Anti-infectives (antivirals)

Question 1

acyclovir

Answer 1

purpose: tx of herpes & varicella

SE: headache, blood dyscrasias, N, V, D, thrombocytopenia purpura, nephrotocivity, tremors, lethargy

Nurs con: IV: onset immediate, peak immediate

• PO; absorbed minimally: onset unknown, peak 90 mins
• do not break, crush, or chew capsules
• PO: take without regard to meals with a full glass of water
• if dose is missed take as soon as remembered, up to 1 hour before next does
• contact if sore throat, fever & fatigue: could be signs of superinfection

Question 2

Oseltamivir phosphate

Answer 2

purpose: prevention & tx of influenza

SE: N, V, dizziness, headache, fatigue, cough

Nurs con: used to tx uncomplicated flu symptoms in pts that are symptomatic for 2 days or less

• should not be used as a substitute for influenza vaccines
• may be taken without regard to meals
• Rx

Question 3

Valacyclovir HCL

Answer 3

purpose: tx of herpes zoster (shingles) genital herpes, herpes labialis (cold sores) & varicella

SE: N, V, D, abdominal cramps, headache, rash, dizziness, dysmenorrhea, thrombocytopenic purpura, increased AST

Nurs con: -pts should drink plenty of fluids during tx
-avoid sexual contact when lesions visible

Question 4

Zidovudine

Answer 4

Purpose: managment of HIV infection, post-exposure prophylaxis of HIV following needlestick

SE: fever, headache, malaise, N, V, D, dizziness, insomnia, dyspepsia, rash, hepatomegaly

Nurs con: -gi upset & insomnia resolve after 3-4 weeks

• PO: peak 30-90 minutes
• check with provider before taking aspirin, acetaminophen or indomethacin