Antivirals
PREGNANCY CATEGORY B OR C
Therapeutic Actions
Antiviral drugs inhibit viral DNA or RNA replication in the virus, preventing replication and leading to viral death.
Indications
Initial and recurrent mucosal and cutaneous HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections in immunocompromised patients, encephalitis, herpes zoster
HIV infections (part of combination therapy)
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in patients with AIDS
Severe initial and recurrent genital herpes infections
Treatment and prevention of influenza A respiratory tract illness
Prevention of CMV infection in patients receiving kidney, heart, or pancreas transplant who are considered at high risk for CMV infection
Treatment of initial HSV genital infections and limited mucocutaneous HSV infections in immunocompromised patients (ointment)
Unlabeled uses: Treatment of herpes zoster, CMV and HSV infection following transplant, herpes simplex infections, infectious mononucleosis, varicella pneumonia, and varicella zoster in immunocompromised patients
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with allergy to drug, seizures, heart failure, renal disease, lactation.
Adverse Effects
Systemic administration
CNS: Headache, vertigo, depression, tremors, encephalopathic changes, fatigue
Dermatologic: Inflammation or phlebitis at injection sites, rash, hair loss, sweating
GI: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, taste perversion
GU: Crystalluria with rapid IV administration, hematuria
Metabolic: Hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia
Topical administration
Skin: Transient burning at the site of application
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
