Composition:
Each 100g eye ointment contains 3g aciclovir (3% w/w).
Preservative-free.

Mechanism of action:

• Acyclovir is an antiviral agent which is highly active against herpes simplex types l and ll, but its toxicity to mammalian cells is low.
• The first step in this process requierd the presence of the HSV coded thymidine.
• Aciclovir is phosphorylated to the active compound aciclovir triphosphate after entry into a herpes infected cell.
• Aciclovir triphosphate acts as an inhibitor of, and substrate for, herpes specified DNA polymerase, preventing further viral DNA synthesis without affecting normal cellular processes.

Indications:
Treatment of herpes simplex keratitis.

Dosage and administration:
Children, adults and elderly:
1cm of ointment should be placed inside the lower conjunctival sac five times a day at approximately four hourly intervals, omitting the night time application. Treatment should continue for at least 3 days after healing is complete.

Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity to aciclovir or valaciclovir, or an

Side effects:

Vreycommon: Superficial punctate keratopathy.
Common: Transient mild stinging of the eye occurring immediately following application, conjunctivitis.
Rare: Blepharitis.

Drug interactions:

No clinically significant intreaction have been identified.

Precautions:
Patients should be informedthat transient mild stinging immediately following application may occur.
Patients should avoid wearing contact lenses when using acyclovir eye ointment.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation:
The use of acyclovir during pregnancy should be considered only when the potential benefits outweigh the risk.
It can be used during lactation.

Effects on ability to drive and use machines:

Eye ointments can affect visual ability and therefore caution is advised when driving or using machines.

Pharmacokinetic properties:

• Aciclovir is rapidly absorbed from the ophthalmic ointment through the corneal epithelium and superficial ocular tissues, achieving antiviral concentrations in the aqueous humor.
• It has not been possible by existing methods to detect acyclovir in the blood after topical application to the eye. However, trace quantites are detectable in the urine. These levels are not therapeutically signifcant.