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"Try acyclovir?" I asked meekly. "Oh yes! Oh yes! Acyclovir! Why not?" "Sometimes it works against some viruses." I know that was a weak statement but made it anyway. "And how does this great miracle drug work, may I ask? Choua spoke tersely. "It blocks viral replication," I answered. "How?" Choua was adamant. "By interfering with the viral DNA synthesis." "Yes, it messes up viral DNA. It also messes up your own DNA." "So what's the answer?" "Learn to coexist!" Choua spoke the words slowly but firmly. The Canary and Chronic Fatigue by Majid Ali, M.D.
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from http://www.hivdent.org/drugs/ACYCLOVIR.htm
| Drug: | ACYCLOVIR (Zovirax) |
| Classification: | Antiviral |
| Indication: | Herpes genitalis, herpes simplex, herpes zoster |
| Dose: | Genital herpes (initial): 200mg po q 4 hours 5 times/day X 10 days Genital herpes (recurrent or suppressive therapy): 400mg 2 times/day for up to 12 months, then re-evaluate. Herpes zoster: 800mg 5 times/day X 7-10 days Sever HZV or complications: 5-10mg/kg IV q 8 hours X 7-10 days. Administer at constant rate over 1 hour. |
| Side Effects: | Parenteral: 1. Renal toxicity; precipitation of acyclovir crystals can occur in renal tubules if the maximum solubility of free acyclovir (2.5mg/ml at 37° C in water) is exceeded or if the drug is given by bolus injection. Serum creatinine and BUN rise and creatinine clearance decreases. 2. Encephalopathic changes: Approximately 1% of patients receiving IV acyclovir manifested encephalopathic changes characterized by lethargy, obtundation, tremors, confusion, hallucinations, agitation, seizures or coma. 3. Other: transient elevation of serum creatinine; rash or hives; diaphoresis; hematuria; hypotension; headache and nausea; thrombocytosis. Oral: (GI side effects reduced if take with meals) Short-term therapy: nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, skin rash, edema. inguinal adenopathy, anorexia, leg pain, medication taste, sore throat. Long-term: nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, headache, vertigo, insomina, irritability, depression, skin rash, acne. accelerated hair loss, arthralgia, fever, palpitations, sore throat, muscle cramps, mestrual abnormalities, lyphadenopathy. |
| Use in Pregnancy: | Category C. Risk to fetus cannot be ruled out. Consider use if benefit outweighs the potential risk. Exposure registry is available: 1-800-722-9292, ext. 58465 (note: this number is no longer used for antiretroviral drugs. See Health Maintenance section for the pregnancy protocols which contain the antiretroviral registry number.) |