8: Antivirals Commonly Used in Dentistry: Assessment, Analysis, and Associated Dental Management Guidelines

8

Antivirals Commonly Used in Dentistry: Assessment, Analysis, and Associated Dental Management Guidelines

ACYCLOVIR, VALACYCLOVIR, AND FAMCICLOVIR OVERVIEW AND FACTS

Common Features

Acyclovir and valacyclovir are purine nucleoside analogues and both drugs act against herpes simplex 1 and 2 (cold sores and genital herpes, respectively), varicella zoster (shingles and chicken pox), and the Epstein-Barr virus (infectious mononucleosis).

Neither acyclovir nor valacyclovir cures the viral infection, but they do decrease the symptoms and signs associated with the viral infection. Both drugs can be taken with or without food, and it is best to take the drug around the same time every day. The elderly patient should be given a lower dose of either drug, compared to the normal, healthy patient.

Acyclovir (Zovirax) and Valacyclovir (Valtrex) Mechanism of Action

Both drugs impair viral growth by inhibiting replication of the viral DNA. The virus-infected cells absorb more of the drugs compared to the normal cells. Thus, the active form of the drug is available longer where needed, enhancing the efficacy of the drugs.

Acyclovir (Zovirax) and Valacyclovir (Valtrex) Clearance

Kidney

Both drugs are excreted mainly by the kidneys, and the dose should be decreased in the presence of renal dysfunction. The dose of acyclovir or valacyclovir should be repeated after hemodialysis.

Liver

No dose modification is needed with any form of liver disease.

Acyclovir (Zovirax) and Valacyclovir (Valtrex) Drug Resistance and Side Effects

Resistance can occur with overuse of acyclovir or valacyclovir and it is best to use these drugs short-term and only when needed. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can occur with both drugs.

Acyclovir

Acyclovir (Zovirax) Facts

Avoid acyclovir with amphotericin B, bactrim, aspirin NSAIDS, zidovudine (AZT/ Retrovir), or prograf.

Acyclovir Preparations

  • Acyclovir tablet: 400mg/800mg per tablet
  • Acyclovir capsule: 200mg/capsule
  • Acyclovir suspension: 200mg/5mL: 473mL/bottle
  • Acyclovir ointment: 5% cream: 15g tube

Acyclovir Prescriptions

1. Two weeks of acyclovir therapy for primary herpes simplex infection or for cold sores lasting 1–2 weeks, as seen in the immune-compromised patient:
 Rx: 200mg 5 times per day × 14days
2. a. Acyclovir for herpes zoster infection:
 Rx: 800mg 5 times per day × 7days
 b. Acyclovir for herpes zoster infection with kidney disease:
 Rx: GFR 10–25mL/min or s. creatinine >3 mg/dL to/>

Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue

Related posts:

  1. 11: Complete Blood Count: Assessment, Analysis, and Associated Dental Management Guidelines
  2. 18: Coagulation Disorders: Common Clotting Factor Deficiency Disease States, Associated Systemic and/or Local Hemostasis Adjuncts, and Dental Management Guidelines
  3. 7: Antifungals Commonly Used in Dentistry: Assessment, Analysis, and Associated Dental Management Guidelines
  4. 29: Pulmonary Function Tests and Sedation with Pulmonary Diseases: Assessment, Analysis, and Associated Dental Management Guidelines
  5. 5: Pain Physiology, Analgesics, Opioid Dependency Maintenance Therapies, Multimodal Analgesia, and Pain Management Algorithms
  6. 34: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Assessment, Analysis, and Associated Dental Management Guidelines

Stay updated, free dental videos. Join our Telegram channel
Tags:
Jan 4, 2015 | Posted by in General Dentistry | Comments Off on 8: Antivirals Commonly Used in Dentistry: Assessment, Analysis, and Associated Dental Management Guidelines

VIDEdental - Online dental courses
Get VIDEdental app for watching clinical videos