aciclovir
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19 sectionsContents
- Medical use
- Pregnancy
- Adverse effects
- Systemic therapy
- Topical therapy
- Drug interactions
- Detection in biological fluids
- Mechanism of action
- Resistance
- Microbiology
- Pharmacokinetics
- Chemistry
- History
- Veterinary use
- Society and culture
- Names
- Notes
- References
- Further reading
Aciclovir, 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 the 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 virus's DNA.
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