Presentation
Tables 200,400 and 800mg.
Cream 5% 10g
Properties
Aciclovir, the active ingredient of Cyclovix®, is a synthetic purine nucleoside analogue with in vitro and in vivo inhibitory activity against human herpes viruses, including herpes simplex virus (HSV) types I and II and varicella zoster virus (VSV). Aciclovir in only partially absorbed from the gut. In adults the terminal plasma half-life of aciclovir after administrations of intravenous aciclovir is about 2.9 hours. Most of the drug is excreted unchanged by the kidney. Renal clearance is substantially greater than creatinine clearance, indicating that tubular secretion, in addition to glomerular filtration contributes to the renal elimination of the drug. Plasma protein binding is relatively low (9 to 33%) and drug interactions involving binding site displacement are not anticipated.
Indications
Cyclovax® tablets are indicated for:
- The treatment of herbes simplex virus infections of the skin and mucous membranes including initial and recurrent genital herpes.
- The suppression (prevention of recurrences) of recurrent herpes simplesx infections in immunocompetent patients.
- The treatment of varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles) infections.
Cyclovax® cream is indicated for: The treatment of Herpes Simplex virus infections of the skin including initial and recurrent genital herpes and herpes labialis.
Dosage
Adults:
Treatment of herpes simplex infections: 200mg Cyclovax® should be taken five times daily at approximately four hourly intervals omitting the night time dose. Treatment should continue for 5 days, but in severe initial infections this may have to be extended. In severely immunocompromised patients (e.g. after marrow transplant) or in patients with impaired absorption from the gut the dose can be doubled to 400mg Cyclovax® or alternatively intravenous dosing could be considered.
Suppression of herpes simplex infections in immunocompetent patients: 200mg Cyclovax® should be taken four times daily at approximately six-hourly intervals. Many patients may be conveniently managed on a regimen of 400mg Cyclovax® twice daily at approximately twelve-hourly intervals.
Prophylaxis of herpes simplex infections in immunocompreomised patients: 200mg Cyclovax® should be taken four times daily at approximately six-hourly intervals.
Treatment of varicela and herpes zoster infections: 800mg Cyclovax© should be taken five times daily at approximately four-hourly intercals, omitting the night time dose. Treatment should continue for seven days.
Children: 20mg/kg body weight (not to exceed 800mg).
Cyclovax Cream should be applied five times daily at approximately four-hourly intervals, omitting the night time application. Treatment should be continued for 5 days. If, after 5 days, healing is not complete then treatment may be continued for up to an additional 5 days.
Side Effects
There have been reported gastrointestinal disturbances, haematological and allergic reactions, kidney, liver and neurological distrubances, fatigue or diffuse hair loss.