Description:

Acyclovir Tablet 200mg Denk (by Denk Pharma) is an oral antiviral medication containing acyclovir, used to treat infections caused by herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It is indicated for herpes simplex infections (e.g., genital herpes, cold sores, herpes encephalitis), herpes zoster (shingles), chickenpox (varicella), and suppression of recurrent genital herpes in immunocompetent adults. Acyclovir inhibits viral DNA polymerase, stopping viral replication and reducing outbreak duration, severity, and transmission risk. In Ghana (Accra), it is a common, affordable generic antiviral available in pharmacies (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy, Meldinpharma) for herpes-related conditions.

Prescription:

Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; dispensed by pharmacies with Rx for appropriate diagnosis, dosing, and monitoring—especially for genital herpes, shingles, or immunocompromised patients).

Therapeutic Category:

Nucleoside Analogue Antiviral / Antiherpetic Agent (Systemic treatment for herpes simplex and varicella-zoster infections.

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Aciclovir (acyclovir) 200 mg per tablet. Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, magnesium stearate, sodium starch glycolate, and film-coating agents (e.g., hypromellose, titanium dioxide, macrogol). Tablets are usually white, round, flat, and scored (for splitting if needed).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Acyclovir Tablet 200mg Denk (standard 200mg strength; common pack sizes 25, 35, or 70 tablets). Related variants: Acyclovir Denk 400mg or 800mg tablets (higher doses for shingles or suppression), Acyclovir Denk Cream 5% (topical), Acyclovir Denk Eye Ointment 3% (ophthalmic), or oral suspension. The 200mg tablet is the most common starting/acute treatment strength.

Consume Type:

Oral – Tablet (swallow whole with water; can be taken with or without food, though food may reduce stomach upset).

Directions/Usage: Take exactly as prescribed (dosing varies by condition):

• Herpes simplex (genital/oral): 200 mg five times daily (every 4 hours while awake) for 5 days (or 400 mg three times daily for 5–10 days).
• Herpes zoster (shingles): 800 mg five times daily for 7 days (higher dose; 200mg not standard for shingles).
• Chickenpox: 800 mg four times daily for 5 days (adults).
• Suppression of recurrent genital herpes: 400 mg twice daily or 200 mg three/four times daily (long-term).
• Take at evenly spaced intervals; drink plenty of water to prevent kidney issues.
• Start treatment as early as possible (ideally at first symptoms).
• Complete full course even if symptoms improve.

Common Side Effects: Common (usually mild):

• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Dizziness Other: Rash, vomiting. Rare/serious (seek immediate help): Kidney problems (reduced urine, swelling), neurological effects (confusion, tremors—especially in elderly/renal impairment), severe allergic reactions (rash/swelling/breathing difficulty), or blood disorders.

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 10 tablets per strip, packs of 3×10 = 30 tablets or 7×5 = 35 tablets; foil blisters in carton with patient leaflet).

Storage Advice:

Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Drink plenty of fluids (risk of kidney crystal formation/crystalluria).
• Contraindicated if allergic to aciclovir/valaciclovir.
• Caution in renal impairment (dose reduction required), elderly, pregnancy/breastfeeding (generally safe but consult doctor), or immunocompromised patients (may need higher doses).
• May interact with nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., NSAIDs, aminoglycosides).
• If severe headache, confusion, reduced urine, or rash occurs, stop and seek urgent care.
• Not for bacterial/viral infections other than herpes/varicella.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Product Substitutes:

Similar aciclovir 200mg tablets available in Ghana include:

• Generic aciclovir 200mg tablets (various importers).
• Zovirax (original Pfizer brand, higher price if stocked).
• Acyclovir Denk 200mg (similar Denk Pharma product).
• Other brands like Acivir, Virolex, or local generics. Alternatives: Valaciclovir (Valtrex generics; longer-acting prodrug) or famciclovir (for herpes zoster). Consult doctor/pharmacist in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy).

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Denk Pharma GmbH & Co. KG (Germany; produces Aciclovir Denk series). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by local importers/pharmacies (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy, Meldinpharma).

Country of Origin:

Germany (manufactured by Denk Pharma; imported to Ghana and widely available in local pharmacies).