Description:

Aciclovir Intravenous Infusion I.P. 500mg (by John Lee, often branded as Acyprove-500 Inj or similar) is a sterile lyophilized powder for reconstitution into an intravenous solution. It is a potent antiviral agent used to treat severe herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections (including herpes encephalitis, disseminated HSV, and neonatal HSV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infections (shingles, chickenpox in immunocompromised patients), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in certain contexts. It works by inhibiting viral DNA polymerase, preventing viral replication. In Ghana (Accra), it is a prescription injectable commonly used in hospitals for serious viral infections requiring IV therapy, particularly in immunocompromised patients or severe cases.

Prescription:

Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; administered only by healthcare professionals via IV infusion in hospitals/clinics; not for self-administration or OTC dispensing due to serious infections, renal toxicity risks, and need for monitoring).

Therapeutic Category:

Systemic Antiviral Agent (Nucleoside analogue antiviral for herpesvirus infections.

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Aciclovir sodium – equivalent to aciclovir 500 mg per vial (powder for reconstitution). Other ingredients: Sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment during manufacture). The powder is white to off-white, sterile, and reconstituted with water for injection or compatible IV fluid to produce a clear solution.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None (trace sodium from sodium salt, but not therapeutic).

Variant:

• Aciclovir 500mg IV powder for infusion (standard 500mg vial). Related variants: Aciclovir 250mg vial (lower dose), oral aciclovir tablets/suspension, or topical aciclovir cream. The 500mg vial is the most common strength for IV use in adults.

Consume Type:

Injectable – Intravenous (IV) infusion (powder reconstituted and diluted; administered only by healthcare professionals; slow infusion to avoid renal toxicity).

Directions/Usage: Administered only in hospital/clinic under medical supervision.

• Adults: Typical dose 5–10 mg/kg IV every 8 hours (infused over 1 hour).
  • Herpes encephalitis: 10 mg/kg every 8 hours for 14–21 days.
  • Disseminated HSV or VZV in immunocompromised: 10 mg/kg every 8 hours for 7–10 days.
• Children: Weight-based (10–20 mg/kg every 8 hours).
• Renal impairment: Reduce dose/frequency (e.g., half dose if CrCl 10–50 mL/min).
• Reconstitution: Add 10 ml water for injection to 500mg vial; shake to dissolve.
• Dilution: Further dilute in compatible fluid (e.g., 0.9% NaCl or 5% dextrose) to ≤7 mg/ml; infuse over 1 hour.
• Hydration: Ensure adequate fluid intake to prevent crystalluria/renal toxicity.
• Duration: 5–21 days depending on infection and response.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Phlebitis/inflammation at infusion site.
• Nausea, vomiting.
• Headache
• Rash
• Elevated liver enzymes. Rare/serious (seek immediate help): Renal impairment (crystalluria, acute kidney injury – ensure good hydration), neurotoxicity (confusion, hallucinations, seizures – especially in renal impairment), anaphylaxis, or severe skin reactions.

Package Type:

Glass vial of powder (500mg per vial; often in packs of 1 or 10 vials; labelled carton with reconstitution instructions and warnings).

Storage Advice: Store unopened vials at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in original packaging, protected from light. Do not freeze. Reconstituted solution: Use immediately or store refrigerated (2–8°C) for up to 12–24 hours (check label). Diluted infusion: Use within 4–8 hours at room temperature or 24 hours refrigerated.

Safety Advice:

• Administered only under medical supervision (risk of renal toxicity – monitor renal function, ensure adequate hydration, and slow infusion).
• Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to aciclovir/valaciclovir.
• Caution in renal impairment (dose adjustment required), dehydration, elderly, or concurrent nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., NSAIDs, aminoglycosides).
• Monitor renal function (creatinine, BUN) and urine output during treatment.
• If rash, fever, confusion, reduced urine output, or jaundice occurs, stop use and seek medical care.
• Keep out of reach of children (overdose risk).

Product Substitutes: Similar aciclovir 500mg IV injections in Ghana include:

• Generic aciclovir 500mg IV powder (various importers).
• Zovirax IV (original GSK brand if stocked).
• Acyprove-500 Inj (John Lee brand, similar product). Alternatives: Valaciclovir oral (for milder cases), ganciclovir IV (for CMV), or foscarnet (for resistant HSV). Consult doctor/pharmacist in Accra (e.g., hospital pharmacy) for availability.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

John Lee Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd (India-based; primary manufacturer of Aciclovir Injection under brands like Acyprove-500 Inj). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked as imported generic).

Country of Origin:

India (manufactured by John Lee Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd; imported to Ghana and available in local pharmacies/hospitals).