Antimicrobials
Acyclovir

Acyclovir

None
Poor (Less than 20%)
$0.60/day (PO) $35.40/day (IV)

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.

IV Administration: Give over at least 60 min in D5W or NS; maximum concentration 10mg/mL

OPEN BENEFIT (PO): No prescribing restrictions

Antimicrobial class: Antiviral. Nucleoside analogue.

Pregnancy category: B

Average serum half life: 3 hours

CSF penetration: Therapeutic

Urine penetration: Therapeutic