It is converted to aciclovir in the body after absorption.In 2009, acyclovir in combination with hydrocortisone cream, marketed as Xerese, was approved in the United States for the early treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) to reduce the likelihood of ulcerative cold sores and to shorten the lesion healing time in adults and children (six years of age and older). Society and culture
Names
Aciclovir is the international nonproprietary name (INN) and British Approved Name (BAN) while acyclovir is the United States Adopted Name (USAN) and former British Approved Name.It was originally marketed as Zovirax; patents expired in the 1990s and since then it is generic and is marketed under many brand names worldwide. Notes
References
Further reading
Hazra, S; Konrad, M; Lavie, A (2010). "The sugar ring of the nucleoside is required for productive substrate positioning in the active site of human deoxycytidine kinase (dCK): Implications for the development of dCK-activated acyclic guanine analogues". Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. 53 (15): 5792–800. doi:10.1021/jm1005379. PMC 2936711. PMID 20684612. Harvey Stewart C. in Remingtons Pharmaceutical Sciences 18th edition: (ed. Gennard, Alfonso R.)  Mack Publishing Company, 1990. ISBN 0-912734-04-3. Huovinen P., Valtonen V. in Kliininen Farmakologia (ed. Neuvonen et al.). Kandidaattikustannus Oy, 1994. ISBN 951-8951-09-8. Périgaud C.; Gosselin G.; Imbach J.-L. (1992). "Nucleoside analogues as chemotherapeutic agents: a review". Nucleosides and Nucleotides. 11 (2–4): 903–945. doi:10.1080/07328319208021748. Rang H.P., Dale M.M., Ritter J.M. : Pharmacology, 3rd edition. Pearson Professional Ltd, 1995. 2003 (5th) edition ISBN 0-443-07145-4; 2001 (4th) edition ISBN 0-443-06574-8; 1990 edition ISBN 0-443-03407-9. External links
"Acyclovir". Drug Information Portal.
Aciclovir (ACV), also known as acyclovir, is an antiviral medication. It is primarily used for the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections, chickenpox, and shingles. Other uses include prevention of cytomegalovirus infections following transplant and severe complications of Epstein–Barr virus infection. It can be taken by mouth, applied as a cream, or injected.Common side effects include nausea and diarrhea. Potentially serious side effects include kidney problems and low platelets. Greater care is recommended in those with poor liver or kidney function. It is generally considered safe for use in pregnancy with no harm having been observed. It appears to be safe during breastfeeding. Aciclovir is a nucleoside analogue that mimics guanosine. It works by decreasing the production of the viruss DNA.Aciclovir was patented in 1974, and approved for medical use in 1981. It is on the World Health Organizations List of Essential Medicines. It is available as a generic medication and is marketed under many brand names worldwide. In 2019, it was the 157th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 3 million prescriptions.