
Acyclovir
Rapid Review
- Mechanism of Action: Antiviral; inhibits DNA polymerase
- Indications: Commonly used to treat oral/genital herpes, varicella, zoster (shingles), and VZV encephalitis.
- Contraindications: allergy to class/drug
- Dosage: depends on condition; common dosage is 800mg PO 5x/day x 7 days.
- Half-life: 2.5 – 3.3 hours
- Adverse Reactions: Common side effects include N/V, headache, and rash. Serious reactions include hallucinations/psychosis
- Special Considerations: N/A
Pearls
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Rapid Review
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Oseltamivir
Rapid Review
- Mechanism of Action: Antiviral; competitively inhibits the influenza virus neuraminidase, preventing viral replication.
- Indications: Acute, uncomplicated influenza A or B
- Contraindications: Hypersensitivity
- Dosage: 75 mg PO BID x 5 days (adjust dose based on kidney function)
- Half-life: 1-3 hours
- Adverse Reactions: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
- Special Considerations: Greatest benefit when taken within 48 hours of symptom onset
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Remdesivir
Rapid Review
- Mechanism of Action: Antiviral; broad spectrum antiviral agent reduces virus production via disruption of viral RNA polymerase
- Indications: COVID-19
- Contraindications: Hypersensitivity, ALT levels > 5x upper limit of normal, severe renal or hepatic impairment
- Dosage: 200 mg IV loading dose, followed by 100 mg IV daily X 5-10 days
- Half-life: 1-1.3 hours
- Adverse Reactions: Nausea, increased ALT/AST, diarrhea, hypokalemia
Pearls
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