Oral / IV
Aciclovir
Herpex, zovirex
20% bioavailability; mainly used for HSV and VZV
- Mechanism of Action
- A nucleoside analogue that is incorporated into viral DNA by viral DNA polymerase, resulting in premature DNA termination.
- Microbiology
- Effective against Herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella zoster virus (VZV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV), though impossible to reach therapeutic levels sufficient to be effective against CMV.
Clinical Use
- Indications
- Genital herpes
- Cold sores
- Herpes simplex encephalitis
- Chickenpox (in adults)
- Shingles
- Ophthalmic herpes zoster
- Adverse Effects
- Nausea / vomiting, headache.
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