Acyclovir for Russian Tortoises
Reptile · Testudo horsfieldii · typical adult weight 0.23–0.91 kg
Acyclovir is dosed at 80–240 mg/kg PO q 8 h or q 24 h; topical cream q 12 h in russian tortoises, per Merck Veterinary Manual. Antimicrobial Drugs Used in Reptiles (dosing table). Rahway (NJ): Merck & Co.; accessed 2026. URL: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/multimedia/table/antimicrobial-drugs-used-in-reptiles. Acyclovir is used in russian tortoises for Antiviral. Routes documented in russian tortoises: PO. A typical adult russian tortoise weighs 0.23–0.91 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Acyclovir in russian tortoises, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Zovirax
Dose ranges
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 80–240 mg/kg | q 8 h or q 24 h; topical cream q 12 h | Antiviral | Weak | Merck Veterinary Manual. Antimicrobial Drugs Used in Reptiles (dosing table). Rahway (NJ): Merck & Co.; accessed 2026. URL: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/multimedia/table/antimicrobial-drugs-used-in-reptiles |
Need the exact dose for your patient?
These ranges are per kg. Enter your russian tortoise's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Mechanism of action
Nucleoside analog selectively phosphorylated by viral thymidine kinase. Inhibits viral DNA polymerase. Active against herpesviruses.
Side effects & warnings
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-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for russian tortoises may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Frequently asked questions
What is the dose of Acyclovir for Russian Tortoises?
Acyclovir dose range in russian tortoises, with cited source references: PO 80–240 mg/kg q 8 h or q 24 h; topical cream q 12 h.
How is Acyclovir administered in Russian Tortoises?
Documented routes for Acyclovir in russian tortoises: PO.
What conditions does Acyclovir treat in Russian Tortoises?
Acyclovir is indicated in russian tortoises for: Antiviral.
What are the side effects of Acyclovir in Russian Tortoises?
These are general warnings for Acyclovir across species; consult the russian tortoise dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Used for equine herpesvirus and some avian herpesviruses. Limited efficacy for FHV-1 in cats (famciclovir preferred). Nephrotoxicity with IV form — ensure hydration. Crystalluria.
Acyclovir dosing in other species
Why a species-specific page? Acyclovir pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in russian tortoises — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.