Description
Mechanism of Action
Activity against HSV types I and II and varicella-zoster virus is due to intracellular conversion of aciclovir to the monophosphate by viral thymidine kinase with subsequent conversion to the diphosphate and active triphosphate by cellular enzymes. This active form inhibits viral DNA synthesis and replication by interfering with viral DNA polymerase enzyme and being incorporated into viral DNA.
Absorption: 15-30% is absorbed from the GI tract (oral), slightly absorbed from the skin (topical), absorbed from the eye (ophthalmic).
Distribution: CSF (50% of conc is similar to those in plasma); crosses the placenta and enters breast milk (concentrations 3 times higher than in maternal serum). Protein-binding: 9-33%.
Excretion: Via kidney by glomerular filtration and tubular secretion (14% as unchanged), via faeces (2%); elimination half-life: 2-3 hr (normal renal function), 19.5% (anuric patients), 5-7% (haemodialysis patients).
MIMS Class
Eye Anti-Infectives & Antiseptics / Antivirals / Topical Antivirals
ATC Classification
S01AD03 – aciclovir; Belongs to the class of antiinfectives, antivirals. Used in the treatment of eye infections.;
D06BB03 – aciclovir; Belongs to the class of topical antivirals used in the treatment of dermatological diseases.;
J05AB01 – aciclovir; Belongs to the class of nucleosides and nucleotides excluding reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Used in the systemic treatment of viral infections.;
