Acyclovir Sodium (4 brand names, 1 dosage form, 1 route)
Available dosage forms: INJECTABLE.
Routes of administration: INJECTION.
Brand Names
- ACYCLOVIR
- ACYCLOVIR IN SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9% PRESERVATIVE FREE
- ACYCLOVIR SODIUM
- ZOVIRAX
Related Health Topics
Dosage and Administration
CAUTION - RAPID OR BOLUS INTRAVENOUS INJECTION MUST BE AVOIDED(see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS ). INTRAMUSCULAR OR SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION MUST BE AVOIDED(see WARNINGS ). Therapy should be initiated as early as possible following onset of signs and symptoms of herpes infections. A maximum dose equivalent to 20 mg/kg every 8 hours should not be exceeded for any patient.
Contraindications
Acyclovir Sodium Injection is contraindicated for patients who develop hypersensitivity to acyclovir or valacyclovir.
Adverse Reactions
The adverse reactions listed below have been observed in controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials in approximately 700 patients who received acyclovir at approximately 5 mg/kg (250 mg/m 2) 3 times daily, and approximately 300 patients who received approximately 10 mg/kg (500 mg/m 2) 3 times daily. The most frequent adverse reactions reported during administration of acyclovir were inflammation or phlebitis at the injection site in approximately 9% of the patients, and transient elevations of serum creatinine or BUN in 5% to 10% (the higher incidence occurred usually following rapid [less than 10 minutes] intravenous infusion). Nausea and/or vomiting occurred in approximately 7% of the patients (the majority occurring in nonhospitalized patients who received 10 mg/kg). Itching, rash, or hives occurred in approximately 2% of patients. Elevation of transaminases occurred in 1% to 2% of patients. The following hematologic abnormalities occurred at a frequency of less than 1%: anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytosis, leukocytosis, and neutrophilia. In addition, anorexia and hematuria were observed.
Drug Interactions
See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Pharmacokinetics .
Overdosage
Overdoses involving ingestions of up to 20 g have been reported. Adverse events that have been reported in association with overdosage include agitation, coma, seizures, and lethargy. Precipitation of acyclovir in renal tubules may occur when the solubility (2.5 mg/mL) is exceeded in the intratubular fluid. Overdosage has been reported following bolus injections or inappropriately high doses, and in patients whose fluid and electrolyte balance were not properly monitored. This has resulted in elevated BUN and serum creatinine, and subsequent renal failure. In the event of acute renal failure and anuria, the patient may benefit from hemodialysis until renal function is restored (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ).