Acyclovir is one of the most popular antiviral medications available throughout the world. Its popularity stems from the fact that it is highly selective and is low in cytotoxicity. H. Schaffer and R. Vince initially discovered acyclovir, which was later to be developed by other researchers. The medication is currently available in the market by different trade names including Cyclovir, Herpex, Acivir, Acivirax, Zovirax and Zovir amongst other names.
Disease/Condition
Acyclovir is indicated for the treatment of varied viral infections including Herpes simplex virus types-1 and II, Varicella zoster virus infection, Epstein-Barr virus and Cytomegalovirus. Upon ingestion, Acyclovir is converted into other Acyclovir compounds including Acyclo-GMP and Acyclo-GTP, which is a potent inhibitor of viral DNA polymerase. Acyclo-GTP has the effect of terminating viral DNA chain, stopping the advancement of viral infection. While Acyclovir medication is easily tolerated by the body, resistance cases have been reported in some patients. Such patients are mostly those with chronic antiviral prophylaxis such as organ transplant patients and those with HIV-1 infection. However, Acyclovir has shown to be effective in delaying the progression of HIV-1 infection.
Side effects
Acyclovir side effects vary greatly. While some patients can only experience a few, others can experience most of them. They include:
- Common Acyclovir side effects include nausea, diarrhea, headache and vomiting
- In high doses, which are some times necessary, Acyclovir presents such side effects as hallucinations, agitation, confusion, dizziness, oedema, sore throat, abdominal pain, constipation, hair loss, body fatigue and skin rashes.
- Long-term use of Acyclovir leads to the occurrence of other health conditions including coma, seizures, leucopenia, anorexia, hepatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and anaphylaxis amongst other health conditions.
- When Acyclovir cream is used topically, such Acyclovir side effects as dry/flaky skin, burning sensation and itching do occur.
- Other possible side effects include lower back pain, reduced urination frequency and oedema.
Acyclovir dosage
Acyclovir medication is available in tablets of 200mg, 400mg, 800mg and 1 gram. Topical creams, intravenous solutions, syrup and ophthalmic ointment preparations area also available. There is no standard Acyclovir dosage; dosage depends on a patient’s general health condition amongst other many factors that doctors consider. Acyclovir is contraindicated in patients with a history of allergic reactions or with kidney disease. Although rare, Acyclovir overdose cases do occur. Acyclovir overdose symptoms include seizures or convulsions, hallucinations and remarkably reduced urination. Overdose require immediate medical attention to forestall further damage.
The US Food and Drug Administration lists Acyclovir as a category B pregnancy medication. Pregnant women can safely use the medication in low doses for treatment of viral infection and in preventing the passing on of the infection to baby during childbirth. It is however contraindicated for use by lactating mothers for the risk of being passed on to the baby through breast milk. Taking acyclovir requires lots of water for proper functioning of kidneys during treatment. Acyclovir’s absorption is not affected whether it is taken on an empty stomach or not. However, certain medications can hinder its absorption, something that doctors do try to find out whether a patient is using while prescribing.
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