Aciclovir comes as a 250mg/10ml solution for infusion, which should be further diluted prior to infusion.

Prescription

• Charted on the prescription chart in mg/dose.

Administration

Slow IV Infusion over 1 hour

1. Ensure patient is well hydrated before and during administration.
2. Dilute to 5 mg/ml in glucose 5 % or sodium chloride 0.9%
3. Use a Pall 0.2 micron in-line filter during administration.
4. Administer by slow IV infusion over 1 hour using a syringe pump.
5. Do not use if any visible turbidity or if crystals form before or during infusion.
6. Do NOT mix with other drugs, IV solutions, blood or blood products.
7. Flush line with sodium chloride 0.9% before and after infusion
8. Do NOT bolus dose.

Nursing Considerations

1. Assess IV site carefully before and during infusion of Aciclovir.
2. 5mg/ml solution has osmolality ~ 289 mOsm/L; pH = 11
3. Observe for signs of adverse effects.
4. Monitor fluid balance closely.
5. Incompatible with dopamine, dobutamine and morphine.

Storage

• Ampoules are single-use. Do not store reconstituted solution
• Do not refrigerate as solution may precipitate.

References