• Famciclovir (Famvir): Another antiviral medication effective against herpes viruses
• Penciclovir: Used topically for cold sores
• Foscarnet: Reserved for acyclovir-resistant cases, particularly in immunocompromised patients

These alternatives may offer different dosing schedules or side effect profiles that may be more suitable for certain patients.

Emerging Therapies and Research

Ongoing research in the field of antiviral therapy continues to explore new treatment options for herpes virus infections. Some areas of focus include:

• Development of new antiviral compounds with improved efficacy and safety profiles
• Exploration of combination therapies to enhance treatment outcomes
• Investigation of novel drug delivery methods to improve bioavailability and reduce side effects
• Research into therapeutic vaccines to prevent recurrent herpes outbreaks

As our understanding of herpes viruses and antiviral mechanisms grows, we can expect to see new and improved treatment options in the future.

In conclusion, acyclovir remains a vital tool in the management of herpes virus infections. While it can cause side effects in some patients, most are mild and temporary. By understanding the potential side effects, following proper usage guidelines, and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers, patients can maximize the benefits of acyclovir treatment while minimizing risks. As research continues, we can look forward to even more effective and well-tolerated antiviral therapies in the years to come.

Acyclovir Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long Term

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Medically reviewed by Carmen Fookes, BPharm. Last updated on Apr 19, 2022.

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug that slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus in the body. It may be used to treat herpes infections such as:

• Chickenpox
• Cold sores
• Genital herpes
• Shingles.

Acyclovir can be given orally (by mouth) or as an injection.

What are the more common side effects of acyclovir?

Acyclovir is usually well-tolerated, and most side effects are mild. Examples of commonly reported side effects with oral acyclovir include:

• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Itching
• Mild skin pain
• Mouth pain (if using an acyclovir buccal tablet)
• Nausea
• Rash
• Vomiting

Examples of commonly reported side effects with injectable acyclovir include:

• Nausea
• Redness or inflammation around the injection site
• Vomiting.

What are some mild side effects of acyclovir?

Acyclovir may cause mild side effects. Examples of mild side effects reported with acyclovir include:

• Diarrhea
• Difficulty sleeping
• Dizziness
• Fatigue (lacking in energy) or feeling tired
• Fever
• Flushing or skin redness or unusually warm skin
• Headache
• Itching
• Loss of appetite
• Menstrual abnormalities
• Mild skin pain
• Mouth or gum pain (if using an acyclovir buccal tablet)
• Mouth ulcers (Canker sores) or other sores in the mouth
• Muscle or leg pain
• Nausea
• Rash
• Sleepiness
• Sore throat
• Stomach pain
• Sweating
• Taste disturbances
• Thirst
• Urticaria (hives)
• Vomiting

What are some serious side effects of acyclovir?

Serious side effects may occur rarely with acyclovir. Examples of these serious side effects that have been reported with acyclovir include:

• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Chest pain or palpitations
• Decreases in red or white blood cells or changes to the way the blood clots
• Hair loss (alopecia)
• Increases in laboratory test results for blood urea nitrogen or creatinine
• Kidney problems, such as decreases in how often you urinate or pain during urination, pain in the kidneys, problems with the functioning of your kidneys (renal impairment), crystals in your urine (crystalluria), or your kidneys stop working (acute renal failure)
• Liver enzyme changes, increases in bilirubin, or liver inflammation
• Low blood pressure
• Lymph node swelling
• Mental health changes such as agitation or aggression, confusion, depression, hallucinations, psychotic symptoms
• Problems with the nervous system (ataxia)
• Seizures or convulsions
• Serious skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis
• Serious allergic reactions, such as angioedema or anaphylaxis
• Severe reactions following an acyclovir injection such as tissue death (tissue necrosis)
• Shortness of breath
• Speech disturbances
• Swelling in the lower legs, ankles, or feet (peripheral edema)
• Tremors
• Unconsciousness (coma) or brain damage (extremely rare)
• Vision changes or eye inflammation (Pars planitis)

FAQs about acyclovir’s side effects

Here is a selection of our most commonly asked questions about acyclovir’s side effects.

Does acyclovir cause any long-term side effects?

In most cases, acyclovir’s side effects are only temporary, and go away once you stop taking the drug, or after you have been taking it for a couple of days.

Very rarely, some side effects may persist long term or require other medications to resolve. If you have any questions, talk with your doctor.

Can you drink alcohol while taking acyclovir?

Although there is no direct interaction between alcohol and acyclovir, alcohol will not interfere with the way acyclovir works and acyclovir will still be effective.

