Aciclon3%

Aciclon 3% cream is a herpes simplex virus (HSV) nucleoside analogue DNA polymerase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) in immunocompetent adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older.

Topical Antiviral preparations

Aciclon 3% is an antiviral drug active against herpes simplex virus. Aciclon 3% is a synthetic purine nucleoside analogue with cell culture and in vivo inhibitory activity against HSV types 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2). The inhibitory activity of Aciclon 3% is highly selective due to its affinity for the enzyme thymidine kinase (TK) encoded by HSV. This viral enzyme converts Aciclon 3% into Aciclon 3% monophosphate, a nucleotide analogue. The monophosphate is further converted into diphosphate by cellular guanylate kinase and into triphosphate by a number of cellular enzymes. In cell culture, Aciclon 3% triphosphate stops replication of herpes viral DNA. This inhibition is accomplished in 3 ways: 1) competitive inhibition of viral DNA polymerase, 2) incorporation into and termination of the growing viral DNA chain, and 3) inactivation of the viral DNA polymerase.

Aciclon 3% cream should be applied five times per day for four days. Therapy should be initiated as early as possible following the onset of signs or symptoms of herpes labialis i.e., during the prodrome or when lesions appear. For adolescents 12 years of age and older, the dosage is the same as in adults.

Clinical experience has identified no interactions resulting from topical or systemic administration of other drugs concomitantly with Aciclon 3% cream. Due to minimal systemic absorption of Aciclon 3% cream, systemic drug interactions are unlikely.

Aciclon 3% cream is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Aciclon 3%, valAciclon 3%, or any component of the formulation.

The most common adverse reactions at the site of topical application were dry lips, desquamation, dryness of skin, cracked lips, burning skin, pruritus, flakiness of skin, and stinging on skin; each adverse reaction occurred in less than 1% of patients receiving Aciclon 3% cream and placebo. Three patients on Aciclon 3% cream and one patient on placebo discontinued treatment due to an adverse event.

Pregnancy Category B. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Aciclon 3% cream in pregnant women. Aciclon 3% cream should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is not known whether topically applied Aciclon 3% is excreted in breast milk. Systemic exposure following topical administration is minimal.

Aciclon 3% cream should only be applied on the affected external aspects of the lips and face in patients with herpes labialis. Because no data are available, application to human mucous membranes is not recommended. Aciclon 3% cream is intended for cutaneous use only and should not be used in the eye or inside the mouth or nose. Cream has a potential for irritation and contact. The effect of Aciclon 3% cream has not been established in immunocompromised patients.

Store Aciclon 3% cream at room temperature between 20°C to 25°C

Pediatric Use: An open-label, uncontrolled trial with Aciclon 3% cream 5% was conducted in 113 patients aged 12 to 17 years with recurrent herpes labialis. In this trial, therapy was applied using the same dosing regimen as in adults and subjects were followed for adverse events. The safety profile was similar to that observed in adults. Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients less than 12 years of age have not been established.Geriatric Use: Clinical studies of Aciclon 3% cream did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. Systemic absorption of Aciclon 3% after topical administration is minimal.