What are the effects of acyclovir on a baby?

Understanding Acyclovir and Its Effects on Infants
Acyclovir, an antiviral medication, is primarily used to treat infections caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Its application in neonates, particularly those infected with HSV, has garnered significant attention due to the potential severity of these infections in newborns.
Efficacy in Treating Neonatal Infections
For newborns diagnosed with HSV, acyclovir is a critical treatment option. The recommended dosage for treating neonatal HSV infections is 20 mg/kg every 8 hours, with treatment duration varying based on the severity of the infection. For superficial skin, eye, and mouth (SEM) disease, the therapy typically lasts 14 days, while more severe cases may require extended treatment. This antiviral drug effectively slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus, helping to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
Safety and Side Effects
While acyclovir is generally considered safe for use in infants, there are important considerations regarding its side effects. Some studies have indicated that high doses of acyclovir, particularly 60 mg/kg/day, have been used in infants with suspected or confirmed neonatal HSV infections. However, the safety of this high dosage has not been thoroughly assessed in recent years.
Common side effects associated with acyclovir can include gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea and diarrhea, as well as potential neurotoxicity. Symptoms of neurotoxicity may manifest as agitation, altered consciousness, confusion, and hallucinations, particularly in cases of rapid infusion or dehydration.
Concerns About Birth Defects
There has been ongoing research into the potential risks associated with acyclovir exposure during pregnancy and its implications for newborns. While some studies suggest that acyclovir does not significantly increase the risk of birth defects, further research is necessary to fully understand its long-term effects on infants.
Conclusion
In summary, acyclovir plays a vital role in treating neonatal infections caused by HSV, significantly improving outcomes for affected infants. While it is generally safe, healthcare providers must carefully monitor for side effects, especially when administering higher doses. As research continues, the medical community remains vigilant in assessing the long-term implications of acyclovir use in newborns, ensuring that the benefits outweigh any potential risks.

Can I kiss my baby if I have HSV 2?

If you develop a cold sore or have any signs of a herpes infection, take these precautions: do not kiss any babies. wash your hands before contact with a baby. wash your hands before breastfeeding.

Is antiviral good for babies?

Antiviral drugs approved for use in children
Although not part of the FDA-approved indications, use of oral oseltamivir for treatment of flu in infants younger than 14 days old, and for chemoprophylaxis in infants 3 months to 1 year, is recommended by the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

What is the problem with acyclovir?

Low red blood cells and platelets: This drug may cause thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). These conditions cause dangerously low levels of red blood cells and platelets in your body. This may be fatal (cause death). Symptoms can include fatigue and low energy.

What are the side effects of acyclovir in infants?

Common acyclovir side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms usually disappear as your child’s body adjusts to the medication. Other common side effects include loss of appetite and headache. If these symptoms persist, please tell your transplant coordinator.

Does acyclovir affect babies?

Aciclovir cream, eye ointment, tablets or liquid are not known to be harmful in pregnancy. Aciclovir can help reduce the severity of herpes and chickenpox. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist. They will help you decide on the best treatment for you and your baby.

What is a serious side effect of acyclovir?

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

How likely is it to pass HSV-2 to your baby?

Contact with active lesions is a major risk factor for infection. If a woman does have a history of herpes before pregnancy but has no sores at the time of delivery, she should be reassured – the risk of transferring it to her baby during birth is less than 1 percent.

Can I give acyclovir to my baby?

Infants from birth to 3 months of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by the doctor. The usual dose is 10 mg of acyclovir per kg (4.5 mg per pound) of body weight, injected slowly into a vein over at least a one-hour period and repeated every eight hours for ten days.

Does acyclovir damage DNA?

Acyclovir (ACV) can cause micronuclei formation in some somatic cells and is capable to damage cellular DNA in the non-infected cells (5). It has potential effect on chromosome breaks in vitro and in vivo (6).

What are the neurological effects of acyclovir?

The adverse neurologic effects of high-dose acyclovir and valacyclovir have been well-described (2, 4). The literature describes highly varied manifestations of acyclovir-associated neurotoxicity including: tremor, myoclonus, seizures, dysarthria, ataxia, hallucinations, delirium, or coma.