Virux 500 mg/vial (IV Infusion)
500 mg vial: ৳ 702.11
Medicine Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Generic | Acyclovir injection |
| Company | Square pharmaceuticals plc |
Indications
- Treatment of acute clinical manifestations of Herpes simplex virus in immunocompromised patients
- Treatment of severe primary or non-primary genital herpes in immune competent patients
- Treatment of Varicella zoster virus infection in immunocompromised patients
- Treatment of Herpes zoster (shingles) in immune competent patients who show very severe acute local or systemic manifestations of the disease
- Treatment of Herpes simplex encephalitis
Pharmacology
- Interferes with DNA synthesis
- Inhibits viral replication
- Dependence on intracellular conversion to Acyclovir Triphosphate
- Conversion to Acyclovir Monophosphate via virus coded thymidine kinase
- Further phosphorylation to diphosphate via cellular guanylate kinase and other cellular enzymes
Dosage
- 5 mg/kg every 8 hours for Herpes simplex infection (normal or immunocompromised immune status)
- 5 mg/kg every 8 hours for very severe Herpes zoster infection (shingles) (normal immune status)
- 10 mg/kg every 8 hours for Varicella zoster infection (immunocompromised immune status)
- 10 mg/kg every 8 hours for Herpes simplex encephalitis (normal or immunocompromised immune status)
- Administered by slow intravenous infusion over a one-hour period
Administration
- Recommended duration of administration for 5-7 days in most infections
- Reconstitution and dilution should be carried out immediately before use
- Maximum of 250 mg & 500 mg may be added to 50 ml & 100 ml infusion solution respectively
- Compatible with certain infusion fluids
- Contains no preservatives
- Should not be refrigerated
Interactions
- Co-administration with probenecid increases mean Virux half-life
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Acyclovir or Valacyclovir
Side Effects
- Lethargy
- Obtundation
- Tremors
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Agitation
- Somnolence
- Psychosis
- Convulsions
- Coma
- Phlebitis
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Reversible increases in liver-related enzymes
- Pruritus
- Urticaria
- Rashes
- Increases in blood urea and creatinine
- Local inflammatory reactions if infused into extracellular tissues
Pregnancy & Lactation
- Pregnancy category B
- Not well studied in pregnant women
- Should only be used during pregnancy if benefits outweigh risks
- May be administered to nursing mothers if benefits outweigh risks
- No experience of the effect on human fertility
Precautions & Warnings
- Intended for intravenous infusion only
- Should not be administered by mouth
- Must be given over at least one hour to avoid renal tubular damage
- Should not be administered as a bolus injection
- Must be accompanied by adequate hydration
- Caution in patients with neurological abnormalities, hypoxia, or renal, hepatic, or electrolyte abnormalities
Use in Special Populations
- Pediatric use - dosage based on body surface area
- Geriatric use - special attention to dosage reduction
- Renal impairment - modified dosage based on the degree of impairment
Overdose Effects
- Elevations of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen
- Neurological effects including confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and coma
- Adequate hydration essential to reduce the possibility of crystal formation in the urine
- Hemodialysis may be considered for management
Therapeutic Class
- Herpes simplex & Varicella-zoster virus infections
Duration of Treatment
- 5-7 days in most infections
- At least ten days in the treatment of Herpes simplex encephalitis
Reconstitution
- 250 mg vial reconstituted with 10 ml of Water for Injection or Sodium Chloride Intravenous Infusion (0.9% w/v)
- 500 mg vial reconstituted with 10 ml of Water for Injection or Sodium Chloride Intravenous Infusion (0.9% w/v)
Storage Conditions
- Store at 15°C to 25°C
- Protected from light and moisture
- Keep out of the reach of children