Indications
Treatment for Herpes simplex virus infections of the skin and mucous membranes including initial and recurrent genital herpes, Varicella (chickenpox) and Herpes zoster (shingles).
Suppression of recurrent Herpes simplex infections in immunocompetent patients.
Prophylaxis of Herpes simplex infections in immunocompromised patients.
Contraindications
Patients who develop hypersensitivity to acyclovir or valacyclovir.
Compositon/Ingredients
Acyclovir 800mg
Dosage and administration
Primary Herpes simplex infections, including genital herpes: 200 mg five times daily (usually every 4 hours while awake) for 5 – 10 days.
Severely immunocompromised patients or those with impaired absorption: 400 mg five times daily for 5 days.
Renal impairment (CC < 10 ml/minute): 200 mg every 12 hours.
Suppression of recurrent Herpes simplex in immunocompetent patients: 800 mg daily in 2 – 4 divided doses (reduction to 400 – 600 mg daily can be tried, dosage > 1 g daily have also been used. Interrupt every 6 – 12 months for reassessment.
Prophylaxis of Herpes simplex in immunocompromised patients: 200 to 400 mg four times daily. Children < 2 years old: Half the adult dose.
Chronic suppressive treatment: 200 mg five times daily for 5 days, preferably initiated during the prodromal period.
Chickenpox: 800 mg four or five times daily for 5 to 7 days.
Renal impairment CC < 10 ml/minute: 800 mg every 12 hours;
CC 10 – 25 ml/minute: 800 mg three times daily every 8 hours. Herpes zoster: 800 mg five times daily may be given for 7 to 10 days. Use of Acyclovir STELLA 200 mg and/ or Acyclovir STELLA 400 mg is recommended when using doses of 200 mg, 400 mg.
Precaution
Elderly patients and patients with renal impairment are at increased risk of developing neurological side effects and should be closely monitored.
Pregnancy (only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk).
Nursing mother (only when indicated).
Storage
Store at temperature below 30°C, protect from light.
