Antimicrobials
Acyclovir

Acyclovir

Restricted

None
N/A

Spectrum of Activity

General Information

  • Therapy for herpesviral infections (HSV and VZV) including encephalitis
  • Prophylaxis of herpesviral infections if recurrent disease or immunocompromised

Follow SCr, BUN, urine output as appropriate, liver enzymes and CBC.

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Phlebitis (IV)
  • Liver or renal dysfunction
  • Crystal nephropathy (keep patient well hydrated)
  • May diminish efficacy of zoster or varicella vaccine.
  • For oral indications, Valacyclovir is the pro-drug and is more bioavailable with more convenient dosing.

Antimicrobial class: Antiviral, nucleoside analogue

Average serum half life: Neonates: 4 hours Children 1-12 years: 2-3 hours

Route of Elimination: Primarily kidney with 60-90% of drug excreted unchanged in the urine