However, it is best to avoid alcohol if you have any type of infection, including herpes which acyclovir treats, because alcohol can suppress your immune system and also increase the risk of side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or a headache, when taken with acyclovir.

Can acyclovir cause an allergic reaction?

Like most medications, acyclovir can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Symptoms may include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Fast heartbeat
• Rash
• Skin flushing or redness
• Swelling under the skin or around the face, eyes, or throat.

Call your doctor right away or seek emergency help by calling 911 if the reaction is severe. If your symptoms are mild, then an oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine can help resolve your symptoms.

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• Drug class: purine nucleosides

Acyclovir Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Pronunciation: a-SYE-klo-veer
Generic name: acyclovir (oral)
Brand names: Sitavig, Zovirax
Drug class: Purine nucleosides

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on Dec 14, 2022.

What is acyclovir?

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug that is used to treat symptoms of shingles, chickenpox, cold sores and genital herpes which are all caused by herpes viruses. It is also used to prevent having regular outbreaks of genital herpes. Acyclovir will not get rid of the virus infection but does help sores heal faster and helps with pain relief.

Warnings

Take acyclovir for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated.

Treatment with acyclovir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).

Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with acyclovir. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to acyclovir or valacyclovir (Valtrex). You should not take acyclovir buccal tablets (Sitavig) if you are allergic to milk proteins.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Herpes can be passed to your baby during childbirth if you have a genital lesion when your baby is born. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during pregnancy. Take your medicine as directed to best control your infection.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Acyclovir should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.

How should I take acyclovir?

Take acyclovir exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Start taking acyclovir as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters). Start taking Sitavig within 1 hour after you first notice sold core symptoms, before the cold sore appears.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Do not crush, chew, suck on, or swallow a buccal tablet. Place the flat side of the tablet against your upper gum, on the same side of the mouth as your cold sore. Allow the tablet to dissolve in your mouth throughout the day. You may eat and drink normally while the buccal tablet is in place.

Do not give an acyclovir buccal tablet to a young child or choking could occur.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Acyclovir doses are based on weight (especially in children and teenagers). Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight.

Drink plenty of water while you are taking this medicine to keep your kidneys working properly.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses may increase the risk of your virus becoming resistant to medication.

Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What to avoid

Avoid brushing your teeth, chewing gum, or wearing an upper denture while you have a buccal tablet in your mouth. You may rinse your mouth gently. Drink plenty of liquids to prevent dry mouth.

Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with acyclovir. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.

Taking acyclovir will not prevent you from passing genital herpes to your sexual partner. Avoid sexual intercourse while you have active lesions or the first symptoms of an outbreak. Genital herpes may still be contagious through “viral shedding” from your skin, even if you have no symptoms.

Acyclovir side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to acyclovir: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• easy bruising or bleeding, purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;

• changes in behavior;

• confusion, hallucinations; or

• signs of a kidney problem – little or no urinating; painful or difficult urination; swelling in your feet or ankles; feeling tired or short of breath.

Common acyclovir side effects may include:

• mild skin pain;

• rash, itching;

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

• headache; or

• mouth pain while using an acyclovir buccal tablet.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect acyclovir?

Acyclovir can harm your kidneys, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Other drugs may interact with acyclovir, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Frequently asked questions

• Can you drink alcohol while taking acyclovir?
• What would be the benefits of taking valacyclovir vs acyclovir?

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Related treatment guides

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• Herpes Simplex
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• Herpes Simplex – Congenital

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use acyclovir only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 6.02.

Acyclovir-Darnitsa: instruction, price, analogues | tablets Darnitsa

• Pharmacological properties
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pharmacodynamics . Aciclovir is a synthetic purine nucleoside analogue with inhibitory activity in vivo and in vitro against human herpes virus, including herpes simplex virus type I and II, varicella zoster virus, zoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus. In cell culture, acyclovir shows the greatest activity against herpes simplex virus type I and then, in descending order of activity, against herpes simplex type II virus, varicella-zoster virus and herpes zoster, Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus.

The inhibitory activity of acyclovir against the aforementioned viruses is highly selective. The enzyme thymidine kinase in a normal uninfected cell does not use acyclovir as a substrate, so the toxic effect on host cells is minimal. However, thymidine kinase, encoded in the herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, herpes zoster, and Epstein-Barr virus, converts acyclovir to acyclovir monophosphate, a nucleoside analogue, which is then converted sequentially to diphosphate and triphosphate using cell enzymes. Following the incorporation into viral DNA, acyclovir triphosphate interacts with viral DNA polymerase, resulting in the termination of viral DNA chain synthesis.

