Spectrum: Local Antimicrobial Stewardship, for Bakersfield Memorial Hospital

Acyclovir

C. diff Risk

None

Oral Bioavailability

Moderate

Approximate Cost

Spectrum Of Activity

General Spectrum of Activity

Spectrum Of Activity

Dosing

Renal

Adult
  • Use ideal body weight for dosing obese patients (BMI ≥30 kg/m2)

5-10 mg/kg IV every 8 hr

Consider higher dosing for serious infections such as CNS and disseminated zoster
10mg/kg IV every 8 hr

Shingles
800 mg PO 5 times per day

Prophylaxis dosing varies by indication

Pediatric

General Information

Common Usage

Common Usage

Therapy for herpesviral infections (HSV and VZV) including encephalitis.

Prophylaxis of herpesviral infections if recurrent disease or immunocompromised.

Drug Monitoring

Drug Monitoring

Lab

  • Follow SCr as appropriate

  • Check urine for crystals if AKI suspected

  • Ensure adequate hydration for the patient

  • Phlebitis (with IV formulation)

Clinical

  • CNS effects

  • Ensure adequate hydration for the patient

  • Phlebitis (with IV formulation)

Adverse Effects

Adverse Effects

  •  GI upset

  •  Phlebitis/Extravasation

  •  Increased SCr

  •  AKI from crystal nephropathy

  •  CNS Effects (confusion, tremor, lethargy, hallucination)

Major Interactions

Major Interactions

Mycophenolate can increase the acyclovir concentration

May diminish efficacy of zoster or varicella vaccine

Additional Information

Additional Information

For oral indications, valacyclovir is the pro-drug, which is more bioavailable with more convenient dosing.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology

Antimicrobial class: Antiviral. Nucleoside analogue.

Pregnancy category: B

Average serum half life: 3 hours

CSF penetration: Therapeutic

Urine penetration: Therapeutic