Aciclovir
- Drugs List
- Therapeutic Indications
- Dosage
- Contraindications
- Precautions and Warnings
- Pregnancy and Lactation
- Side Effects
- Monograph
Presentation
Ophthalmic ointment containing aciclovir 3%.
Drugs List
Therapeutic Indications
Uses
Herpes simplex ophthalmicus
Treatment of herpes simplex keratitis.
Dosage
Adults
1cm ribbon of ointment should be placed inside the lower conjunctival sac five times daily (approximately every four hours). Continue treatment for at least 3 days after healing.
Children
1cm ribbon of ointment should be placed inside the lower conjunctival sac five times daily (approximately every four hours). Continue treatment for at least 3 days after healing.
Contraindications
Wearing of contact lenses
Precautions and Warnings
Advise patient blurred vision may affect ability to drive/operate machinery
Continue treatment for at least 3 days after complete healing
Contact lenses should not be worn during treatment
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy
Aciclovir eye ointment is considered safe for use during pregnancy.
The manufacturer recommends that aciclovir eye ointment can be used during pregnancy when necessary. Available reports indicate no increased risk of teratogenic or developmental effects. Post-marketing research revealed that birth defects amongst aciclovir exposed subjects showed no uniqueness or consistent pattern to suggest a common cause.
Lactation
Aciclovir eye ointment is considered safe for use during breastfeeding.
The manufacturer states aciclovir eye ointment can be considered during breastfeeding. Limited human data shows that the drug does pass into breast milk following systemic administration. However, the dosage received by the nursing infant following maternal use of ophthalmic medication is likely to be insignificant.
Counselling
Advise patient to wash their hands prior to use.
Advise patient to avoid contact of the container with eye or other surfaces as contamination leading to ophthalmic infection may occur.
Advise patient that contact lenses should not be worn when using aciclovir eye ointment.
Advise patient that application of the eye ointment may cause transient blurring of vision and to avoid driving or operating machinery unless their vision is clear.
Advise patient to continue treatment for at least 3 days after complete healing.
Advise patient to discard any unused contents 4 weeks after opening
Side Effects
Angioedema
Blepharitis
Blurred vision (transient)
Conjunctivitis
Hypersensitivity reactions
Inflammation (application site)
Irritation (localised)
Ocular burning
Quincke's oedema
Stinging (transient)
Superficial punctate keratopathy
Urticaria
Overdosage
It is strongly recommended that the UK National Poisons Information Service be consulted on cases of suspected or actual overdose where there is doubt over the degree of risk or about appropriate management.
The following number will direct the caller to the relevant local centre (0844) 892 0111
Information may be obtained if you have access to ToxBase the primary clinical toxicology database of the National Poisons Information Service. This is available via password on the internet ( www.toxbase.org ) or if this is unavailable at the backup site ( www.toxbasebackup.org ).
Further Information
Last Full Review Date: May 2020
Reference Sources
Summary of Product Characteristics: Aciclovir Agepha 30mg/g eye ointment. Agepha Pharma. Revised April 2019.
Medscape UK | Univadis prescription drug monographs & interactions are based on FDB Multilex Content
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