Drug

 

 

Typical Dosing

 

 

 

Acyclovir

Zovirax®

Generics available

Pregnancy: Use with caution

Lactation: Consider Alt

 

Caps: 200 mg

 

Tabs: 400 mg, 800 mg

 

Suspension: 200 mg/5 mL

 

 For HSV

Children ≥2 years:

<40 kg: 20 mg/kg (maximum of 800 mg/dose) PO 4 times daily for 5 days.

≥40 kg: 800 mg PO 4 times daily for 5 days.

 

Adults:

Acute Varicella

800 mg PO five times daily (treatment of acute herpes zoster).

  • CrCl <25 mL/min use 200 mg Q8h
  • CrCl <10 mL/min use 200mg Q12h

Oral HSV

400mg Q8h or 200 mg 5x daily ( Consider Valacyclovir )

  • CrCl <25 mL/min use 200mg Q8h
  • CrCl <10 mL/min use 200mg Q12h

Food: May take without regard to food. Maintain good hydration.

 

Important side effects: Headache, nausea, rash. Crystallization in renal tubes and renal dysfunction—maintain good hydration. CNS changes include lethargy, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, agitation, and coma.