Acihexal

Generic Name: Aciclovir
Product Name: Acihexal

Indication

Acyclovir is an antiviral agent which is active against types 1 and 2 of herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus.

Acyclovir is used for the following:

• Treatment of a first episode of genital herpes
• Management of recurrent episodes of genital herpes in certain patients.
• Treatment of shingles when the rash has been present for less than 72 hours.
• The management of patients with advanced HIV disease.

Action

• Acyclovir is an antiviral agent which is active against types 1 and 2 of herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus.
• Acyclovir prevents the virus from replicating in the cell and thus precents it from infecting more cells in the body.

Dose advice

First episode of genital herpes:

• 200 mg every four hours while awake resulting in a total of 1000mg a day.
• This dose should be continued for ten days.

Suppressive therapy for recurrent genital herpes:

• 200 mg three times daily for six months.
• After 6 months Acyclovir should be ceased.

Intermittent therapy for recurrent genital herpes:

• 200 mg every four hours while awake resulting in a total of 1000mg a day.
• This dose should be continued for five days.
• Acyclovir should started as soon as signs or symptoms of a recurrent episode appear.

Herpes Zoster:

• 800 mg five times daily at four hour intervals
• Treatment should start as soon as possible after the rash appears
• This dose should be continued for seven days.
• For shingles with eye involvement therapy should be continued for seven to ten days

Advanced HIV disease:

• 800 mg four times daily at six hour intervals for 12 months. Doses may required adjustment in patients with reduced kidney function.

Schedule

Schedule 4

Common side effects

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Aching joints
• Gastrointestinal disturbance

Uncommon side effects

• Diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Swelling of the ankles and lower legs
• Skin rashes
• Leg pain
• Taste alteration
• Sore throat
• Heart palpitation
• Muscle cramps
• Irritability
• Hair loss
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Sleep disturbances
• Convulsions
• Chest pain
• Constipation

For further information talk to your doctor.