ANTI-HERPES VIRUS

ACYCLOVIR

Anti-Herpes Virus

Cross and Allergic Reactions

Usage

Amoxicillin should not be taken if one has- Mononucleosis, Colitis, Diabetes, Renal Dysfunction, Pku (Phenylketonuria), Hemodialysis--Dose needs to be decreased when in pregnancy

Type

Anti Herpes* Virus are a type of medications that are effective against herpes viruses such as; varicella zoster*(VZV), Epstein-Barr*(EBV), Human cytomegalovirus*(CMV) etc. Some commonly used drugs for this virus are Acyclovir, Famciclovir, Ganciclovir.

It is the first antiviral drug and chemically it’s a deoxyguanosine analogue. Both oral and injectable forms of these drugs are available in local pharmacies.

The way that this drug works, is that it stops viral DNA synthesis

History

Acyclovir was originally synthesised in 1974 by Howard Schaeffer at Wellcome Research Laboratories

Usage

It’s used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, such as genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chickenpox.

Cross and Allergic Reactions

Acyclovir cross reacts with famciclovir and with medications that affect renal function. It also reacts with Probenecid, it increases the half life of acyclovir

It is known to cause allergic reactions such as stinging, burning, rashes, vomiting, low BP

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting; diarrhea; general ill feeling; headache; or mouth pain while using an acyclovir buccal tablet are the known side effects of Acyclovir.

Should not be taken if

Acyclovir should not be taken if one has compromised renal function(kidney disease)

Shelf Life

Shelf life- 3 years after the manufacturing date.

90% drugs(approved by the FDA) are perfectly good even 15 years after the expiry date, the only exception to this may be tetracycline. If the drugs are kept in a cool environment, like a fridge then they can be used even longer. The expiry date only marks that now there isn’t 100% effectiveness.