Aciclovir

=Aciclovir=

How it works
//Selective antiviral activity against disseminated herpes simplex and varicella-zoster viruses//

Questions to Ask
What medications? - medical conditions? - allergies?

Risk of renal impairment may be reduced by: · Infusion over ** 1 hour ** · Adequate hydration and urine output (>2 mL/kg/hour), especially for a few hours following infusion, when urine concentrations are at their maximum · Lower doses for patients with renal impairment · Avoiding concomitant use of nephrotoxic drugs (eg aminoglycosides, vancomycin)

How to take
IV: 20 mg/kg/dose every 12 hours if < 34 weeks or if decreased renal function 20 mg/kg/dose every 8 hours if ³ 34 weeks ** Oral: ** 20 mg/kg/dose 4 to 5 times a day ** Ocular: ** Apply every four hours, use with IV therapy

Side effects
Common: Vomiting, diarrhoea ** Infrequent: ** Abdominal pain, oedema, rash, confusion, dizziness, renal impairment // (see practice points) //** Rare: ** Coma, convulsions, neutropenia, leucopenia

Other advice?
Aciclovir distributes widely throughout body tissues and fluids including the CSF. The half-life is about 4 hours and is related to degree of kidney function and maturity. Eliminated 60% unchanged in urine.

CMI
Neonatal Guidelines - Aciclovir