Presentation and Status in Health Basket
| Presentation | Basket | Yarpa | Pharmasoft |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tablets 30 X 200 mg |
|
59112 | 1903 |
|
Tablets 30 X 400 mg |
|
59113 | 1904 |
Related information
Dosage
See prescribing information for full details.
Indications
Treatment of herpes simplex, infections of skin and mucous membranes including initial and recurrent genital herpes. Suppression of recurrent herpes simplex infections. Prophylaxis of herpes simplex infections in immune compromised patients. Treatment of herpes zoster infections. For the treatment of chickenpox in certain groups at increased risk of severe varicella or its complications these groups are as follows: Patients over 13 years of age who are otherwise healthy. Children over 12 months of age with chronic cutaneous or pulmonary condition, or receiving long term salicylate therapy. Children receiving short or intermittent courses of aerosolized corticosteroids. The drug should not be taken if more than 24 hours have passed from the onset of a typical chickenpox rash.
Contra-Indications
Hypersensitivity to acyclovir or valaciclovir.
Special Precautions
Care should be taken to maintain adequate hydration in patients receiving high oral doses. The recommended dose should not be exceeded. Patients should be advised to take particular care to avoid potential transmission of virus if active lesions are present while they are on therapy. Prolonged or repeated courses of acyclovir may result in selection of resistant viruses which may not fully respond to continued therapy. Preexisting renal disease or dehydration. Genetial herpes is a sexually transmitted disease and patients should avoid intercourse when visible lesions are present. Herpes zoster infections: Adults age 50 or older tend to have more severe shingles, and treatment showed more significant benefit for older patients and was more useful when started within the first 48 hours. Pregnancy & lactation: Findings have not shown an increase in the number of birth defects amongst exposed subjects. Caution should however be exercised by balancing the potential benefits of treatment against any possible hazard. Caution is advised during administration to nursing women.
Side Effects
Headaches. Occasionally dizziness, confusional states, hallucinations, somnolence, convulsions and coma, usually in patients with renal impairment in whom the dosage was in excess of that recommended. Visual abnormalities. Fatigue.
Drug interactions
Probenecid, zidovudine.
