17. Treatment of viral infections

Infection

IV treatment

Oral treatment

Total duration

Herpes simplex (genital)

 

Aciclovir 200mg qds, increase to 400mg qds if absorption impaired

5 days

Varicella

If severe
Aciclovir 5mg/kg tds

Aciclovir 800mg five times a day

7 days

Herpes zoster

If severe
Aciclovir 5mg/kg tds

Aciclovir 800mg five times a day

7 days

Herpes simplex virus encephalitis

Aciclovir 10mg/kg tds

 

10 days

Immunocompromised patients

Infection

IV treatment

Oral treatment

Total duration

Herpes simplex (prophylaxis)

.

Aciclovir 200-400mg qds orally

 

Herpes simplex
 (treatment)

.

Aciclovir 400mg qds

5 days

Severe / genital
 herpes infection

Aciclovir 5mg/kg tds*

.

 

Varicella and
Herpes zoster

If severe 5mg/kg tds*

Aciclovir 800mg five times a day

7 days

Herpes simplex
 virus encephalitis

10mg/kg tds*

 

10 days

NOTES:

*For patients with renal impairment refer to section 23 for dosage adjustments

For obese patients calculate the dose of aciclovir on lean (ideal) body weight
Consult a microbiologist/virologist in the case of severe HSV or VZV disease.

Calculation of lean body weight

Lean body weight = sex factor + {2.3 x inches over 5 foot}

Sex factor = 50kg for a man, 45kg for a women