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Acyclovir
ay-SYE-kloe-veer   Audio

Brand Name: Zovirax  Audio
Drug Class: Opportunistic Infection and Other Drugs
Acyclovir, also known as Zovirax, is a type of medicine called an antiviral. Antivirals kill viruses or stop viruses from multiplying. Acyclovir is used to treat herpesvirus infections spread by direct skin-to-skin contact. Acyclovir will not cure herpes infections, but it may help keep the infections under control.


HIV/AIDS-Related Uses
Acyclovir was approved by the FDA on December 10, 1997, for use in the treatment of herpes simplex infections that cause cold sores and genital herpes, as well as herpes zoster infections (shingles) caused by varicella-zoster virus, the virus that causes chickenpox. This medicine does not cure or prevent herpes infection or HIV infection and does not reduce the risk of passing these viruses to other individuals.

Dosage Form/Administration
Acyclovir comes in capsule, tablet, and suspension form and is taken by mouth.
Acyclovir also comes in a liquid form that is given by intravenous infusion into a vein and in a topical cream or ointment form that is applied to the surface of the skin.

Contraindications
Individuals should tell a doctor about any medical problems before taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects
Along with its desired effects, acyclovir can cause some unwanted effects. Serious side effects of this medicine include swelling or redness at the intravenous injection site and symptoms of acute kidney failure such as stomach pain, decreased amount of urine, increased thirst, unusual tiredness, and weakness. Other serious side effects include confusion, seizures, tremors, unusual bleeding or bruising, chills, and fever. Individuals should tell a doctor if they have any of these side effects.
Other side effects may not be serious and may lessen or disappear with continued use of the medicine. Less serious side effects of this medicine include nausea or vomiting, general feeling of sickness, diarrhea, headache, and lightheadedness. Individuals should tell a doctor if these side effects continue or are bothersome.

Drug and Food Interactions
A doctor should be notified of any other medications being taken, including prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), or herbal medications.

Clinical Trials
Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Acyclovir.

Manufacturer Information
Acyclovir
  Alpharma, Inc.
  One Executive Drive
  Fort Lee,  NJ  07024
  (201) 947-7774
    

Acyclovir
  Mylan Laboratories Inc
  1030 Century Building / 130 Seventh St
  Pittsburgh,  PA  15222
  (800) 796-9526
    

Zovirax
  GlaxoSmithKline
  5 Moore Drive
  Research Triangle Park,  NC  27709
  (888) 825-5249
    
Updated July 22, 2009