Description and Brand Names
Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®
US Brand Name
- Zovirax
Canadian Brand Name
- Acyclovir
Descriptions
Acyclovir belongs to the family of medicines called antivirals, which are used to treat infections caused by viruses. Usually these medicines work for only one kind or group of virus infections.
Acyclovir is used to treat the symptoms of chickenpox, shingles, herpes virus infections of the genitals (sex organs), the skin, the brain, and mucous membranes (lips and mouth), and widespread herpes virus infections in newborns. Acyclovir is also used to prevent recurrent genital herpes infections. Although acyclovir will not cure herpes, it does help relieve the pain and discomfort and helps the sores (if any) heal faster.
Acyclovir may also be used for other virus infections as determined by your doctor. However, it does not work in treating certain virus infections, such as the common cold.
Acyclovir is available only with your doctor's prescription.
This product is available in the following dosage forms:
- Tablet
- Suspension
- Capsule
- Powder for Solution
- Solution
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Portions of this document last updated: Sept. 01, 2024
Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
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FAQs
Acyclovir (Zovirax) is an antiviral medication used for the treatment of shingles, chickenpox, and herpes simplex virus infections (e.g., cold sores, genital herpes).
Is acyclovir given oral or IV? ›
Acyclovir administration may be oral or intravenous. When taken orally, acyclovir may be taken with or without food 2 to 5 times a day for 5 to 10 days and up to 12 months to prevent outbreaks of genital herpes.
What is the route form of acyclovir? ›
Acyclovir is also available as a capsule, suspension, and buccal tablet that you take by mouth. It also comes in a cream and ointment you apply to your skin. In addition, acyclovir is available as an intravenous (IV) drug, which is only given by a healthcare professional. Acyclovir is used to treat viral infections.
What is the brand name for acyclovir oral suspension? ›
Acyclovir suspension is a medication that treats viral infections. It doesn't treat colds, the flu or bacterial infections. The brand name of this medication is Zovirax®.
What are the brands of Aciclovir? ›
About aciclovir Brand names: Zovirax, Cymex Ultra, Virasorb
Aciclovir (or acyclovir) is an antiviral medicine. It treats a range of infections caused by herpes viruses, including: cold sores.
What is intravenous acyclovir? ›
Acyclovir injection is used to treat herpes simplex encephalitis (brain infection with swelling caused by the herpes virus) and herpes infections in newborn infants. Acyclovir injection is in a class of antiviral medications called synthetic nucleoside analogues.
What is the oral use of acyclovir? ›
Acyclovir is used to decrease pain and speed the healing of sores or blisters in people who have varicella (chickenpox), herpes zoster (shingles; a rash that can occur in people who have had chickenpox in the past), and first-time or repeat outbreaks of genital herpes (a herpes virus infection that causes sores to form ...
What is the route of acyclovir injection? ›
The usual dose is 5 to 10 mg of acyclovir per kg (2.3 to 4.5 mg per pound) of body weight, injected slowly into a vein over at least a one-hour period, and repeated every eight hours for five to ten days. Children up to 12 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by the doctor.
Is acyclovir cream or oral? ›
Acyclovir cream and ointment are for use only on the skin. Do not let acyclovir cream or ointment get into your eyes, or inside your mouth or nose, and do not swallow the medication. Acyclovir cream should only be applied to skin where a cold sore has formed or seems likely to form.
What is acyclovir also called? ›
Acyclovir is a guanosine analog used to treat herpes simplex, varicella zoster, herpes zoster. Sitavig, Xerese, Zovirax. Generic Name Acyclovir DrugBank Accession Number DB00787 Background.
The major route of acyclovir elimination is the renal excretion of unchanged drug. Urinary recovery data after acyclovir administration to healthy volunteers indicate that <15% and 1% of the acyclovir dose is metabolized to 9-[(carboxymethoxy)methyl]guanine (CMMG) and 8-hydroxy-acyclovir (8-OH-ACV), respectively (23).
What method is acyclovir? ›
How to use Acyclovir. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 5 times a day. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless your doctor directs you otherwise. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, shake the bottle well before each dose.
What is the brand for acyclovir? ›
ZOVIRAX is the brand name for acyclovir, a synthetic nucleoside analogue active against herpesviruses.
What is the generic name for IV acyclovir? ›
Acyclovir is the generic equivalent of Zovirax.
What is the brand name for inj acyclovir 500 mg? ›
ZOVIRAX is the brand name for acyclovir, a synthetic nucleoside analog active against herpesviruses. Acyclovir sodium for injection is a sterile lyophilized powder for intravenous administration only.
What is the alternative to IV acyclovir? ›
Acyclovir Alternatives Compared
| Acyclovir | Valacyclovir | Zovirax Cream (acyclovir) |
|---|
| Dosage Forms Available |
| Intravenous powder for injection Intravenous solution Oral capsule Oral suspension Oral tablet | Oral tablet | Topical cream Topical ointment |
| Brand Names |
| Sitavig, Zovirax | Valtrex | Other acyclovir brands include: Zovirax Ointment |
39 more rowsfrom $53.36
| Quantity | Per unit | Price |
|---|
| 100 (10 x 10 milliliters) | $0.53 – $2.01 | $53.36 – $201.26 |
| 200 (10 x 20 milliliters) | $0.49 – $1.83 | $97.22 – $366.50 |
For IV infusion, dilute concentrate containing acyclovir 25 or 50 mg/mL with a compatible IV solution (see Solution Compatibility under Stability) to a concentration of ≤7 mg/mL. Alternatively, dilute solutions reconstituted from powder prior to IV infusion with 50–125 mL of a compatible IV infusion solution.
