Category:

• Antiviral

Description:

• Rapidly converted to acyclovir

• Purine nucleotide that inhibits viral replication

  Indications:

• Genital herpes treatment and prophylaxis

• Mucosal and cutaneous herpes simplex (HSV-1 and HSV-2) treatment and prophylaxis

• Varicella-zoster (chickenpox & shingles)  

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category C

• Dosing modification is required for patients with impaired renal function.

• Avoid sexual contact when genital lesions are present.

• Medication treatment is not a cure for viral infection.

• Do not exceed recommended dose.

• Initiate therapy at earliest signs of symptoms.

• Use rubber gloves or a finger cot when applying topical cream to active lesions, so as not to inoculate other areas.

  Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• Malaise (11.5%)

• Nausea and vomiting (2-8%)

• Headache (6%)

• Pain / phlebitis at injection site (9%)

Dosage:

Herpes Zoster:   1 gram orally 3 times daily for 7 days.

Genital Herpes: Initial Episodes:   1 gram twice daily for 10 days.

Recurrent Episodes:   500 mg twice daily for 3 days.

Suppressive Therapy:   1 gram once daily in patients with normal immune function. In patients with a history of 9 or fewer recurrences per year, an alternative dose is 500 mg once daily.

In HIV-infected patients with CD4 cell count >/=100 cells/mm ^3,  500 mg twice daily.

Cold Sores (Herpes Labialis):   2 grams twice daily for 1 day taken about 12 hours apart.