ACIKLOVIR

Aciklovir SK 200 mg tablets were an antiviral prescription medicine containing aciclovir. The medicine was used to treat and prevent selected infections caused by Herpes simplex and Varicella zoster viruses.

Each tablet contained 200 mg of aciclovir. The pack covered by this page contained 25 tablets in five blisters of five tablets.

Aciklovir SK 200 mg – uses, dosage and precautions

What is aciclovir used for?

Aciclovir is an antiviral medicine that limits the replication of susceptible herpes viruses. It may be prescribed:

• to treat skin and mucosal infections caused by Herpes simplex, including genital herpes;
• to suppress recurrent Herpes simplex infections in immunocompetent patients;
• to prevent Herpes simplex infections in immunocompromised patients;
• to treat chickenpox;
• to treat shingles.

Aciclovir does not permanently remove the herpes virus from the body. It limits viral replication during an active infection.

How is Aciklovir SK dosed?

The dose, interval and duration are determined by a doctor according to the infection, age, immune status and kidney function.

Treatment of Herpes simplex infections in adults:

• 200 mg five times daily at intervals of approximately four hours, omitting the night-time dose;
• treatment normally lasts five days but may be extended for a severe initial infection;
• in severely immunocompromised patients, the doctor may increase the individual dose to 400 mg or consider intravenous treatment.

Suppression of recurrent Herpes simplex infection:

• usually 200 mg four times daily at approximately six-hour intervals;
• some patients may be prescribed 400 mg twice daily;
• the continuing need for suppressive treatment is assessed periodically by the doctor.

Prevention in immunocompromised patients:

• usually 200 mg four times daily;
• a higher individual dose or intravenous therapy may be required in severe immunosuppression.

Treatment of chickenpox and shingles in adults:

• 800 mg five times daily at approximately four-hour intervals, omitting the night-time dose;
• treatment lasts seven days;
• shingles treatment should begin as soon as possible after the rash appears;
• chickenpox treatment is most effective when started within the first 24 hours after the rash appears.

Use in children

A paediatrician determines the dose according to age, weight, infection and kidney function.

• For Herpes simplex treatment and prevention in immunocompromised children aged two years and over, adult doses may be used.
• The historical leaflet listed half the adult dose for children under two years.
• Neonatal Herpes simplex infection requires intravenous hospital treatment.
• For chickenpox, a dose of 20 mg/kg per dose, up to 800 mg, four times daily for five days may be prescribed.

Parents must not calculate or alter a child’s dose without medical advice.

Kidney impairment

Aciclovir is mainly eliminated by the kidneys. Reduced kidney function may cause accumulation and increase the risk of neurological or renal adverse effects.

• For Herpes simplex infection with severe kidney impairment, the doctor may reduce the dose to 200 mg twice daily.
• For shingles with severe kidney impairment, 800 mg twice daily may be prescribed.
• For moderate kidney impairment, 800 mg three times daily may be prescribed for shingles.

Older people and patients with kidney disease should maintain adequate hydration unless fluid intake has been restricted for another medical reason.

How are the tablets taken?

• Take the tablets exactly according to the prescribed schedule.
• Swallow with sufficient water.
• Maintain adequate fluid intake throughout treatment.
• Begin treatment as early as possible after the first symptoms or lesions appear.
• Do not change the dose or stop treatment without medical advice.

When must the medicine not be taken?

Do not take it if you are allergic to aciclovir, valaciclovir or another tablet ingredient.

Warnings and precautions

Tell the doctor before treatment if you:

• have impaired kidney function;
• are over 65 years old;
• are dehydrated or unable to drink enough fluid;
• use medicines that may affect the kidneys;
• have a weakened immune system;
• have lesions affecting the eye or the area immediately around the eye.

Interactions

In particular, tell the doctor if you take:

• probenecid for gout;
• cimetidine for certain stomach conditions;
• mycophenolate mofetil following organ transplantation;
• other medicines that may affect kidney function.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not recommended unless a doctor considers treatment necessary after assessing the expected benefits and possible risks.

Driving and using machines

There is no evidence that aciclovir directly affects driving ability. Do not drive if dizziness, drowsiness, confusion or impaired coordination occurs.

Excipients

The tablets contained microcrystalline cellulose, povidone K30, sodium starch glycolate type A and magnesium stearate.

The medicine contains less than 23 mg of sodium per dose and is considered essentially sodium-free.

Possible side effects

Common side effects include:

• headache and dizziness;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain;
• rash, itching and increased sensitivity to sunlight;
• fatigue, fever and weakness.

Hives and increased hair loss may occur uncommonly. Changes in liver or kidney test results may occur rarely.

Very rare effects include:

• anaemia, low white blood cell count or low platelet count;
• agitation, confusion, tremor or hallucinations;
• drowsiness, impaired coordination or speech;
• seizures, loss of consciousness or coma;
• hepatitis or jaundice;
• acute kidney injury, reduced urination and kidney-area pain.

Overdose

Contact a doctor or pharmacist immediately, even if you feel well, and take the medicine pack with you. Repeated excessive doses may cause renal and neurological complications.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose when remembered unless the next dose is due soon. In that case, skip it. Do not take a double dose.

Storage

• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Store below 30 °C.
• Keep in the original package.
• Do not use after the expiry date.
• Return unused medicine to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

Frequently asked questions