Availability:
- IV Acyclovir 250mg
- Tab Acyclovir 200mg
General
- Work as DNA polymerase inhibitors, thereby reducing DNA synthesis and viral replication
Indications
- Management of recurrent episodes of genital herpes
- Treatment of initial episodes of genital herpes
- Treatment of chickenpox (varicella)
- Treatment of herpes zoster (shingles)
- Herpes Simplex Encephalitis (IV only)
- Neonatal HSV infection (IV only)
- Recurrent cold sores (topical only)
Oral Acyclovir
- Low bioavailability, 10-20%
- Poorly absorbed from the GI tract
- Has a half life of 3 hours
Conversion
- Based on specific indications [refer to dosing guide in www.lexicomp.com]
- clinical efficacy of oral acyclovir in high-risk immunocompromised patients is limited by its low bioavailability
- some guidelines recommends IV to Oral conversion not applicable in Meningitis and endocarditis
- no oral conversion for encephalitis and meningitis
References:
- http://www.emedexpert.com/compare-meds/valacyclovir.shtml
- www.lexicomp.com
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