How is Acyclovir dosed?
The dosing information provided is for oral acyclovir intake. For the treatment of genital herpes in adults and children 12 years of age and older, the recommended dosage is 200 milligrams (mg) five times a day for ten days. The dosage for children up to 12 years of age should be determined by a doctor. For the treatment of widespread herpes virus infection in newborns, the dosage is based on body weight and must be determined by a doctor. The usual dose is 10 mg of acyclovir per kg (4.5 mg per pound) of body weight, injected slowly into a vein over at least a one-hour period and repeated every eight hours for ten days. For the treatment of shingles in adults and children 12 years of age and older, the recommended dosage is 800 mg five times a day for seven to ten days. The dosage for children up to 12 years of age should be determined by a doctor. Please consult with a healthcare professional for accurate and up-to-date information on intravenous acyclovir dosing.
What is the dosage form of Acyclovir?
Acyclovir is available in various dosage forms for oral and intravenous routes. For oral administration, it comes in capsules, oral suspension, and tablets. The dosage forms and their respective uses are as follows:
- For treatment of genital herpes: Adults and children 12 years of age and older - 200 milligrams (mg) five times a day for ten days. Children up to 12 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
- For treatment of widespread herpes virus infection in newborns: Infants from birth to 3 months of age - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by the doctor. The usual dose is 10 mg of acyclovir per kg (4.5 mg per pound) of body weight, injected slowly into a vein over at least a one-hour period and repeated every eight hours for ten days.
- For treatment of shingles: Adults and children 12 years of age and older - 800 mg five times a day for seven to ten days. Children up to 12 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by the doctor. For intravenous administration, the dosage forms and their respective uses are as follows:
- For treatment of herpes of the brain, genitals, or mucous membranes, or for the treatment of shingles: Adults and children 12 years of age and older - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by the doctor. The usual dose is 5 to 10 mg of acyclovir per kg (2.3 to 4.5 mg per pound) of body weight, injected slowly into a vein over at least a one-hour period, and repeated every eight hours for five to ten days. Please note that these dosage forms and instructions are general guidelines. Always follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label for the specific dosage form you are using.
How is Acyclovir administered?
Acyclovir is administered differently depending on the route:
For oral dosage forms (capsules, oral suspension, or tablets): Acyclovir is taken by mouth, usually five times a day for a ten-day treatment period. The dose may vary depending on the patient's age, weight, and medical condition. It is important to follow the doctor's instructions and not exceed the recommended dosage.
For intravenous administration:
- Intravenous acyclovir is given through a needle inserted into a vein, typically in the arm or hand.
- The injection is usually slow and takes about an hour to complete, depending on the dose and patient's age.
- The frequency of administration varies based on the patient's condition and treatment plan. For newborns with widespread herpes virus infection, the injection is repeated every eight hours for ten days, while for genital herpes treatment in adults, it is administered five times a day for ten days.
It is crucial to follow the doctor's prescription and instructions for dosing, as the dose and frequency of administration may differ based on the individual's age, weight, and medical condition.