Antiviral drugs- Aciclovir Flashcards
What are they indicated for?
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
How do they work?
It inhibits the herpes-specific DNA polymerase in herpes simplex 1 and 2 and varicella-zoster
What are the side effects of these drugs?
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
What are the warnings for it?
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
What interactions occur with this drug?
Theophylline- aciclovir increases its plasma concentration
Nephrotoxicity- NSAIDs, aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, trimethoprim, vanxomycin and methotrexate