With prolonged or repeated courses of treatment of severe patients with reduced immunity, it is possible to reduce the sensitivity of individual strains of the virus, which do not always respond to treatment with acyclovir. Most clinical cases of insensitivity are associated with viral thymidine kinase deficiency, but there are reports of viral thymidine kinase and DNA damage. In vitro interaction of certain herpes simplex viruses with acyclovir may also lead to the formation of less sensitive strains. Interdependence between the susceptibility of individual herpes simplex viruses in vitro and the clinical results of treatment with acyclovir have not been fully elucidated.

Pharmacokinetics . Acyclovir is only partially absorbed in the digestive tract (about 20% of the dose taken). Simultaneous ingestion of food does not lead to a decrease in absorption. C _max is reached in 1.5–2 hours.

The level of its binding to blood plasma proteins is relatively low (from 9 to 33%) and does not change when interacting with other drugs.

Acyclovir crosses the placental barrier, into the CSF (50% of the corresponding plasma concentration), breast milk.

Most of the drug (85-90%) is excreted unchanged by the kidneys, and only a small part (10-15%) is excreted as a metabolite (9-carboxymethoxymethylguanine). Renal clearance of acyclovir is significantly higher than creatinine clearance, which indicates that the excretion of the drug by the kidneys is carried out not only by glomerular filtration, but also by tubular secretion.

Final T _½ with intravenous administration of acyclovir is approximately 2.9 hours, in patients with chronic renal failure – 19.5 hours, during hemodialysis – 5.7 hours. The level of acyclovir in blood plasma during dialysis decreases by about 60 %.

treatment of infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the Herpes simple virus, including primary and recurrent genital herpes.

Prevention of recurrence of infections caused by the Herpes simple virus in patients with normal immunity.

Prevention of infections caused by the Herpes simple virus in immunocompromised patients.

Treatment of infections caused by the virus Varicella zoster (chicken pox, herpes zoster).

tablet should be taken whole with water. When using high doses of the drug, an adequate level of hydration of the body should be maintained.

Adults. Treatment of infections caused by the Herpes simple virus. The drug is used at a dose of 200 mg 5 times a day with an interval of approximately 4 hours, except for the night period. The duration of treatment is 5 days, but in case of severe primary infection, it can be continued.

If necessary, in patients with severe immunodeficiency or with reduced absorption in the intestine, a single dose can be doubled to 400 mg or use the appropriate dose for intravenous administration.

Treatment should be started as soon as possible after the onset of infection. In the case of recurrent herpes, it is best to start treatment in the prodromal period or after the first signs of skin lesions appear.

Prevention of recurrence of infections caused by the Herpes simple virus in patients with normal immunity . The drug is used at a dose of 200 mg 4 times a day with a 6-hour interval (or for convenience – at a dose of 400 mg 2 times a day with a 12-hour interval).

Treatment will be effective even after a dose reduction of the drug to 200 mg 3 times a day with an 8-hour interval or even 2 times a day with a 12-hour interval.

In some cases, a radical improvement is noted after taking a daily dose of 800 mg.

To monitor possible changes in the natural course of the disease, therapy with the drug should be interrupted periodically at intervals of 6-12 months.

Prevention of Herpes simple virus infections in immunocompromised patients . The drug is used at a dose of 200 mg 4 times a day with a 6-hour interval.

If necessary, in patients with severe immunodeficiency or with reduced absorption in the intestine, a single dose can be doubled to 400 mg or use the appropriate dose for intravenous administration.

The duration of prophylaxis depends on the length of the risk period.

Treatment of Varicella zoster 9 infections0030 . The drug is used at a dose of 800 mg 5 times a day with an interval of approximately 4 hours, except for the night period. The duration of treatment is 7 days.

Treatment should be started as soon as possible after the onset of the disease, the result will be better if therapy is started immediately after the onset of rashes.

Patients with severe immunodeficiency or with reduced absorption in the intestines are better to use / in the introduction of the drug.

Children over 2 years of age. Treatment and prevention of Herpes simplex infections in immunocompromised children . The drug is used in doses as for adults.

Chickenpox treatment . The drug is used at a dose: children aged 2 to 6 years – 400 mg 4 times a day, children over 6 years old – 800 mg 4 times a day.

More precisely, the dose of the drug can be calculated according to the child’s body weight – 20 mg / kg of body weight per day, divided into 4 doses. The maximum daily dose is 800 mg. The duration of treatment is 5 days.

