ACYCLOVIR SUMMARY
ACYCLOVIR
CAPSULES USP
TABLETS USP
Acyclovir is a synthetic nucleoside analogue active against herpesviruses. Each capsule, for oral administration, contains 200 mg of acyclovir.
Herpes Zoster Infections
Acyclovir is indicated for the acute treatment of herpes zoster (shingles).
Genital Herpes
Acyclovir is indicated for the treatment of initial episodes and the management of recurrent episodes of genital herpes.
Chickenpox
Acyclovir is indicated for the treatment of chickenpox (varicella).
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ACYCLOVIR NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Published Studies Related to Acyclovir
Randomized clinical study comparing Compeed cold sore patch to acyclovir cream 5% in the treatment of herpes simplex labialis. [2008.11]
BACKGROUND: Hydrocolloid technology has been proven effective in treating dermal wounds. A previous study showed that a newly developed thin hydrocolloid patch [Compeed cold sore patch (CSP)] provided multiple wound-healing benefits across all stages of a herpes simplex labialis (HSL) outbreak... CONCLUSION: CSP using hydrocolloid technology provides an efficacious and safe alternative to topical antivirals in treating HSL as a wound while affording additional immediate benefits of wound protection, discretion and relief of social embarrassment.
Protocol for German trial of Acyclovir and corticosteroids in Herpes-simplex-virus-encephalitis (GACHE): a multicenter, multinational, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled German, Austrian and Dutch trial [ISRCTN45122933]. [2008.10.29]
BACKGROUND: The treatment of Herpes-simplex-virus-encephalitis (HSVE) remains a major unsolved problem in Neurology. Current gold standard for therapy is acyclovir, a drug that inhibits viral replication. Despite antiviral treatment, mortality remains up to 15%, less than 20% of patients are able to go back to work, and the majority of patients suffer from severe disability. This is a discouraging, unsatisfactory situation for treating physicians, the disabled patients and their families, and constitutes an enormous burden to the public health services. The information obtained from experimental animal research and from recent retrospective clinical observations, indicates that a substantial benefit in outcome can be expected in patients with HSVE who are treated with adjuvant dexamethasone. But currently there is no available evidence to support the routine use of adjuvant corticosteroid treatment in HSVE. A randomized multicenter trial is the only useful instrument to address this question... CONCLUSION: 372 patients with proven HSVE (positive HSV-DNA-PCR), aged 18 up to 85 years; with focal neurological signs no longer than 5 days prior to admission, and who give informed consent will be recruited from Departments of Neurology of academic medical centers in Germany, Austria and The Netherlands. Sample size will potentially be extended after the second interim analysis up to a maximum of 450 patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled TrialsISRCTN45122933.
Suppressive acyclovir therapy reduces HIV cervicovaginal shedding in HIV- and HSV-2-infected women, Chiang Rai, Thailand. [2008.09.01]
BACKGROUND: Herpes simplex virus type 2 infection is important in the HIV epidemic and may contribute to increased HIV transmission. We evaluated the effect of suppressive acyclovir therapy on cervicovaginal HIV-1 shedding... CONCLUSIONS: Acyclovir reduced HIV genital shedding and plasma viral load among HIV-1- and herpes simplex virus type 2-coinfected women. Further data from clinical trials will examine the effect of suppressive therapy on HIV transmission.
An international, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, study of valacyclovir for the suppression of herpes simplex virus type 2 genital herpes in newly diagnosed patients. [2008.07]
CONCLUSION: Valacyclovir 1 g once daily administered for 24 weeks was well-tolerated and effective in suppressing genital herpes recurrences in immunocompetent newly diagnosed persons without an established recurrence pattern.
The effect of daily valacyclovir suppression on herpes simplex virus type 2 viral shedding in HSV-2 seropositive subjects without a history of genital herpes. [2008.03]
BACKGROUND: A substantial number of HSV-2 seropositive individuals lack a history of clinically recognized genital herpes. These individuals can transmit disease during periods of asymptomatic viral shedding. The frequency of asymptomatic shedding and the efficacy of antiviral therapy in reducing shedding has not been assessed in this population. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of valacyclovir 1 g once daily for 60 days versus placebo on asymptomatic viral shedding in immunocompetent, HSV-2 seropositive subjects without a history of symptomatic genital herpes infection... CONCLUSIONS: In this study, asymptomatic viral shedding occurred in a substantial number of HSV-2 seropositive subjects without a history of genital herpes. Valacyclovir 1 g daily significantly reduced asymptomatic shedding compared with placebo in this population.
