Acyclovir (Zovirax®)

Antiviral Agents, oral and parenteral

Mechanism of Action
Interferes with DNA polymerase of herpesvirus cells, inhibiting their replication.

Therapeutic Uses
FDA approved: Treatment of herpes simplex virus, Epstein Barr virus, varicella-zoster virus, CMV prophylaxis.

Adverse Drug Events
GI intolerance, rash, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, headache, seizures.

Patient Monitoring
CBC, BUN, serum creatinine.

Drug-Drug Interactions
Other bone marrow suppressant agents; other agents that may increase seizure potential (i.e., imipenem, meropenem).

Dosage Forms
Oral tablet, 400 mg and 800 mg; oral capsule, 200 mg; oral suspension, 200 mg/5 mL; injection, 500 mg/10 mL.

Dosage and Administration
Treatment dose is 600-800 mg 5 times each day; IV dose is 10mg/kg/dose Q 8 hours – uses filters and infuse for one hour or longer.

Compatibilities/Special Administration Techniques
Do not refrigerate IV solutions. IV form should be infused through larger peripheral or central vein.

Ganciclovir (Cytovene®, DHPG)

Antiviral Agents, oral and parenteral.

Mechanism of Action
Inhibits replication of herpesvirus by interfering with cellular DNA.

Therapeutic Uses
FDA approved: Prevention and treatment of CMV disease in transplant recipients at risk for CMV disease.

Adverse Drug Events
GI intolerance, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, headache, nephrotoxicity.

Patient Monitoring
CBC, BUN, serum creatinine.

Drug-Drug Interactions
Other bone marrow suppressant agents.

Dosage
Oral capsule, 250 mg; injection, 500 mg.

Dosage and Administration
Usual dose 5mg/kg BID, adjust for renal failure. IV doses same as oral dose, use filter and infuse for one hour or longer.

Compatibilities/Special Administration Techniques
Do not refrigerate IV solutions. IV form should be infused through larger peripheral or central vein.

[Back to Top]