There are no specific data on the use of acyclovir for the prevention of herpes simplex infections or for the treatment of herpes zoster infections in immunocompetent children.

Patients with impaired renal function . The drug should be used with caution. It is necessary to maintain an adequate level of hydration of the body.

In the prevention and treatment of infections caused by the Herpes simple virus in patients with renal insufficiency, the recommended oral doses do not lead to the accumulation of acyclovir, the level of which would exceed the safe values ​​established for intravenous administration. However, patients with severe renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance <10 ml / min) are recommended to use the drug at a dose of 200 mg 2 times a day with approximately 12-hour intervals.

In the treatment of infections caused by the Varicella zoster virus, patients with significantly reduced immunity are recommended to use the drug at a dose: in severe renal failure (creatinine clearance <10 ml / min) - 800 mg 2 times a day with an interval of approximately 12 hours , with moderate renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance in the range of 10-25 ml / min) - 800 mg 3 times a day with an interval of approximately 8 hours.

Elderly patients . The drug should be used with caution. It is necessary to maintain an adequate level of hydration of the body.

The possibility of impaired renal function in elderly patients should be borne in mind, and the dose of the drug for them should be adjusted accordingly.

hypersensitivity to acyclovir, valaciclovir or other components of the drug.

from the side of the cardiovascular system: palpitations, chest pain.

From the blood and lymphatic system: anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia.

From the nervous system and psyche: headache, dizziness, psychomotor agitation, confusion, tremor, ataxia, dysarthria, hallucinations, psychotic symptoms, convulsions, drowsiness, encephalopathy, coma.

The above symptoms are in most cases reversible and occur mainly in patients with renal insufficiency or other risk factors (see SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS).

From the side of the respiratory system, organs of the chest and mediastinum: shortness of breath.

From the digestive tract: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, gastritis, dysphagia.

From the hepatobiliary system: transient increase in liver enzymes and bilirubin levels, jaundice, hepatitis.

From the urinary system: increase in the concentration of urea and creatinine in the blood, acute renal failure, pain in the kidneys. Pain in the kidney area may be associated with renal failure and crystalluria.

From the side of the immune system, skin and subcutaneous tissue: hypersensitivity reactions, including rash, itching, hyperemia, urticaria, angioedema, anaphylactic reactions; photosensitivity, alopecia.

Since hair loss can be associated with a large number of diseases and medications, a clear association with the use of acyclovir has not been established.

General disorders: fatigue, fever.

When using high doses of the drug, an adequate level of hydration of the body should be maintained.

The drug should be used with caution in patients with impaired renal function, since acyclovir is excreted from the body mainly by renal clearance. Dose adjustments should be made (see APPLICATIONS).

The drug should be used with caution in elderly patients, since this group of patients is more likely to have impaired renal function. If necessary, a dose adjustment should be made (see APPLICATION).

Both of these groups (patients with impaired renal function and elderly patients) are risk groups for the occurrence of neurological disorders, and therefore they should be closely monitored for these adverse reactions. These reactions have been reported to be generally reversible upon discontinuation of treatment (see SIDE EFFECTS).

Use during pregnancy and lactation . In the post-registration period of observation of pregnant women, the results of the use of various pharmaceutical forms of acyclovir in pregnant women have been documented. There was no increase in the number of birth defects in children whose mothers used acyclovir during pregnancy, compared with the general population.

When given orally at a dose of 200 mg 5 times a day, acyclovir passes into breast milk at concentrations of 0.6-4.1% of the corresponding plasma levels of acyclovir. Potentially, a child can receive acyclovir at a dose of up to 0.3 mg/kg of body weight per day.

During pregnancy and lactation, the drug should be used when its potential benefit to the mother outweighs the possible risk to the fetus.

Children . The drug is used in children aged 2 years.

The ability to influence the reaction rate when driving vehicles or operating other mechanisms . Clinical studies of the effect of acyclovir on the reaction rate when driving vehicles or working with other mechanisms have not been conducted. The pharmacology of acyclovir does not give reason to expect any negative effect. When deciding on the possibility of driving a car and other mechanisms, the clinical status of the patient and the profile of adverse drug reactions should be taken into account.

Aciclovir is excreted mainly unchanged by the kidneys by tubular secretion, so any drugs that have a similar mechanism of release may increase the concentration of aciclovir in blood plasma.

When used simultaneously with other drugs, it is possible:

with probenecid, cimetidine – lengthening T _½ acyclovir and AUC;

with immunosuppressants in patients after organ transplantation – an increase in the level of acyclovir and an inactive metabolite of an immunosuppressive drug in the blood plasma, taking into account the wide therapeutic index of acyclovir, there is no need for dose adjustment.

