Pharmacological properties : תכונות פרמקולוגיות

Pharmacodynamic Properties

5.1   Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Ophthalmologicals, antiinfectives, Antivirals, ATC code: S01AD03 
Aciclovir is an antiviral product with high in vitro activity against Herpes simplex virus (HSV), type 1 and type 2, but its toxicity to mammalian cells is low.

After penetrating the herpes-infected cell, aciclovir is phosphorylated to the active metabolite aciclovir triphosphate. The first step of this process depends on the presence of the virus-encoded enzyme thymidine kinase. Aciclovir triphosphate acts as a substrate and inhibitor of herpesvirus DNA polymerase, thereby impeding further viral DNA replication. These reactions do not affect normal cellular processes.

Pharmacokinetic Properties

5.2   Pharmacokinetic properties

Aciclovir is rapidly absorbed from eye ointment through the epithelial layer of the cornea and superficial eye tissues, resulting in virotoxic concentrations in the intraocular fluid. After topical administration, it is not possible to detect aciclovir in the blood using existing methods, but trace amounts are detected in the urine. However, these levels are not clinically relevant.