Antimicrobials
Acyclovir

Acyclovir

None
Moderate

Spectrum of Activity

Dosing

General Information

  • Therapy for herpesviral infections (HSV and VZV) including encephalitis
  • Prophylaxis of herpesviral infections if recurrent disease or immunocompromised
  • Follow SCr as appropriate
  • Check urine for crystals if AKI suspected
  • GI upset
  • Phlebitis
  • Increased SCr
  • AKI from crystal nephropathy
  • Mycophenolate can increase the acyclovir concentration
  • May diminish efficacy of zoster or varicella vaccine

For oral indications, valacyclovir is the pro-drug, which is more bioavailable with more convenient dosing.

Antimicrobial class: Antiviral. Nucleoside analogue.

Pregnancy category: B

Average serum half life: 3 hours

CSF penetration: Therapeutic

Urine penetration: Therapeutic