Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. It acts as a herpes simplex virus nucleoside analog DNA polymerase inhibitor, and herpes zoster virus nucleoside analog DNA polymerase inhibitor, and herpesvirus nucleoside analog DNA polymerase inhibitor. It is a Nucleoside Analog. It is used to treat herpes and varicella-zoster virus infections. It is an oxopurine that is guanine and plays the role of an antiviral drug and an antimetabolite.

Class of Drugs – Antiviral drugs

Molecular Formula – C₈H₁₁N₅O₃

Molecular Weight – 225.2 g/mol

Working: This mentioned medication works by decreasing the ability of the herpes virus to multiply in the body. Due to this, the symptoms of the infection improve. However, this drug not for curing herpes infections. This infection includes cold sores, chickenpox, shingles, or genital herpes.

Uses: This antiviral medicine Acyclovir is used to treat infections caused by certain types of viruses. This drug treats cold sores around the mouth caused by herpes simplex, shingles caused by herpes zoster, and chickenpox. It is also used to treat outbreaks of genital herpes. It helps the sores heal faster, prevents new sores from forming, and reduces pain/itching. It also reduces how long pain remains after the sores heal. It also decreases the risk of the virus spreading to other parts of the body and causing serious infections in people with a weakened immune system.

Popular Brands and Dosages: This medicine Acyclovir is used in popular brand medications as follows:

• Zovirax: 200 mg, 400 mg, and 800 mg
• Zovirax Dispersible Tablet: 200 mg, 400 mg, and 800 mg
• Valtrex: 200 mg, 400 mg, and 800 mg
• Famvir: 200 mg, 400 mg, and 800 mg

Consult the doctor before consuming this medication in case of kidney disorder.