Indications
Virunil Tablet is used for:
Herpes simplex infections, Varicella zoster (chickenpox), Herpes zoster (shingles), Genital herpes
Adult Dose
Oral
Primary herpes simplex infections
Adult: 200 mg 5 times daily every 4 hr for 5-10 days; for severely immuno compromised patients and those with impaired absorption: 400 mg 5 times daily for 5 days.
Suppression of recurrent herpes simplex
Adult: 800 mg daily in 2-4 divided doses. May reduce to 400-600 mg daily if necessary. Reassess the condition every 6-12 mth. For mild or infrequent recurrences: Episodic treatment may be used: 200 mg 5 times daily for 5 days, preferably begun during the prodromal period.
Prophylaxis of herpes simplex in immunocompromised patients
Adult: 200-400 mg 4 times daily.
Varicella zoster 800 mg 5 times/day for 5-7 days.
Herpes zoster 800 mg 5 times/day for 7-10 days.
Child Dose
Child: PO 900 mg/m2/day q8h
60–80 mg/kg/day (max 4 g/day) q6–8h
Varicella Zoster (Chickenpox)
>2 years and <40 kg: 20 mg/kg/dose PO q6hr for 5 days; not to exceed 800 mg/dose
>10 mL/min/1.73 m²: 200 mg q4hr (five times daily)
400 mg every 12 hr
0-10 mL/min/1.73 m²: 200 mg q12hr
>10 mL/min/1.73 m²: 400 mg q12hr
800 mg every 4 hr
0-10 mL/min/1.73 m²: 800 mg q12hr
10-25 mL/min/1.73 m²: 800 mg q8hr
>25 mL/min/1.73 m²: 800 mg q4hr (five times daily)
Renal Dose
Administration
May be taken with or without food. May be taken w/ meals to reduce GI discomfort.
Reconstitution: Add 10 mL or 20 mL of sterile water for inj to a vial labeled as containing 500 mg or 1,000 mg of aciclovir, respectively, to provide a soln containing 50 mg/mL. The appropriate dose of reconstituted soln should then be withdrawn from the vial and diluted w/ 50-125 mL of a compatible IV infusion soln.
Contra Indications
Hypersensitivity.
Precautions
Renal impairment. Pregnancy, lactation. Neurological abnormalities with significant hypoxia, serious hepatic or electrolyte abnormalities. Maintain adequate hydration.
Lactation: Drug enters breast milk; use with caution.
Pregnancy-Lactation
Pregnancy category: B
Lactation: Drug enters breast milk; use with caution
Interactions
Probenecid, cimetidine and mycophenolate mofetil may increase the plasma concentration of aciclovir. Increased nephrotoxic effects w/ drugs that affect renal physiology (e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus).
Side Effects
Side effects of Acyclovir Oral :
>10%
Oral
Malaise (<12%)
1-10%
Parenteral
Inflammation or phlebitis at injection site (9%), Nausea (7%), Vomiting (7%), Rash or hives (2%), Elevated transaminase levels (1-2%)
Oral
Nausea (2-5%), Vomiting (<3%), Diarrhea (2-3%), Headache (2%)
<1%
Abdominal pain, Aggression/confusion, Agitation, Alopecia, Anaphylaxis, Anemia, Angioedema, Anorexia, Ataxia, Coma, Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), Dizziness, Fatigue
Potentially Fatal: Occasionally neurotoxicity after IV use: Lethargy, confusion, agitation, tremors, seizures, coma.
Mode of Action
Activity against HSV types I and II and varicella-zoster virus is due to intracellular conversion of aciclovir to the monophosphate by viral thymidine kinase with subsequent conversion to the diphosphate and active triphosphate by cellular enzymes. This active form inhibits viral DNA synthesis and replication by interfering with viral DNA polymerase enzyme and being incorporated into viral DNA.
Note
Virunil 400mg Tablet generic name is Acyclovir Oral. Virunil 400mg Tablet is manufactured by Globe Pharmaceuticals Ltd.Virunil is availble in all over Bangladesh.
Mes BD drug index information on Virunil Tablet is not intended for diagnosis, medical advice or treatment; neither intended to be a substitute for the exercise of professional judgment.