No clinically important interactions of acyclovir with other drugs have been identified.

symptoms . Acyclovir is only partially absorbed in the digestive tract. There have been reports of cases of inadvertent ingestion of up to 20 g of acyclovir by patients without the occurrence of a toxic effect.

In case of accidental overdose of oral acyclovir, the following symptoms occur within a few days: gastroenterological (nausea, vomiting) and neurological (headache, confusion).

In case of an overdose of intravenous acyclovir, the level of creatinine in the blood plasma, urea nitrogen in the blood increases and, accordingly, renal failure appears. Neurological manifestations of overdose may include confusion, hallucinations, agitation, convulsions and coma.

Treatment : the patient should be examined for symptoms of intoxication, symptomatic therapy should be carried out, in severe cases – hemodialysis.

in original packaging at temperatures not exceeding 25 °C.

Cervical atresia	ICD N87.9
Chickenpox without complications	ICD B01.9
Inflammatory diseases of the CNS	ICD G04.9
Herpetic infection	ICD B00.9
Herpetic eczema	ICD B00.0
Herpetic vesicular dermatitis	ICD B00. 1
Herpes simplex virus keratitis and keratoconjunctivitis	ICD h29.1
Molluscum contagiosum	ICD B08.1
Otitis externa in viral diseases	ICD H62.1
Herpes zoster without complications	ICD B02.9
Chlamydial lymphogranuloma (venereal)	ICD A55

The use of acyclovir in the treatment of children with cancer

Antiviral drug

Trademarks:

Zovirax®, Sitavig®

Other names:

Aciclovir; ACV; Acycloguanosine

Often used for:

Viral infections

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. Its action is aimed at suppressing infections caused by certain viruses in immunocompromised patients. This drug may be used to fight herpes simplex (HSV), chickenpox, herpes zoster (shingles), or cytomegalovirus (CMV) viruses. When applied topically, acyclovir is also used to treat cold sores on the lips and genital warts (genital warts).

Aciclovir may cause tissue damage in case of contact during intravenous administration. Irritation and damage to the skin can be observed at the injection site of the needle. Be sure to tell your doctor or nurse if you experience a burning sensation during administration.

During the course of aciclovir, the patient will need regular blood and urine tests to check quantitative indicators and to monitor the functioning of the liver and kidneys. Patients who are prescribed intravenous acyclovir should be monitored for symptoms of neurotoxicity. Tremor, confusion, agitation, or changes in consciousness may occur, especially in patients who are prescribed a high dose of the drug or who have been diagnosed with renal insufficiency.

Oral tablet or capsule form

Oral liquid

Administered intravenously (through a drip) in liquid form

Skin application

• Nausea and vomiting
• Increased fatigue or general weakness
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Skin irritation at injection site or skin application site
• Rash, itching, urticaria
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Kidney disorders
• Liver disorders

The listed side effects are not observed in all patients who are prescribed acyclovir. The most common side effects are highlighted in bold, but others are not excluded. Report all possible side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Be sure to discuss these and other recommendations with your doctor or pharmacist.

• It is important to drink plenty of fluids when taking this drug. It is necessary to drink the amount of liquid recommended by the doctor.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should notify their physician.
• The course of taking the drug must be completed completely in accordance with the recommendations of the attending physician or pharmacist.

Taking acyclovir at home:

• This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until a drug reaction has been identified.
• When taken orally, aciclovir can be taken with or without food.
• Tablets or capsules should be swallowed whole. It is not allowed to cut, grind or chew the preparation.
• Liquid formulation must be shaken before use.
• Aciclovir can be administered with an enteral feeding tube. Follow the instructions of your doctor or pharmacist.
• Cream or ointment: Wash hands thoroughly before and after applying the drug to the skin. Avoid contact with eyes. Do not rub the affected area. Wear a glove when applying the ointment to prevent the spread of infection.
• Buccal (buccal) tablets: A buccal tablet is placed in the mouth between the cheek and gum, where it dissolves over time. When taking aciclovir buccal tablets, place the round side of the tablet against the gum above the canine tooth on the same side as the labial herpes. Hold the tablet gently for at least 30 seconds until you are sure that it does not fall out. Do not swallow, chew or dissolve the tablet. Let the tablet dissolve; this may take at least 6 hours. Drink and eat with care to avoid spilling the pill.
• Take your dose as soon as possible if you miss it.