ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/acyclovir
US brand names:Zovirax
Acyclovir is dosed at 80 mg/kg PO q8h in sulcata tortoises, per McArthur S. Problem solving approach to common diseases of terrestrial and semi-aquatic chelonians. In: McArthur S, Wilkinson R, Meyer J, eds. Medicine and Surgery of Tortoises and Turtles; Blackwell Publishing, Oxford, UK; 2004:309-377. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.220 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.2 (Antiviral Agents Used in Reptiles). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Nucleoside analog selectively phosphorylated by viral thymidine kinase. Inhibits viral DNA polymerase. Active against herpesviruses.
Used for equine herpesvirus and some avian herpesviruses. Limited efficacy for FHV-1 in cats (famciclovir preferred). Nephrotoxicity with IV form — ensure hydration. Crystalluria.
Species references:All African Grey Parrot drugsAll African Pygmy Hedgehog drugsAll Koi drugsAll Sulcata Tortoise drugs
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