Acyclovir Suspension

Adult dosage

1. Treatment of herpes simplex virus infections - 200 mg, 5 times daily, at 4-hour intervals for 5 days - Treatment may be extended in cases of severe primary infections - In severely immunocompromised patients or those with gastrointestinal absorption issues, the dose may be increased to 400 mg per administration or administered intravenously 2. Prevention of herpes simplex infections in patients with normal immune function - 200 mg, 4 times daily, at approximately 6-hour intervals

Children's dosage

1. Treatment of herpes simplex infections and prevention of herpes simplex infections in immunocompromised patients - Aged 2 years or older: Follow adult dosing - Under 2 years: Administer 1/2 of adult dosage 2. Treatment of chickenpox in children over 2 years

This medication should not be used in patients who are allergic to this drug or its components, or to valacyclovir. Caution is advised in patients with impaired kidney function as they may be at risk of neurological symptoms. In patients with decreased liver function, care should be taken as liver function may worsen. In infants and children, it should be administered cautiously, particularly in newborns and low-birth-weight infants, as the safety of this medication has not been established, and it should only be used when necessary. Elderly patients are likely to have decreased kidney function, leading to higher drug concentrations and increased risk of adverse reactions, so dosage and administration intervals should be adjusted, and adequate hydration is necessary. During administration of this drug, serious allergic reactions such as shock or anaphylaxis can rarely occur, so symptoms should be closely monitored. If symptoms like low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness occur, administration should be stopped immediately and appropriate treatment sought. Photosensitivity, skin rash, fever, vesicles, and hives can occur, so if these symptoms arise, administration should be stopped and a physician consulted. Skin-related side effects can include hair loss, severe skin inflammation, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and Lyell syndrome, so the condition of the skin should be closely monitored. Neurological side effects may include altered consciousness, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, drowsiness, anxiety, and movement disorders, particularly in elderly patients or those with renal impairment. Side effects affecting kidney function may include renal failure, hematuria, and proteinuria, so urine status and kidney function should be periodically checked. Blood and lymphatic system abnormalities may present as leukopenia, bleeding, and anemia, necessitating blood tests for monitoring. Symptoms of liver dysfunction can include hepatitis, jaundice, and elevated liver function tests, so liver function should be regularly monitored. Gastrointestinal side effects may include gastritis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, so if gastrointestinal symptoms are severe, medical personnel should be notified immediately. General symptoms may include fever, muscle weakness, and headache, so overall health should be well-monitored. Musculoskeletal symptoms may result in joint pain or muscle aches, so if discomfort persists, consultation with a physician is necessary. Cardiovascular side effects may result in arrhythmias, blood pressure changes, and chest pain, so cardiac-related symptoms should be closely observed. Rarely, urinary issues such as urinary obstruction or difficulty urinating may occur, so if there are problems with urination, it should be reported. If symptoms do not improve within a certain period after starting therapy, alternative treatment methods may need to be considered. Particularly for shingles, administration should commence within 5 days of the onset of skin symptoms; for chickenpox, within 3 days is most effective. In patients with compromised immune function, intravenous formulations should be considered, and adequate hydration should be maintained throughout treatment to reduce the risks of dehydration and renal toxicity. In treating recurrent genital herpes, treatment should be reviewed after 1 year to determine whether to continue. This medication may cause altered states of consciousness, so caution is required when driving or operating machinery, particularly in patients with reduced kidney function. Interactions may occur with other medications, especially those affecting kidney function or specific drugs, so consultation with a physician or pharmacist is advised when co-administered. Pregnant women or those who may become pregnant should carefully weigh the benefits and risks when using this medication, and breastfeeding should be discontinued as the components may pass into breast milk. Overdose may lead to severe neurological symptoms and kidney damage; if overdose is suspected, immediate medical attention should be sought.

Serious side effects

• Anaphylactic shock
• anaphylactoid reactions
• hypotension
• dyspnea
• chest tightness
• hives
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• toxic epidermal necrolysis
• jaundice
• liver dysfunction

Mild side effects

• Photosensitivity reactions
• fixed drug eruptions
• fever
• hives-like erythema
• alopecia
• erythema multiforme
• altered consciousness
• disorientation
• concentration disturbances
• aggressive behavior

This medication should be stored in a tightly closed container to prevent air or moisture ingress. It is advisable to store at room temperature, between 1 and 30 degrees Celsius, avoiding extreme heat or cold.

Appearance

Red suspension with strawberry flavor

Package unit

1 bottle X 100 milliliters