Acyvir Eye Ointment

Acyvir Eye Ointment — Acyclovir

Generic Name: Acyclovir 3% w/w Eye Ointment

Manufacturer: Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Drug Class: Antiviral — Nucleoside Analogue (Ophthalmic)

Dosage Form: Eye Ointment

Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx)

Mechanism of Action

Acyclovir is selectively activated by herpes virus thymidine kinase to its triphosphate form, which inhibits viral DNA polymerase and halts viral replication. Applied topically, acyclovir 3% achieves effective antiviral concentrations at the corneal surface and within the anterior chamber, treating herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) without significant systemic absorption.

Relevance to diabetes: Diabetic patients face increased risk of severe, recurrent herpes simplex keratitis due to compromised cellular immunity and delayed corneal healing. Early topical antiviral treatment reduces the risk of corneal scarring and vision impairment.

Indications

• Herpes simplex keratitis (epithelial — dendritic and geographic ulcers)
• Herpes simplex keratoconjunctivitis
• Recurrent herpes simplex ocular disease

Dosage and Administration

Special Considerations in Diabetes

• Diabetic corneal epitheliopathy may prolong healing time — do not stop treatment prematurely
• Concurrent topical steroids are contraindicated unless under specialist supervision — risk of corneal perforation
• After 2 or more episodes of HSK, long-term oral acyclovir/valacyclovir prophylaxis should be discussed with an ophthalmologist
• Urgent ophthalmology referral if no improvement within 48 hours

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to acyclovir or valacyclovir
• Ophthalmic use only — not for topical skin application
• Remove contact lenses before application

Side Effects

• Transient burning or stinging on instillation (common, mild)
• Punctate epithelial erosions (rare)
• Local hypersensitivity reaction (rare)

Storage

Store below 25°C. Do not freeze. Discard 4 weeks after first opening. Keep out of reach of children.