Aciclovir

Trade name

Aciclovir (Accord), Aciclovir (Viatris), DBL Aciclovir

Presentation and preparation

Vial size (powder volume)	Fluid to add	Volume to add	Resulting concentration
250 mg (negligible)	Water for injections	10 mL	25 mg/mL
500 mg (negligible)	Water for injections	20 mL	25 mg/mL

Aciclovir (Viatris): Reconstitute to 25 mg/mL. Shake well and dilute immediately for administration.

Also available:

25 mg/mL (volume: 10 mL, 20 mL) 

IV administration

Dilute to 5 mg/mL and give over 1 hour.

Maximum concentration if necessary: 25 mg/mL via a central line only. There is a higher risk of phlebitis with concentrations of 10 mg/mL or greater.

CoPAT Administration:

Stable at 1 to 10 mg/mL for 24 hours at 32°C.

Other routes of administration

IM: Contraindicated.

SC: Contraindicated.

Compatible IV fluids

Aciclovir 10 mg/mL or weaker:

Glucose 5%

Hartmann's

Sodium chloride 0.9% 

Aciclovir 5 mg/mL or weaker:

Glucose 5% and sodium chloride 0.9%

Glucose 5% and sodium chloride 0.45%

Y-site only and aciclovir 25 mg/mL or weaker:

Plasma-Lyte 148

Y-site only and aciclovir 5 mg/mL or weaker in glucose 5%:

Potassium chloride 20 mmol/L

Additional information

Extravasation risk.

Ensure adequate hydration before, during and particularly within the first few hours following infusion to reduce renal toxicity.

Use solutions immediately after reconstitution and/or dilution. Do not refrigerate as this causes precipitation.

Discard any unused vial contents.