Acyclovir
Acyclovir is a synthetic nucleoside analogue active against herpesviruses. It works by slowing the growth and spread of the herpes virus in the body, helping the body fight off the infection. While it reduces the severity and duration of outbreaks, it is not a cure for herpes.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage is highly dependent on the type of infection (e.g., chickenpox, shingles, or genital herpes), patient age, and renal function. Pediatric dosing for chickenpox is typically based on body weight (usually 20 mg/kg per dose, up to 800 mg, taken 4 times daily for 5 days). Always follow a pediatrician's specific prescription.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Requires specialist calculation
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy in infants under 3 months are not fully established. Dosing must be carefully managed by a pediatrician.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 100 mg to 140 mg (approx. 2.5 mL to 3.5 mL of 200mg/5mL oral suspension)
- Frequency
- 4 times daily for 5 days
- Tracking Notes
- Based on standard pediatric chickenpox dosing of 20 mg/kg/dose. Maintain excellent hydration.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 160 mg to 200 mg (approx. 4 mL to 5 mL of 200mg/5mL oral suspension)
- Frequency
- 4 times daily for 5 days
- Tracking Notes
- Shake the suspension well before measuring the dose. Use an accurate oral syringe.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 220 mg to 300 mg (approx. 5.5 mL to 7.5 mL of 200mg/5mL oral suspension)
- Frequency
- 4 times daily for 5 days
- Tracking Notes
- Administer doses at evenly spaced intervals. Complete the full course of treatment.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 320 mg to 400 mg (approx. 8 mL to 10 mL of 200mg/5mL oral suspension, or half/full 400mg tablet if appropriate for child's swallowing ability)
- Frequency
- 4 times daily for 5 days
- Tracking Notes
- Maximum single pediatric dose is typically 800 mg. Consult a physician if symptoms do not improve.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Requires specialist calculation | Use only if prescribed | Safety and efficacy in infants under 3 months are not fully established. Dosing must be carefully managed by a pediatrician. |
| 5-7 kg | 100 mg to 140 mg (approx. 2.5 mL to 3.5 mL of 200mg/5mL oral suspension) | 4 times daily for 5 days | Based on standard pediatric chickenpox dosing of 20 mg/kg/dose. Maintain excellent hydration. |
| 8-10 kg | 160 mg to 200 mg (approx. 4 mL to 5 mL of 200mg/5mL oral suspension) | 4 times daily for 5 days | Shake the suspension well before measuring the dose. Use an accurate oral syringe. |
| 11-15 kg | 220 mg to 300 mg (approx. 5.5 mL to 7.5 mL of 200mg/5mL oral suspension) | 4 times daily for 5 days | Administer doses at evenly spaced intervals. Complete the full course of treatment. |
| 16-20 kg | 320 mg to 400 mg (approx. 8 mL to 10 mL of 200mg/5mL oral suspension, or half/full 400mg tablet if appropriate for child's swallowing ability) | 4 times daily for 5 days | Maximum single pediatric dose is typically 800 mg. Consult a physician if symptoms do not improve. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of viral infections caused by the herpes simplex virus (genital herpes, cold sores), varicella-zoster virus (shingles, chickenpox), and herpes zoster.
Generic Name
AcyclovirBranded Drug Names
Acyclovir is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.