Thursday, April 14, 2016

IV to Oral Conversion : Acyclovir

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:
  1. http://www.emedexpert.com/compare-meds/valacyclovir.shtml
  2. www.lexicomp.com

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