Aciclovir
(Zovirax®, Aciclovir)
Available as tablets or capsules.
Tablets
Available as soluble tablets?
Yes - Dispersible
Available as a liquid?
Yes - Oral suspension
Available as something for placing under your tongue?
No
Available as something for placing on your gum?
No
Available as granules?
No
Available as a patch for putting on your skin?
No
Available as an injection?
Yes
Available as nasal/oral spray?
No
Safe or appropriate to crush
Licensed alternative formulations available and therefore crushing is not recommended.
Additional information for Healthcare Professionals+
Generic name
Aciclovir
Usual formulation brand names
Zovirax®
Is tablet/capsule specially coated?
Yes
Modified release
No
Film coated
Yes
Enteric coated
No
Sugar coated
No
Soluble tablet strength
200mg, 800mg,
Sublingual/buccal formulation strength
-
Granule strength
-
Transdermal patch strength
-
Injection strength
25mg/ml Concentrate for solution for infusion: 250mg Powder for solutions for infusion: 250gm and 500mg Vials for infusion
Nasal/oral spray Strength
-
Available as a licensed liquid or special?
Licensed
Are specials or imports available?
N/A licensed alternatives are available
Liquid strengths
200mg/5ml; 400mg/5ml
Is the liquid medicine sugar free?
Yes
Licensed for administration via enteral tube
No
Advice on administration via enteral tube
Current resources suggest that it is likely to be safe to administer via enteral feeding tubes, however this is an unlicensed use of the medication. Clinicians should refer to specialist resources for advice on how to administer this medication via enteral feeding tubes.
Notes
Consider IV infusion as an alternative is safe and appropriate.