Chemical Properties
Acyclovir sodium is a white, crystalline powder with the molecular formula C8H12N5NaO3. The maximum solubility in water at 25°C exceeds 100 mg/mL. At physiologic pH, acyclovir sodium exists as the unionized form with a molecular weight of 225 and a maximum solubility in water at 37°C of 2.5 mg/mL. The pka's of acyclovir are 2.27 and 9.25.
Indications
Acyclovir sodium is used in certain people to treat outbreaks of herpes simplex infection of the skin (such as on the genitals), mucous membrane areas (such as the mouth and nose), or the brain. It is also used in certain people to treat shingles infection. The viruses that cause these infections live in the body quietly until an outbreak occurs. Acyclovir does not cure these infections but it can speed the healing of the sores, decrease pain/itching/formation of new sores, and lower the risk of other problems from the virus (such as infection spreading to other parts of the body/organs, pain even after the sores heal).
brand name
Zovirax (GlaxoSmithKline).
General Description
Acyclovir Sodium Injection is a synthetic nucleoside analogue active against herpes viruses. It is a sterile, aqueous solution for intravenous infusion, containing 50 mg acyclovir per mL in Water for Injection, USP. The concentration is equivalent to 54.9 mg of acyclovir sodium per mL in Water for Injection, USP. The sodium content is approximately 5.1 mg/mL. The pH range of the solution is 10.85 to 11.50. Further dilution of Acyclovir Sodium Injection in an appropriate intravenous solution must be performed before infusion.
