A 10-day-old neonate is diagnosed with skin, eye, and mouth herpes simplex virus infection. What is the recommended dose of intravenous acyclovir for this infant?

• A 60 mg/kg every 8 hours
• B 40 mg/kg every 8 hours
• C 30 mg/kg every 8 hours
• D 20 mg/kg every 8 hours ✓

Explanation

The standard dose of intravenous acyclovir for neonatal herpes simplex virus disease, including skin, eye, and mouth involvement, is 20 mg/kg every 8 hours. Treatment duration is 14 days for SEM disease and 21 days for CNS or disseminated disease. Higher doses are not recommended due to the significant risk of toxicity, particularly neutropenia and renal impairment, without added efficacy.

Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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