Aciclovir 400mg Tablet

Generic Name: Aciclovir (also spelled Acyclovir)

Strength: 400 mg per tablet

Drug Class: Antiviral agent (nucleoside analogue)

Form: Oral tablet

Appearance:

• Typically white or off-white

• Round or oval-shaped

• Marked with specific imprints depending on the manufacturer for identification

Mechanism of Action:

Aciclovir is a synthetic nucleoside analogue that selectively inhibits herpes virus DNA polymerase. Inside infected cells, it is converted to aciclovir triphosphate, which competes with deoxyguanosine triphosphate for incorporation into viral DNA. This incorporation causes premature DNA chain termination, preventing viral replication and spread.

Indications (Uses):

Aciclovir 400 mg tablets are prescribed for:

• Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infections:

  • Initial and recurrent episodes of genital herpes

  • Herpes labialis (cold sores)

  • Herpes simplex encephalitis

• Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) infections:

  • Treatment of shingles (herpes zoster)

  • Chickenpox (varicella)

• Prophylaxis:

  • To reduce frequency and severity of outbreaks, especially in immunocompromised patients

Dosage & Administration:

• Adults:

  • For genital herpes, a common regimen is 400 mg orally three to five times daily for 7–10 days.

  • For shingles, dosing may be 800 mg five times daily (sometimes split doses) but varies with severity.

• Children:

Pharmacokinetics:

• Absorption: Approximately 15–30% bioavailability after oral administration.

• Distribution: Widely distributed, including cerebrospinal fluid and other tissues.

• Metabolism: Minimal hepatic metabolism.

• Excretion: Primarily eliminated unchanged through the kidneys.

Side Effects:

Common:

• Nausea, vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

Precautions & Contraindications:

• Use caution in patients with renal impairment; dosage adjustments may be necessary.

• Avoid use in patients allergic to aciclovir or valaciclovir.

• Ensure adequate hydration during treatment to prevent kidney damage.

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: use only if clearly needed and prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Storage:

• Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

• Keep out of reach of children.

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