ACLOHERP 400 mg Tablet

What is ACLOHERP 400 mg

ACLOHERP 400 mg is an oral antiviral medication containing Aciclovir as its active ingredient. It is primarily used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. These viruses can cause a variety of conditions, including:

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections: such as cold sores (herpes labialis), genital herpes, and herpes keratitis.
• Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infections: including chickenpox and shingles (herpes zoster).

Aciclovir works by interfering with the replication process of the herpes viruses, thereby reducing the severity and duration of symptoms. ACLOHERP tablets come in 400 mg strength, often supplied in packs of 25 tablets (5 tablets per blister, 5 blisters per pack), offering a convenient dosage form for outpatient therapy.

This medication is widely prescribed for both the treatment of active outbreaks and for suppressive therapy in recurrent herpes infections, helping to prevent future outbreaks and reduce viral shedding.

How to use ACLOHERP 400 mg

Proper administration of ACLOHERP is essential to maximize its effectiveness:

• Dosage and Schedule: Follow your healthcare provider’s prescription carefully. It’s typically taken 3-5 times daily depending on the condition treated.
• Swallow tablets whole: Do not crush or chew. Take with a full glass of water.
• Timing: Take doses at evenly spaced intervals to maintain consistent drug levels in the bloodstream.
• Food: ACLOHERP can be taken with or without food; however, taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset.
• Complete the course: Even if symptoms improve, do not stop treatment early unless advised by your doctor.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids during treatment to reduce the risk of kidney side effects.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it’s near the time for the next dose—do not double the dose.

Mode of Action ACLOHERP 400 mg

Aciclovir is a synthetic nucleoside analogue that specifically targets herpes viruses through the following mechanism:

• It is selectively phosphorylated by viral thymidine kinase inside infected cells, converting it into aciclovir monophosphate.
• Cellular enzymes then convert it to aciclovir triphosphate, the active form.
• Aciclovir triphosphate competitively inhibits viral DNA polymerase, an enzyme essential for viral DNA synthesis.
• Incorporation of aciclovir triphosphate into viral DNA leads to premature chain termination.

This highly selective mechanism means ACLOHERP disrupts viral replication with minimal effects on host DNA, making it effective and generally well-tolerated.

ACLOHERP 400 mg Interactions ACLOHERP 400 mg

Although Aciclovir is generally safe, it may interact with certain drugs or conditions, so caution is advised:

• Nephrotoxic drugs: Concomitant use with other medications that can damage kidneys (e.g., aminoglycosides, cyclosporine, NSAIDs) increases risk of renal toxicity.
• Probenecid: Can decrease the renal clearance of aciclovir, increasing its blood levels.
• Other antivirals: Combining with drugs like valacyclovir or famciclovir requires monitoring for enhanced toxicity or side effects.
• Live vaccines: Immune response to live varicella or zoster vaccines may be reduced.

Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking to avoid adverse interactions.

Dosage of ACLOHERP 400 mg

The dosage depends on the specific infection and patient factors such as age and kidney function:

• Herpes simplex (initial episode): 200 mg orally five times daily for 10 days.
• Recurrent herpes simplex: 200 mg orally five times daily for 5 days.
• Suppressive therapy for recurrent genital herpes: 400 mg twice daily or 200 mg four times daily, for up to 12 months.
• Varicella-zoster virus (shingles): 800 mg orally five times daily for 7-10 days (note: higher dose than 400 mg tablets, may require different formulation).

Renal impairment: Dose adjustment is necessary based on creatinine clearance levels; always consult a healthcare provider.

Possible side effects of ACLOHERP 400 mg

Aciclovir is generally well tolerated. Possible side effects include:

• Common side effects: headache, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fatigue.
• Neurological effects: dizziness, confusion, hallucinations, particularly in elderly or renal-impaired patients.
• Renal toxicity: rare cases of kidney dysfunction, especially with dehydration or overdose.
• Hypersensitivity reactions: rash, itching, or anaphylaxis (rare).

If severe side effects or allergic reactions occur, seek immediate medical attention.

ACLOHERP 400 mg Contraindications ACLOHERP 400 mg

ACLOHERP should not be used in patients with:

• Known hypersensitivity to Aciclovir or any ingredient in the tablet.
• Severe renal impairment unless dose adjustment is made.
• Patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions to other antivirals of the same class.
• Use with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding—consult a healthcare provider.

Careful assessment is required before prescribing to elderly or immunocompromised patients.

Storage of ACLOHERP 400 mg

• Store tablets at room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
• Keep in a dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiration date printed on the pack.
• Do not store tablets in the bathroom or near water sources.

Proper storage helps maintain the medication’s effectiveness and safety.