Antimicrobials
valACYclovir

valACYclovir

N/A
Moderate
$0.5(500mg TAB)

Spectrum of Activity

Dosing

General Information

  • For the treatment of herpes zoster (shingles)
  • For the treatment or suppression of genital herpes in immunocompetent individuals and for the suppression of recurrent genital herpes in HIV infected individuals
  • To reduce the risk of transmission of genital herpes with the use of suppressive therapy
  • For the treatment of cold sores (herpes labialis)
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • AKI from crystal nephropathy
  • Increased AST and ALT
  • CNS effects (agitation, hallucinations, confusion and encephalopathy)
  • Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia Purpura/Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (TTP/HUS)
  • Mycophenolate can increase the acyclovir concentration
  • May diminish efficacy of zoster or varicella vaccine
  • CYP1A2 Inhibitor (Weak) may increase the concentration of CloZAPine
  • Increased risk of nephrotoxicity when used concomitantly with other nephrotoxic agents
  • Follow SCr as appropriate
  • Check urine for crystals if AKI suspected

500 mg TAB: $0.5

Pharmacology: Antiviral agent. Nucleoside analogue. DNA-synthesis inhibitor

Sub-class: Purine analogue (Prodrug for Acyclovir)

Pregnancy category: B

Average serum half life: ValACYclovir: ~30 minutes; acyclovir: 3 hours

Urine penetration: Therapeutic

CSF penetration: Therapeutic

ValACYclovir is a prodrug of the antiviral acyclovir. ValACYclovir is rapidly and nearly completely converted to acyclovir, which has inhibitory activity against human herpes simplex virus HSV-1, HSV-2 and varicella zoster virus (VZV).

Patients should remain adequate hydration to prevent acute kidney injury while taking ValACYclovir.

Adapted from the Markham Stouffville Hospital Antimicrobial Stewardship Program