Aciclovir (ACIVIR DT) 400mg Tablet is a nucleoside antiviral agent recommended for the treatment of herpes zoster, herpes genitals, and chickenpox. Each tablet contains 400 mg of Acyclovir as its active ingredient.
Drug = Acyclovir
Strength = 400 mg
How to take
The medication may be taken on an empty stomach or even so after a meal to reduce gastric discomfort. It must be taken at the same time to maintain the therapeutic levels of the medication.
Therapy may be continued until the desired effect is achieved or as per physician recommendation.
Dosage of Aciclovir (ACIVIR DT) 400mg
Adult: Treatment of herpes simplex: 400 mg 5 times daily every 4 hours (DO NOT TAKE the night time dose) for five days.
For patients whose immune system is severely compromised (after marrow transplant and AIDS patients) or those with impaired gut absorption: Increase the dose to 400 mg, oral or IV route given every 6 hours
Prevention of recurrent herpes simplex infections:
Immunocompetent patient: 200 mg four times a day taken every 6 hours intervals or 400mg every 12 hours whichever is convenient. May titrate dose to 200 mg every 8 hours or 400mg every 12 hours. NOT to be given more than 6 months. If so, interrupt the treatment regimen for at least 2 weeks and then resume.
Prophylaxis of herpes simplex in immunocompromised patients: 200 mg every 6-hours intervals.
Severely immunocompromised patient (after marrow transplant) or those with impaired gut absorption:400mg ever 6 hours
Treatment of varicella & herpes zoster: 800 mg every 4 hours (DO NOT TAKE the nighttime dose) for seven days.
Severely immunocompromised patients: Consider IV dosing of acyclovir
Missed Dose of Aciclovir (ACIVIR DT) 400mg
In case of missed doses, take the tablet as soon as you remember and make sure to adjust the time interval based on schedule. Resume the timing by the next day.
Overdose of Aciclovir (ACIVIR DT) 400mg
In cases wherein Acyclovir was taken more than the recommended dose. Seek help- immediately if you experience symptom of overdose.
Symptoms of overdose may include any of the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Confusion
Contraindications
- Those individuals with known hypersensitivity to Acyclovir or any of its component
Side Effects of Aciclovir (ACIVIR DT) 400mg
Acyclovir may have the following side effects:
- GI distrubances (nausea,vomiting, abdominal pain,diarrhea)
- Itchiness and rashes
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Fever
Warnings
Do not take Acyclovir with any of the following medicines:
- Probenecid
- Cimetidine
- Mycophenolate mofetil
- Cyclosporin
- Tacrolimus
Do not forget to inform your physician if you are taking medications which are bought over the counter and other herbal food supplements.
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Acyclovir.
How Does It Work?
In vitro and in vivo, Acyclovir displays inhibitory action against human herpesviruses. Acyclovir is converted to acyclovir monophosphate, which is then converted by cellular enzymes to diphosphate and ultimately to triphosphate. After its penetration into the viral DNA, acyclovir triphosphate inhibits viral DNA polymerase and viral DNA replication.
Uses of Aciclovir (ACIVIR DT) 400mg
Acyclovir is used to treat the following conditions:
- Infections caused by herpes simplex virus
- Initial and recurrent episodes of genital herpes
- Prophylaxis against herpes simplex infections in individuals with poor immune system
- Treatment of varicella infections (chicken-pox) & herpes zoster (shingles)
- Management of patients with severely compromised immune system, with advanced HIV disease or following bone marrow transplantation
Special Precautions and Warnings
Take special precautions if you have any of the following conditions:
- Kidney diseases
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Elderly
Storage Conditions
- Store at temperatures not to exceed 30°C
- Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
- Do not use Acyclovir after the date indicated on the package
