aciclovir sodium at a glance
Medicine class
Direct-acting nucleoside analogue antiviral
Administration
Given as a slow intravenous infusion by a healthcare professional; it must not be injected rapidly or taken by mouth.
Key precaution
Hydration and kidney function require attention because aciclovir is cleared mainly through the kidneys.
What is aciclovir sodium used for?
The selected intravenous product is licensed for:
Herpes simplex infections in immunocompromised patients
Severe first episodes of genital herpes in people who are not immunocompromised
Prevention of herpes simplex infections in immunocompromised patients
Varicella-zoster virus infections
Herpes encephalitis
Herpes simplex infections in neonates and infants up to three months old
How does aciclovir sodium work?
In herpesvirus-infected cells, viral enzymes activate aciclovir. Its active form inhibits viral DNA polymerase and terminates the growing viral DNA chain, restricting replication while having less activity in uninfected cells.
aciclovir sodium preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 25 mg/mL, 250 mg
How to take aciclovir sodium
This preparation is reconstituted and given into a vein by trained healthcare professionals as a controlled slow infusion, not a rapid or bolus injection. Adequate hydration should be maintained, and the prepared solution must not be swallowed.
Tell staff about kidney problems, dehydration, sodium restriction and all other medicines.
Report burning, pain, redness or swelling around the intravenous line promptly.
Do not handle or self-administer the vial unless specifically trained and authorised to do so.
aciclovir sodium side effects
Common or expected effects
- Inflammation of the vein at the infusion site
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rash, itching, hives or sensitivity to sunlight
- Temporary increases in blood tests of kidney or liver function
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction with breathing difficulty or facial or throat swelling
- Blistering, peeling or widespread severe skin reaction
- Reduced urine, acute kidney injury or kidney-area pain
- New confusion, hallucinations, agitation, marked drowsiness, poor coordination or seizures
- Severe inflammation or skin damage if the infusion leaks into surrounding tissue
aciclovir sodium in pregnancy
Aciclovir can be used during pregnancy when clinically needed; available human data do not show an increased pattern of birth defects. For intravenous treatment, the prescriber should weigh benefits against remaining uncertainties. Do not stop prescribed treatment without discussing it with the maternity or specialist team.
aciclovir sodium while breastfeeding
Aciclovir can generally be used while breastfeeding a healthy, full-term infant. Intravenous use produces greater maternal exposure than topical treatment, so precautionary observation for drowsiness, irritability, rash, vomiting or diarrhoea is advised. Specialist assessment is appropriate if the infant is premature or unwell.
aciclovir sodium interactions
Tell the clinical team about every prescribed, non-prescribed and herbal product. Relevant interactions include:
Probenecid or cimetidine
These can reduce renal clearance and increase aciclovir exposure, although adjustment is not normally required solely for this interaction.
Mycophenolate mofetil
Co-administration can increase exposure to aciclovir and the inactive mycophenolate metabolite, requiring clinical caution, particularly when kidney function is impaired.
Lithium
Intravenous aciclovir can increase the risk of lithium toxicity, so lithium concentrations require close monitoring when used together.
Common questions about aciclovir sodium
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why is aciclovir sodium given intravenously?
The intravenous formulation is used when hospital treatment and reliable systemic exposure are needed for serious infections or vulnerable patients.
Is aciclovir sodium the same as aciclovir?
Aciclovir sodium is the sodium salt used to make the injectable preparation; aciclovir is the active antiviral component after administration.
Can aciclovir sodium be swallowed?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.