Antivirals | RPHCM

ANTI-INFECTIVES — Antivirals — Guanine analogues

AMH 2022 section 5.3.1

Active ingredients (generic names)	ACICLOVIR (a-sy-clo-veer) FAMCICLOVIR (fam-sy-clo-veer) VALACICLOVIR (vala-sy-clo-veer) Common name: antivirals MB-ACICLOVIR, FAMCICLOVIR, VALACICLOVIR.pdf
What it is used for	Infections caused by viruses Chickenpox Cold sores (aciclovir ointment) Genital herpes (valaciclovir, famciclovir) Genital herpes in pregnancy (valaciclovir) Shingles Viral eye infections Doses
How it works	Stops viruses from growing by disrupting their DNA
Side effects	Nausea and vomiting Diarrhoea Headache Confusion with higher doses and in elderly
Warnings	If breastfeeding — aciclovir or valaciclovir preferred to famciclovir Old people Kidney trouble Interactions — Do not use together without medical consult ACICLOVIR, FAMICLOVIR, or VALACICLOVIR with Mycophenolate
Tell the patient	For herpes and shingles — medicine works best if taken as soon as rash appears (within first 3 days) For prevention of herpes — take medicine every day to stop symptoms coming back Take with large glass of water Drink lots of water — lessens strain on kidneys Finish medicine — even if you feel better Do not drive or operate machinery if dizzy or faint Take all the medicine — makes sure all the germs are gone and the infection doesn't come back
Check	Follow-up when treatment finished to make sure infection is gone. If not — medical consult