Why is acyclovir so effective?

Why is acyclovir so effective?

Acyclovir acts as a specific inhibitor of herpesvirus DNA polymerase. This is a key enzyme in the lytic phase of infection by herpesviruses to ensure the replication of the virus. Activity against HSV is greater than activity against VZV. Acyclovir belongs to the class of medicines called antivirals.

Why is acyclovir less toxic?

Activation of acyclovir to form the nucleoside triphosphate is dependent upon a promiscuous viral thymidine kinase; the low toxicity of acyclovir is due to the activation of acyclovir only in infected cells and the low inhibition of cellular replication (19).

Is acyclovir effective against other viruses?

Acyclovir may also be used for other virus infections as determined by your doctor. However, it does not work in treating certain virus infections, such as the common cold.

What are the contraindications of acyclovir?

The only absolute contraindication to acyclovir is hypersensitivity. Cautions include renal failure/impairment, immunocompromised host, potential risk of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)).

How toxic is acyclovir?

In general, acyclovir seems to have a low toxic potential. Data from available investigations do not give support for a mutagen, teratogen or carcinogen hazard in patients receiving recommended clinical doses.

Is acyclovir considered an immunosuppressant?

It is taken orally. As such, it is a systemic treatment. However, it is not an immunosuppressive drug such as a corticosteroid. It works by inhibiting the replication of the virus.

What should I monitor with acyclovir?

Consider monitoring renal function. Possible increased incidence of adverse CNS effects (coma, confusion, hallucinations, somnolence), GI effects (nausea, vomiting), or dizziness during oral acyclovir therapy compared with younger adults.

What are the long term side-effects of acyclovir?

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

• Unusual changes in your mood or behavior. Symptoms can include:
• Decrease in your red blood cells and platelets. Symptoms can include:
• Liver problems.
• Muscle pain.
• Skin reactions.
• Changes in your vision.
• Kidney failure.
• Allergic reaction.

Is acyclovir hard on the liver?

Hepatotoxicity. Despite widespread use, there is little evidence that acyclovir when given orally causes significant liver injury. Serum enzyme levels generally do not change during oral acyclovir therapy.

Is acyclovir carcinogenic?

What are the long term effects of taking acyclovir?

Low red blood cells and platelets: This drug may cause thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). These conditions cause dangerously low levels of red blood cells and platelets in your body. This may be fatal (cause death). Symptoms can include fatigue and low energy.

Can you take acyclovir for life?

Long-term use of acyclovir for up to 10 years for HSV suppression is effective and well tolerated. Acyclovir is also approved for use in children, is available in some countries over the counter in cream formulation for herpes labialis, and has been monitored in over 1000 pregnancies.

How much acyclovir is too much?

If you take more Aciclovir Tablets than you should Aciclovir 800 mg Tablets are not usually harmful, unless you take too much over several days. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you take too much Aciclovir 800 mg Tablets.

Do I need a shingles shot if I take acyclovir?

Can she receive Shingrix? Yes. Acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir are antiviral drugs that are active against herpesviruses. These drugs will have no effect on Shingrix, which does not contain live varicella virus.

What is acyclovir used to treat?

Acyclovir (ay sye’ kloe vir) is an acyclic purine nucleoside analogue (acycloguanosine) which has antiviral activity against many herpes viruses, including herpes simplex 1 and 2, cytomegalovirus, Ebstein-Barr virus and varicella-zoster.

Who will make the initial decision to use acyclovir?

Clinicians (MDs, DOs, NPs, PAs) will make the initial decision to use acyclovir. Dose adjustments for ideal body weight and baseline renal function are necessary, and the pharmacist should coordinate this with nurses and clinicians for inpatients.

What is the peak and trough concentration of acyclovir?

In a multiple dose study in neonates up to 3 months of age, IV infusion over 1 hour of 5, 10, or 15 mg/kg of acyclovir every 8 hours resulted in mean steady state peak serum concentrations of 6.8, 13.9, and 19.6 ug/ml, respectively, and mean steady state trough serum concentration of 1.2, 2.3, and 3.1 ug/ml, respectively.

Does acyclovir exist in the atmosphere?

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere (1), acyclovir, which has an estimated vapor pressure of 5.4X10-15 mm Hg at 25 °C (SRC), determined from a fragment constant method (2), is expected to exist solely in the particulate phase in the ambient atmosphere.