skip to main content

Aciclovir renal dose adjustment — GPhC CRA MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateInfection TherapeuticsAciclovir renal dose adjustmentGPhC CRA

A community pharmacist receives a prescription for aciclovir 800 mg five times daily for 7 days for a 67-year-old man with shingles. His PMR shows he has an eGFR of 18 mL/min/1.73m². What is the most appropriate action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Contact the prescriber as the dose should be reduced in severe renal impairment

Aciclovir is renally cleared and requires dose adjustment in renal impairment. For an eGFR of 18 mL/min/1.73m², the BNF recommends reducing the dose to 800 mg three times daily for shingles treatment. Without adjustment, there is a risk of aciclovir crystalluria and neurotoxicity. The prescriber should be contacted to confirm the dose reduction rather than the pharmacist making the change unilaterally.

Reference: BNF Aciclovir; Renal Drug Database