Erphejeong (Acyclovir)

Adult administration

For the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections, acyclovir should be administered 200 mg five times a day at 4-hour intervals for 5 days. For severely immunocompromised patients or those with gastrointestinal absorption disorders, the dosage may be increased to 400 mg per dose or given intravenously. For the prevention of herpes simplex infections in immunocompetent patients, 200 mg can be administered four times daily at approximately 6-hour intervals or two times daily at 400 mg approximately 12 hours apart.

Child administration

Children over 2 years should be administered the same dose as adults. Children under 2 years should receive half the adult dose. For chickenpox treatment in children over 2 years, administer 20 mg per kg of body weight, 4 times a day, for 5 days.

This medication should not be used in patients who are allergic to this product or its components, or to valacyclovir. Patients with kidney function impairment should use this medication with caution, as they are at high risk of experiencing neurological side effects. Patients with impaired liver function should use this medication carefully, as it may further worsen liver function. Children and infants should be particularly cautious when using this medication, and should only receive the minimum effective dose when necessary. Elderly patients often have decreased renal function, so the dosage and interval should be adjusted when administering this medication. Rarely, severe allergic reactions such as anaphylactic shock can occur with this medication; if symptoms such as a drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness appear, use should be stopped immediately and medical treatment should be sought. Allergic reactions such as rash, fever, blisters, and hives can occur, so if these symptoms appear, use of this medication should be discontinued and appropriate measures should be taken. Severe skin conditions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or Lyell syndrome may rarely occur, so skin and mucous membrane conditions should be closely monitored. This medication can cause various neurological symptoms including altered consciousness, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, drowsiness, tremors, and anxiety, particularly in elderly patients or those with kidney disorders. Due to renal function abnormalities, kidney-related issues such as renal failure, hematuria, and proteinuria can occur, so renal status should be monitored regularly. It can also affect the blood and lymphatic system, leading to leukopenia, bleeding, or anemia, so regular blood tests are necessary. Liver function abnormalities, jaundice, and hepatitis may occur, so it is important to perform routine liver function tests. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea may occur; if these symptoms are severe, the medication should be discontinued. Systemically, symptoms such as fever, muscle weakness, and headache may appear, so health status should be monitored closely. Musculoskeletal symptoms such as joint pain or muscle pain may also occur. Cardiac abnormalities, blood pressure changes, and chest pain may rarely occur, necessitating careful cardiovascular monitoring. Urinary symptoms such as dysuria or urinary retention may be present, and any abnormalities should be discussed with medical professionals. To enhance therapeutic efficacy, it is recommended that treatment with this medication begin as soon as possible, ideally within 3 to 5 days after the appearance of skin symptoms. When given in high doses, adequate hydration is crucial to reduce renal toxicity. Warning is necessary during hazardous activities like driving or operating machinery, as consciousness disturbances or drowsiness may occur during medication use. When combined with specific other medications, this medication's blood concentration may increase, or renal toxicity may rise; therefore, patients must consult their physician or pharmacist if they are taking other medications. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should only use this medication if the benefits outweigh the risks to the fetus. This medication's components may pass into breast milk; therefore, it is safest to discontinue breastfeeding during treatment. In case of overdose, severe symptoms such as coma, seizures, or renal failure may occur, requiring immediate emergency treatment, and may necessitate hemodialysis. High doses of this medication can have genetic abnormalities or affect reproductive function, so adherence to recommended dosages is important.

Serious side effects

Anaphylactic shock, anaphylactoid reactions, hypotension, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, hives, erythema resembling hives, mucocutaneous syndrome (Stevens-Johnson syndrome), toxic epidermal necrolysis (Lyell syndrome), renal failure, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, jaundice, acute pancreatitis, severe edema, severe allergic reactions, serious neurological symptoms, severe skin adverse reactions, severe edema or urination abnormalities, liver dysfunction, respiratory issues,

Mild side effects

• Photosensitivity reactions
• fixed drug eruptions
• rashes
• fever
• blisters
• alopecia
• erythema multiforme
• altered consciousness
• proprioceptive dysfunction
• concentration difficulties

This medication should be stored in a tightly closed container to prevent air and moisture from entering. It is best stored in a cool, dry place below 25 degrees Celsius. Proper storage maintains the medication's effectiveness over time.

Appearance

Light blue round tablet

Package unit

30/bottle, 100 tablets/bottle