INDICATION
Virux® tablet and cream are indicated for the treatment of herpes simplex
virus infections of the skin including initial and recurrent genital herpes and
herpes labialis. Virux® tablet is indicated for the suppression of recurrent
herpes simplex infections in both immune-competent and immunecompromised
patients. Virux® tablet is also indicated for the treatment of
varicella zoster virus infections (chicken pox and herpes zoster).
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Tablet
For the treatment of initial and recurrent episodes of herpes simplex
infections in adults, 200 mg Virux® tablet should be taken 5 times daily (at 4 hours intervals omitting the night-time dose). Treatment should continue
for 5 days and may be extended for up to 10 days in severe initial infections.
For suppression of herpes simplex infections in adults, treatment with Virux®
tablet should be continued at a dose of 200 mg 4 times daily or 400 mg twice
daily for up to 1 year. If the patient remains recurrence free for up to 2-3
months, this dose can be reduced to 200 mg 3 times daily. After 1 year,
treatment should be stopped to reassess patient’s clinical status. For
prophylaxis of herpes simplex infections in immune-compromised patients,
200 mg Virux® tablet should be taken four times daily at 6 hourly intervals
for 7 days. In severely immune-compromised patients (e.g. after bone
marrow transplantation) or in patients with impaired absorption from the
gut, the dose can be doubled. For treatment of herpes zoster infections in
adults, 800 mg Virux® tablet should be taken 5 times daily (at 4 hourly
intervals) for 7 days.
CONTRAINDICATION AND PRECAUTION
Virux® tablet and cream is contraindicated in patients known to be
hypersensitive to acyclovir. Virux® cream is not recommended for
application to mucous membrane such as eye, mouth, vagina etc.
SIDE EFFECT
Acyclovir is well tolerated when given orally. Skin rashes which, resolve after
withdrawal of the drug have been reported with acyclovir. GI effects
including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and abdominal pain have
been reported in patients receiving oral acyclovir. The most common
adverse effect is mild pain including transient burning and stinging at the
site of application following acyclovir cream.
DRUG INTERACTION
Concomitant administration of probenecid and acyclovir has reportedly
increased the mean plasma half-life and decreased urinary excretion and
renal clearance of acyclovir.
Amphotericin B has been shown to potentiate the antiviral effect of acyclovir
against pseudorabies virus in vitro when both drugs are added to the culture
medium. Ketoconazole and acyclovir have shown dose-dependent,
synergistic, antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2
(HSV-1 and HSV -2) in in-vitro replication studies.
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