Acyclovir and hydrocortisone topical and Colistimethate Sodium

• Generic Name: acyclovir / hydrocortisone topical
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Xerese

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection.

Hydrocortisone is a topical (for the skin) steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.

The combination of acyclovir and hydrocortisone topical (for the skin) is used to treat cold sores in people who are at least 12 years old.

This medication will not cure or prevent cold sores caused by herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection.

Acyclovir and hydrocortisone topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: colistimethate
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Coly Mycin M

Treatment of acute or chronic infections caused by certain susceptible gram-negative bacteria (e.g., Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa).

Used only when the causative agent is susceptible and other more effective and less toxic anti-infectives are contraindicated or ineffective.

May be useful alone or in conjunction with other anti-infectives for treatment of infections caused by multiple-drug resistant gram-negative bacteria, such as respiratory tract infections in cystic fibrosis patients caused by multiple-drug resistant Ps. aeruginosa.

Not indicated for infections caused by Proteus or Neisseria.

Administered by oral inhalation via nebulization in adult and pediatric cystic fibrosis patients for early treatment of Ps. aeruginosa respiratory tract infections and for suppressive therapy in those colonized with Ps. aeruginosa.

Safety and efficacy not established and the drug is not labeled by FDA for administration via nebulization. Adverse respiratory effects (e.g., bronchoconstriction) have occurred with this route and there has been at least one fatality in a patient who self-administered a nebulizer treatment using a premixed solution of the drug. (See Respiratory Effects under Cautions.)