Acyclovir (Acyclovir)
Overview of Acyclovir
Acyclovir is antiviral agent. Acyclovir is a synthetic purine nucleoside analog with an acyclic side chain. Acyclovir is clinically active aganist herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, varicella zoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus. Acyclovir is not used for cure of herpes, but it relieves the pain and makes the infection clear faster. Acyclovir is given prophylactically to seropositive patients before bone marrow and after heart transplant to protect such individuals during post transplant immunosuppressive treatment.
Indication of Acyclovir
Acyclovir is primarily indicated in conditions like Cytomegalovirus infection prophylaxis, Encephalitis, Herpes simplex, Herpes simplex (in immunocompromised patients), Herpes simplex infection of mucous membrane, Herpes simplex infection prophylaxis, Herpes simplex keratitis, Prophylaxis of herpes simplex, Severe initial genital herpes, Simplex encephalitis, Treatment of herpes simplex, Varicella and herpes zoster, Varicella zoster infections, Varicella-zoster, Varicella-zoster (chickenpox-shingles), Viral conjunctivitis, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Herpes simplex (prevention of recurrence), Prevention of recurrence of herpes simplex, Treatment of herpes simplex (immunocompromised patients).
Contraindication of Acyclovir
Acyclovir is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity.
Side Effects of Acyclovir
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Acyclovir, which give rise to further complications include Rises in blood urea and creatinine, Encephalopathy, Seizures, Acute renal failure, Renal tubular obstruction.,Acyclovir produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Coma. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Acyclovir therapy.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Acyclovir are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Anorexia, Severe local inflammatory reactions, Tremors, Abdominal pain, Skin rashes, Confusion, Erythema, Lethargy, Itching, Hallucination, Malaise, Elevation of liver enzymes, Contact dermatitis, Agitation, Stinging on application, Crystalluria, Transient burning, Reaction at injection site, Confusion, Skin rashes.
Precautions of Acyclovir
This medication should be used with caution during pregnancy and lactation. Topical preparation (e.g cream) is not recommended for application to mucous membranes, particular care should be taken to avoid accidental introduction into the eyes.