Acyclovir Administration
Oral Administration
- Acyclovir tablets, capsules, or suspension may be administered without regard to meals.
Topical Administration
- Do not apply the topical ointment to the eye. Although an ophthalmic ointment is in use outside the US, this dosage form is not available in the US.
- Use a finger cot or rubber glove when applying to avoid transmission of the virus to other sites or persons.
Intravenous Administration
- Intravenous acyclovir requires further dilution prior to administration.
- Do not administer by rapid IV infusion (over < 10 minutes) or rapid injection.
- Injectable acyclovir sodium should not be administered orally, IM, SC, or applied topically or to the eye.
- Store vials at room temperature 15-25 degrees C (59-77 degrees F).
Reconstitution/Dilution:
- Reconstitute 500 mg or 1 g with 10 or 20 ml, respectively, of sterile water for injection to give a concentration of 50 mg/ml. Do not use bacteriostatic water for injection containing parabens.
- Reconstituted solutions should be used within 12 hours. Do not refrigerate. Refrigeration of the reconstituted solution may result in the formation of a precipitate, which will re-dissolve at room temperature.
- Withdraw appropriate dose of reconstituted solution and dilute with 50-125 ml of a compatible IV infusion solution. Final concentrations should be <= 7 mg/ml. Fluid-restricted patients might require higher concentrations that should not exceed 10 mg/ml; however, higher concentrations are associated with phlebitis or injection site reactions.
- Once diluted, the dose should be used within 24 hours.
- The solution can be kept at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). If refrigerated, a precipitate may form which will dissolve once warmed to room temperature.
- Visually inspect parenteral products for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit.
Intermittent IV infusion:
- Infuse slowly IV over at least 1 hour to decrease risk of adverse renal effects.
[ Last revised: 10/31/2003 1:55:00 PM ]
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