Clinical Trials Related to Acyclovir
Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study Comparing the Combination of 15% SP-303 Gel With Acyclovir Versus Acyclovir Alone for the Treatment of Recurrent Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infections in Subjects With Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) [Completed]
To evaluate the safety of topically applied SP-303 gel and to compare the efficacy of SP-303
gel in combination with acyclovir, relative to acyclovir alone, for the treatment of
recurrent Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) 1 and 2 infections, affecting the genital, perianal and
neighboring areas, in patients with AIDS.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Acyclovir Among HIV and HSV-2 Co-Infected Women, Chiang Rai, Thailand [Completed]
Herpes infection is an important co-factor in HIV transmission. A recent meta-analysis
demonstrated that HSV infection contributed to a 2-fold increased risk of HIV transmission.
Suppressive therapy with acyclovir has been a method proposed to reduce HIV transmission. We
are conducting a randomized controlled cross-over trial to evaluate the effect of acyclovir
suppressive therapy on HIV genital shedding in women co-infected with HIV-1 and Herpes
Simplex Virus Type-2 (HSV-2) in Thailand.
Iontophoretic Application of Acyclovir Cream to Treat Recurrent Herpes Labialis [Completed]
Currently approved drugs for the treatment of herpes labialis (cold sores) exhibit low levels
of efficacy due to the limited ability of the drugs to penetrate the skin to the site where
the herpes virus is replicating. Iontophoresis uses electric current to enhance the delivery
of drugs through the skin. This trial is testing a new iontophoretic device for the delivery
of acyclovir cream to treat cold sores.
Comparison of Brovavir Versus Acyclovir in the Treatment of Herpes in HIV-Infected Patients [Completed]
To compare the efficacy of oral sorivudine (brovavir) and oral acyclovir for the treatment of
localized herpes zoster in HIV-infected patients.
HIV-infected patients are at high risk for herpesvirus infections, including varicella-zoster
virus ( VZV ) infections, also called shingles. Acyclovir, an approved drug, is widely used
to treat VZV infections in the HIV population. Since no data from controlled studies are
available to define the role of antiviral therapy for VZV infections in HIV-infected
patients, a study is needed to test the relative efficacy of brovavir, an experimental
antiviral drug, versus that of acyclovir.
Acyclovir for Herpes Infections Involving the Central Nervous System in Neonates [Active, not recruiting]
The purpose of this study is to test whether long term treatment with acyclovir given orally
(by mouth) improves the outcome for infants with herpes simplex virus infection of the brain
or spinal cord (known as the central nervous system [CNS]). Infants with herpes viral
infection of the CNS that has or has not spread to other parts of the body will be enrolled
in this study. All participants will receive treatment in a hospital for 21 days with
acyclovir, given intravenously (by a needle inserted into a vein). Participants will then be
divided into two groups: those with CNS disease that has or has not spread to the skin, and
those whose viral infection has spread and involves the CNS. Both groups will be randomly
assigned to receive either oral acyclovir or inactive substance for 6 months. Infants in the
US and Canada will participate for 5 years. A physical exam, hearing exam, eye exam, and an
evaluation of the nervous system will be performed throughout the study.
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ACYCLOVIR PATIENT REVIEWS / RATINGS / COMMENTSBased on a total of 3 ratings/reviews, Acyclovir has an overall score of 7.33. The effectiveness score is 7.33 and the side effect score is 8. The scores are on ten point scale: 10 - best, 1 - worst.
| | Acyclovir review by 26 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | |  |
| Effectiveness: | | Considerably Effective |
| Side effects: | | Mild Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | cold sores |
| Dosage & duration: | | 400 mg taken twice a day for the period of 1 year |
| Other conditions: | | NA |
| Other drugs taken: | | NA | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | My whole lip used to swell up and I would get over a dozen little pockets of fluid that would merge into one giant blister. Now, cold sores appear 1/2 as often as before - down to every other month at most. One or two little pockets of fluid usually appear without the unsightly swelling. The cold sore is dried up within 24 hrs. They became unnoticeable to everyone. |
| Side effects: | | I had to take it with food or I would get a little upset stomach. |
| Comments: | | I have been taking Acyclovir daily for 1 year so far and will continue as long as my doctor allows me to. |
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| | Acyclovir review by 43 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | |  |
| Effectiveness: | | Moderately Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | herpes |
| Dosage & duration: | | don't know (dosage frequency: daily) for the period of probably a year |
| Other conditions: | | none |
| Other drugs taken: | | none | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | This drug did not completely eliminate outbreaks. While it may have diminished length and extent of outbreak, still had more than expected. Decided not to take any longer and had better results taking Olive Leaf extract daily |
| Side effects: | | none |
| Comments: | | prescribed as a daily preventive for herpes outbreak. |
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| | Acyclovir review by 43 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Moderately Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | herpes |
| Dosage & duration: | | don't know (dosage frequency: daily) for the period of probably a year |
| Other conditions: | | none |
| Other drugs taken: | | none | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | This drug did not completely eliminate outbreaks. While it may have diminished length and extent of outbreak, still had more than expected. Decided not to take any longer and had better results taking Olive Leaf extract daily |
| Side effects: | | none |
| Comments: | | prescribed as a daily preventive for herpes outbreak. |
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Page last updated: 2009-02-07
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