Acyclovir Pharmacology

Acyclovir

About Acyclovir
Synthetic purine nucleoside, it is an antiviral drug.
Mechanism of Action of Acyclovir
Acyclovir is converted to Acyclovir monophosphate by Thymidine kinase and it is again phosphorylated by Cellular kinase. This Acyclovir triphosphate competitively inhibits DNA polymerase enzyme and inhibits DNA synthesis. Acyclovir triphosphate is also incorporated in viral DNA and stops the DNA elongation and permanent inactivation.

Pharmacokinets of Acyclovir
Absorption: Acyclovir is incompletely absorbed after oral administration. Distribution: It is widely distributed in the body. Metabolism: It undergoes metabolism in the viral cell to active metabolite. Excretion: It is excreted through urine
Onset of Action for Acyclovir
With in a day
Duration of Action for Acyclovir
8 hours
Half Life of Acyclovir
2 - 3 hour
Side Effects of Acyclovir
1.Nausea
2.Vomiting
3.Burning
4.Stinging
5.Tremor
6.Hallucinations
7.Lethargy
8.Phlebitis
9.Malaise

Contra-indications of Acyclovir
Hypersensitivity to Acyclovir
Special Precautions while taking Acyclovir
1.Renal impairment
2.Psychiatric problems
3.Depression
4.Patients taking nephrotoxic drugs
Pregnancy Related Information
Use with caution
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution.
Breast Feeding Related Information
Use with caution.
Children Related Information
May be used
NEONATES: use with caution
Indications for Acyclovir
1.Herpes simplex virus infection
2.Herpes zoster infections
3.Chicken pox






Interactions for Acyclovir
Probenecid: Increases efficacy by decreasing urinary excretion and increasing half-life.
Zidovudine: Causes severe drowsiness and lethargy.

Typical Dosage for Acyclovir
Adult:
Herpes zoster infection: 1 - 4 g / day in 5 divided doses (take every 4 hour while awake) for 7 - 10 days dose is depend upon the severity, duration and type of infection
HSV in immunocompromised patient: 1 - 4 g / day in 5 divided doses (take every 4 hour while awake): dose is depend upon the severity, duration and type of infection
Genital herpes: 1g / day in 5 divided dose (take every 4 hour while awake) for 10 days
Genital herpes in immunocompromised patient: 1 - 2 g / day in 3 - 5 divided dose
Chicken pox: 3. 2g / day in 4 divided dose for 5 days
Herpes zoster ophthalmicus: 3 g / day in 5 divided dose (take every 4 hour while awake) for 10 days
Children:
Herpes zoster / Herpes simplex: 15 mg / kg body weight / day in 3 divided dose
Chicken pox: 80 mg / kg body weight / day in 4 divided dose for 5 days


Schedule of Acyclovir
H
Storage Requirements for Acyclovir
Store in airtight container at a temperature of 15 - 25 degree C.Protect from heat and light. Keep out of the reach of children.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Acyclovir
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time to next dose then skip the missed dose.
Effects of Overdose of Acyclovir
Give supportive and symptomatic treatment.

Home Delivery for Acyclovir in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including acyclovir.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for acyclovir and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for acyclovir may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take acyclovir only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for acyclovir before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for acyclovir with the pharmacy.

Acyclovir is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for acyclovir might be better known than acyclovir itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have acyclovir in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for acyclovir.