ACYCLOVIR
GENERIC NAME: Acyclovir
BRAND NAMES: Alti-Acyclovir (CAN), Avirax (CAN), Zovirax
DRUG CLASSES: Antiviral and Purine nucleoside analogue
Pregnancy Category B
THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS: Antiviral activity; inhibits viral DNA replication.
INDICATIONS
1. Initial and recurrent mucosal and cutaneous HSV 1 and 2 and varicella zoster infections in immunocompromised patients
2.Severe initial and recurrent genital herpes infections in selected patients
3.Herpes simplex encephalitis
4.Treatment of neonatal herpes simplex virus infections
5.Acute treatment of herpes zoster (shingles) and chickenpox
6.Ointment: Initial HSV genital infections; limited mucocutaneous HSV infections in immunocompromised patients
7.Cream: Recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) in patients > 12 yr
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Contraindicated with allergy to acyclovir, seizures, CHF, renal disease, lactation and use cautiously with pregnancy.
ADVERSE EFFECTS
Systemic administration
CNS: Headache, vertigo, depression, tremors, encephalopathic changes
Dermatologic: Inflammation or phlebitis at injection sites, rash, hair loss
GI: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia
GU: Crystalluria with rapid IV administration, hematuria
Topical administration
Dermatologic: Transient burning at site of application
INTERACTIONS
Systemic administration: Drug-drug
1.Increased effects with probenecid
2.Increased nephrotoxicity with other nephrotoxic drugs
3.Extreme drowsiness with zidovudine
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
Assessment
History: Allergy to acyclovir, seizures, CHF, renal disease, lactation, pregnancy
Physical: Skin color, lesions; orientation; BP, P, auscultation, perfusion, edema; R, adventitious sounds; urinary output; BUN, creatinine clearance
Interventions: Systemic administration
1.Ensure that the patient is well hydrated.
2.Topical administration
3.Start treatment as soon as possible after onset of signs and symptoms.
4.Wear a rubber glove or finger cot when applying drug.
Educative
1.Complete the full course of oral therapy, and do not exceed the prescribed dose.
2.Oral acyclovir is not a cure for your disease but should make you feel better.
3.Avoid sexual intercourse while visible lesions are present.
4.You may experience these side effects: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea; headache, dizziness.
5.Report difficulty urinating, rash, increased severity or frequency of recurrences.
6.Topical administration
7.Wear rubber gloves or finger cots when applying the drug to prevent autoinoculation of other sites and transmission to others.
8.This drug does not cure the disease; application during symptom-free periods will not prevent recurrences.
9.Avoid sexual intercourse while visible lesions are present.
10. This drug may cause burning, stinging, itching, rash; notify your physician if these are pronounced.
REFERENCES:
Acyclovir Image. http://www.bedfordlabs.com/products/images/Acyclovir%20(612-10).jpg
Karch, Amy M. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2007 Nursing Drug Guide.
HOME | A-B | C-D | E-F | G-H | I-J | K-L | M-N | O-P | Q-R | S-T | U-V | W-X | Y-Z | HOME
This is a free website hosted by weebly.
This is created for Student Nurses by blue_identity.
