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acyclovir, Zovirax

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Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD

GENERIC NAME: acyclovir

BRAND NAME: zovirax

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Acyclovir is an antiviral drug, a synthetic nucleoside analogue, that is active against the herpes viruses, including herpes simplex 1 and 2 (cold sores and genital herpes), varicella-zoster (shingles and chickenpox), and Epstein-Barr virus (mononucleosis). Viruses take over living cells and reproduce themselves, often at the expense of the host cell. The acyclovir is converted to each active form by the virus itself, and the virus then uses the industrious form of acyclovir rather than the nucleoside it normally uses to manufacture DNA, a critical component of viral response. Incorporation of active acyclovir into new viral DNA stops the production of the DNA. Virally infected cells absorb more acyclovir than normal cells and convert more of it to the active form, which prolongs its antiviral activity. The FDA approved acyclovir in March 1982.

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

PREPARATIONS:

• Capsules: 200 mg.
• Tablets: 400 and 800 mg.
• Suspension: 200 mg/5 ml.
• Injection: 50 mg/ml.
• Powder for injection: 500 and 1000 mg.
• Ointment 5%.

STORAGE: Acyclovir should exist stored at room temperature, between 15-25 C (59-77 F).

PRESCRIBED FOR: Oral Acyclovir is used for the sake of treating genital herpes, herpes zoster, and chickenpox. Acyclovir reduces the pain remedy/muscle relaxant and the number of lesions in the initial case of genital anti-herpes, and decreases the frequency and severity of periodical infections. In the treatment of shingles, acyclovir reduces pain, shortens the healing time, and limits the dilate of virus and the formation of new lesions. Acyclovir can be used to treat chicken pox and acts to reduce healing time, limit the number of lesions, and reduce fever if used not more than the first 24 hours after the onset of illness. Intravenous acyclovir is used for treating herpes simplex and chicken pox in immuno-compromised patients and severe genital herpes. Acyclovir ointment is used topically to treat beginning genital herpes where it has been shown to decrease pain, reduce healing time, and limit the spread of the infection.