MedicationDosingRenal adjustmentHepatic adjustmentAdverse reactionsCost*
Acyclovir (Zovirax)Adults: 400 mg five times daily for seven daysCreatinine clearance:

  • Less than 10 mL per minute (0.17 mL per second): give half dose once daily

  • 10 to 50 mL per minute (0.17 to 0.83 mL per second): give same dose every 12 to 24 hours

UndefinedGastrointestinal upset, headache, dizziness, elevated liver enzymes, aplastic anemia (rare)$66 to $76 (generic)
$132 (brand)
Children older than two years: 80 mg per kg daily divided every six hours for five days, with a maximal dose of 3,200 mg daily
Valacyclovir (Valtrex)Adults and children older than 12 years: 1 g three times daily for seven daysCreatinine clearance:

  • Less than 10 mL per minute: 500 mg daily

  • 10 to 29 mL per minute (0.17 to 0.48 mL per second): 1 g daily

  • 30 to 49 mL per minute (0.50 to 0.82 mL per second): 1 g twice daily

NoneGastrointestinal upset, headache, dizziness, elevated liver enzymes, aplastic anemia (rare)$208 (brand)
Prednisone or prednisoloneAdults: 60 mg daily for five days, then 40 mg daily for five daysNoneUndefinedHeadache, nervousness, edema, elevated blood pressure, elevated glucose$3 (generic)
$6 (brand)
Children: 2 mg per kg daily for seven to 10 days