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Introduction About ACIVIR 500 INFUSION
ACIVIR 500 INFUSION contains Acyclovir, which belongs to the group of medicines called Antivirals. It is used for the management of varicella zoster infections (an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus and symptoms include an itchy rash with small, fluid-filled blisters) and herpes encephalitis caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus in neonates and adults. Symptoms include headaches, fevers, drowsiness, hyperactivity and general weakness).
Herpes simplex infections and severe initial genital herpes (a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus) in patients with a weakened immune system, prophylaxis of Herpes simplex infections in immunodeficient patients and management of Herpes simplex infections in the neonates and infants up to three months of age.
Before receiving ACIVIR 500 INFUSION inform your doctor if you have kidney problems. ACIVIR 500 INFUSION should be used with caution among pregnant or breastfeeding women, therefore consult your doctor before receiving it. The most common side effects after receiving ACIVIR 500 INFUSION are headache, dizziness, feeling or being sick, diarrhea, stomach pain and rashes. Contact your doctor if the symptom gets worse or persists.
Uses Of ACIVIR 500 INFUSION
- Manage and manages herpes infections
- Manage chickenpox and shingles
How ACIVIR 500 INFUSION Works
ACIVIR 500 INFUSION works by killing or stopping the growth of viruses (herpes virus). It has a higher affinity for viral DNA cells than human DNA cells and incorporates into the viral DNA and causes DNA chain termination and inactivation, leading to the death of cells.
How to use ACIVIR 500 INFUSION
ACIVIR 500 INFUSION will be given to you only by a doctor or a nurse into a vein as an intravenous infusion. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending on your age, body weight and disease condition.
Side Effects Of ACIVIR 500 INFUSION
Common
- nausea and vomiting
- allergic reactions such as rashes, itchy, sensitivity to light
- swelling, redness, tenderness or pain at the site of injection
- elevated liver enzymes
- increase in blood urea and creatinine
Uncommon
- anaemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia
- rashes include photosensitivity, urticaria, pruritus
- nosebleeds and bruises easily due to a decrease in blood platelets
- fatigue, decreased energy, weakness, dyspnoea (shortness of breath), fainting, palpitations, pale skin due to anaemia
- risk of infections due to falling in white blood cells
Rare
Stop taking ACIVIR 500 INFUSION and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- severe allergic reactions such as erythema multiforme, photosensitive rash, pruritus, rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, urticaria and tissue necrosis
- encephalopathy changes characterized by lethargy, obtundation, tremors, confusion, hallucinations, agitation, seizures or coma
- signs of liver problems such as hepatitis, hyperbilirubinemia, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes)
How To Manage Side Effects
Nausea or vomiting:
Take this medicine with or just after meals. Avoid eating oily or spicy foods. If the symptom does not improve, contact your doctor immediately.
Itchy skin:
Try to use an unscented moisturiser. If the symptom does not improve, contact your doctor immediately.
Warning & Precautions
Pregnancy
ACIVIR 500 INFUSION is generally not recommended for use in pregnant women unless considered necessary. Consult your doctor before receiving ACIVIR 500 INFUSION.
Breastfeeding
ACIVIR 500 INFUSION is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it may pass through the breast milk. Consult your doctor before receiving ACIVIR 500 INFUSION.
Driving and Using Machines
Do not drive or operate any machines if you have confusion, hallucinations, agitation, tremors and drowsiness after receiving ACIVIR 500 INFUSION.
Kidney
ACIVIR 500 INFUSION should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Consult your doctor before receiving ACIVIR 500 INFUSION.
Allergy
Do not receive ACIVIR 500 INFUSION if you are allergic to Acyclovir or valacyclovir or any other ingredients of this medicine.
Others
Before receiving ACIVIR 500 INFUSION, inform your doctor:
- if you have a low resistance to disease (immune deficiency)
- dehydration
- low sodium diet
Use in pediatrics:
NA
Use in geriatrics:
ACIVIR 500 INFUSION should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged above 75 years). Consult your doctor before receiving it.
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before receiving ACIVIR 500 INFUSION, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicine:
- probenecid (a medicine used to manage gout)
- cimetidine (a medicine used to manage stomach ulcers)
- drugs acting on the immune system (Ex. mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine and tacrolimus)
- lithium (a medicine used to manage bipolar disorder)
- theophylline (a medicine used to manage breathing disorders)
B. Drug - Food interaction:
NA
Overdosage:
ACIVIR 500 INFUSION will be administered to you only by a doctor or a nurse in a hospital, so it is unlikely to receive an overdose. However, consult your doctor or nurse if you experience any unusual symptoms.
Synopsis
| Drug | : | Acyclovir |
| Pharmacological Category | : | Antivirals |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | Chickenpox, shingles, herpes simplex virus |
| Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Suspension, Syrup, Infusion, Injection, Cream, Ointment, Eye- ointment |
More Information
- Keep ACIVIR 500 INFUSION out of the sight and reach from children
- Store ACIVIR 500 INFUSION below 25°C
FAQs About ACIVIR 500 INFUSION
Can I take ACIVIR 500 INFUSION for chicken pox?
Yes. ACIVIR 500 INFUSION is effective for chickenpox in adults and immunocompromised children, causing more rapid resolution of the illness and fewer complications. Consult your doctor before receiving it.
Can ACIVIR 500 INFUSION cause hair loss?
Yes. ACIVIR 500 INFUSION may cause hair loss. If you experience any side effects. Consult your doctor before receiving it.
Can I take ACIVIR 500 INFUSION with alcohol?
No. Taking ACIVIR 500 INFUSION with alcohol may lead to unwanted effects such as confusion, hallucinations, agitation, tremors and drowsiness. Consult your doctor before receiving it.
Can ACIVIR 500 INFUSION cause tremors?
Yes. ACIVIR 500 INFUSION can cause tremors. However, it does not affect every individual. Try to rest and relax. If your symptom worsens, please consult your doctor before receiving it.
Does ACIVIR 500 INFUSION cause hallucinations?
Yes. ACIVIR 500 INFUSION can cause hallucinations. Try to rest and relax. Meditation and breathing exercises can work. If your symptom worsens, please consult your doctor.
References
1. K.D.Tripathi. Antiviral drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page - 799
2. Wockhardt UK Limited. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised on February 2018] [Accessed on 19th April 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/6175/smpc#gref
3. Catalytica pharmaceuticals, Inc. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. [Revised on June 1998] [Accessed on 19th April 2022] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/1998/18603s19lbl.pdf
4. GlaxoSmithKline UK Limited. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised on May 2021] [Accessed on 19th April 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/7595/smpc#gref
5. GlaxoSmithKline (Ireland) Ltd. Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). [Revised on January 2021] [Accessed on 19th April 2022] https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/994b7cee-33e9-4b21-9d05-e61b866df4f1.pdf
6. Hospira UK Limited. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in August 2021] [Accessed on 19th April 2022]
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Herpes Simplex Virus 1 DNA PCR
- Herpes Simplex Virus 1 IgG
- Herpes Simplex Virus 2 DNA PCR
- Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgG
- Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgM
- Varicella Zoster IgG
- Varicella Zoster IgM
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