acyclovir [Ophthalmic]

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Use and Dosing ⬇

Adult Dosing

Ocular HSV

Place 1 cm ribbon of ointment inside the lower conjunctival sac q4 hrs while awake; continue for at least 3 days after healing is complete
Max: 5 applications/day

Pediatric Dosing

Ocular HSV

Place 1 cm ribbon of ointment inside the lower conjunctival sac q4 hrs while awake; continue for at least 3 days after healing is complete
Max: 5 applications/day

Indications ⬆ ⬇

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis

Contraindications ⬆ ⬇

Hypersensitivity to acyclovir, valacyclovir or other drugs in the same classification

Black Box Warnings ⬆ ⬇

Dosing Adjustment ⬆ ⬇

Renal Dose Adjustment

Renal impairment: None required

Hepatic Dose Adjustment

Hepatic impairment: None required

Warnings/Precautions ⬆ ⬇

For ophthalmic use only
Start treatment as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms
Advise patients not to wear contact lenses during therapy
Avoid use in pregnancy; consider only when the potential benefits outweigh the possibility of unknown risks

Pregnancy/Breast Feeding ⬆ ⬇

Pregnancy Category:NR; U.S pregnancy category yet to be assigned for ophthalmic route

Breastfeeding: Safety unknown; known to be excreted in breastmilk following systemic administration, however, minimal systemic absorption with ophthalmic administration. Unlikely to adversely affect the breastfed infant. Manufacturer advises caution.

Adverse Reactions ⬆ ⬇

Common reactions: Transient mild stinging/conjunctivitis, inflammation, superficial punctuate keratopathy
Rare reactions: Hypersensitivity including angioedema, blepharitis

Clinical Pharmacology ⬆ ⬇

Antiviral; inhibits herpes specified DNA polymerase; prevents viral DNA synthesis
Rapidly absorbed through the corneal epithelium and superficial ocular tissues, achieving antiviral concentrations in the aqueous humor
Renally excreted
Half-life: Unknown