Antiviral drugs- Aciclovir Flashcards

1
Q

What are they indicated for?

A

Treatment of herpes simplex (cold sores, genital ulcer and encephalitis) and varicella-zoster (chickenpox and shingles)

Suppression of recurrent herpes simplex attacks when episodes occur 6 or more per years

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2
Q

How do they work?

A

It inhibits the herpes-specific DNA polymerase in herpes simplex 1 and 2 and varicella-zoster

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3
Q

What are the side effects of these drugs?

A

Headache
Dizziness
GI upset
Skin rash

IV aciclovir can cause inflammation or phlebitis at the injection site

Can cause acute renal failure as aciclovir precipitates in renal tubules

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4
Q

What are the warnings for it?

A

Can cross the placenta and is expressed in breast milk. But due to the virus the benefit of treating outweighs the risk

Dose should be reduced in severe renal impairment

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5
Q

What interactions occur with this drug?

A

Theophylline- aciclovir increases its plasma concentration

Nephrotoxicity- NSAIDs, aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, trimethoprim, vanxomycin and methotrexate

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