Medicine Overview
Adult Dose
| Clinical Information | Administration Information |
|---|---|
|
Indication: Herpes zoster (shingles) Age: Adult |
Dose: Oral – 1 g Frequency: three times daily Duration: 7 days |
|
Indication: Herpes zoster (shingles) Age: Adult Condition: Immunocompromised |
Dose: Oral – 1 g Frequency: three times daily Duration: Continue treatment for a further 2 days after crusting of lesions |
Child Dose
| Clinical Information | Administration Information |
|---|---|
|
Indication: Herpes simplex infections of skin and mucous membranes; Genital herpes Age: greater than 12 years Condition: recurrent episodes |
Dose: 500 mg Frequency: twice daily Duration: for 3-5 days |
|
Indication: Herpes simplex infections of skin and mucous membranes; Genital herpes Age: greater than 12 years Condition: initial episodes |
Dose: 500 mg Frequency: twice daily Duration: up to 10 days |
Renal Dose
| Clinical Information | Administration Information |
|---|---|
|
Indication: Herpes labialis Condition: Creatinine Clearance 30-49 mL/minute |
Dose: Tablet – 1 g Frequency: every 12 hours Duration: 1 day Note: by mouth (oral) |
|
Indication: Herpes labialis Condition: Creatinine Clearance 10-29 mL/minute |
Dose: Tablet – 500 mg Frequency: every 12 hours Duration: 1 day Note: by mouth (oral) |
Administration
- Can be taken with or without food
- Take with plenty of water
Side Effect
- Headache (14-35%)
- Neutropenia (Less than 18%)
- Elevated aspartate transaminase (AST) (2-16%)
- Nasopharyngitis (Less than 16%)
- Nausea (6-15%)
- Elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) (Less than 14%)
- Abdominal pain (2-11%)
- Dysmenorrhea (1-8%)
- Depression (Less than 7%)
- Arthralgia (Less than 1-6%)
- Vomiting (Less than 1-6%)
- Dizziness (2-4%)
- Rash (Less than 8%)
- Rhinorrhea (Less than 2%)
- Thrombocytopenia (Less than 3%)
- Leukopenia (Less than 1%)
- Agitation
- Aggression
- Alopecia
- Confusion
- Erythema multiforme
- Hypertension
- Tachycardia
- Tremor
- Visual disturbances
- Hepatitis
- renal failure
- blood dyscrasias
- thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura-hemolytic uremic syndrome
Drug Interaction
Drug Interaction
| Drug Name | Risk Factors |
|---|---|
|
Nephrotoxic drugs (e.g. aminoglycosides, organoplatinum compounds, iodinated contrast media, methotrexate, pentamidine, foscarnet, ciclosporin, tacrolimus)
|
Increased risk of renal failure
|
|
Probenecid, cimetidine
|
May increase peak plasma concentrations and AUC of aciclovir
|
Disease Interaction
Disease Interaction
| Disease Name | Risk Factors |
|---|---|
|
No specific contraindications listed
|
Monitor for general drug reactions
|
Pregnancy
Pregnancy
Lactation
Special Use
Precaution
Overdose
Pharmacology
Storage
Store in cool & dry place, away from children.
Data Sources
Clinical & regulatory information on this page is compiled from the following government sources:
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment.