| Drug and Dosage | Use | Action | Assessment: Side Effects |
|---|
| Acyclovir (Zovirax)—PO 200 mg 3–5 times/day; IV 5 mg/kg q8h over 1 hr; topical 6 times daily for 1 wk | Herpes simplex (types 1, 2) | Converts to an active cytotoxic metabolite that inhibits viral DNA replication | Headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; increased serum BUN and creatinine |
| NURSING IMPLICATIONS: Measure I&O q8h; ensure adequate hydration; assess for common side effects; apply topical with finger cot or rubber glove; refer for counseling |
| Indinavir (Crixivan)—PO 800 mg q8h | HIV; possible prevention in combination therapy | Inhibits action of HIV protease and cleavage of viral polyproteins | Ketoacidosis; kidney stones; hyperglycemia; altered taste; acid regurgitation |
 NURSING IMPLICATIONS: Give with water or other liquids (skim milk, coffee, tea, juice) 1 hr before or 2 hr after meal; avoid high-fat, high-protein meal within 2 hr; with concurrent therapy, may need to take drugs 1 hr apart; capsules are sensitive to moisture—keep desiccant in bottle |
| Nevirapine (Viramune)—PO 200 mg daily for 2 wk, then twice daily | HIV; delays disease progression | Binds to the enzyme reverse transcriptase; disrupts DNA synthesis | Rash; Stevens-Johnson syndrome (severe erythema multiforme) |
| NURSING IMPLICATIONS: Give with or without food; drug does not cure AIDS—decreases opportunistic infections |
| Zidovudine (AZT, Retrovir)—PO 200 mg q4h | AIDS and related disorders | Inhibits HIV replication | Blood disorders, especially anemia and granulocytopenia; headache; nausea; insomnia; myalgia |
| NURSING IMPLICATIONS: Monitor for signs of opportunistic infection and adverse drug effects; drug must be taken around the clock; regular blood tests (q2wk) |