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Acyclovir is an antiviral medicine used against infections caused by certain herpes viruses. Oral formulations treat shingles, initial and recurrent genital herpes, and chickenpox. Other formulations are used for selected herpes simplex infections in different clinical settings. Acyclovir does not remove herpes viruses from the body, but it reduces viral replication and helps shorten or control active episodes when used as directed.
read more about acyclovir ...Inside infected cells, viral thymidine kinase converts acyclovir into an active form, followed by further activation through cellular enzymes. Acyclovir triphosphate then interferes with viral DNA polymerase and stops viral DNA chain growth. This action limits replication of susceptible herpes viruses while having greater activity in infected cells than in uninfected cells.
Oral acyclovir is used for acute shingles, initial episodes of genital herpes, recurrent genital herpes management, and chickenpox. Intravenous acyclovir is used for selected severe herpes infections, including serious herpes simplex disease in hospitalized patients. Topical and buccal products have narrower labeled uses. Treatment choice depends on the infection, severity, immune status, age, kidney function, and formulation.
Acyclovir comes as oral tablets, capsules, suspension, intravenous injection, topical preparations, and a buccal tablet. The dose and duration differ across infections and formulations. Oral treatment is commonly taken several times per day, while intravenous doses are given in clinical settings. Adequate hydration is important during systemic therapy, and dose adjustment is used for reduced kidney function.
Common oral side effects include nausea, diarrhea, headache, and malaise. Serious reactions include kidney injury, neurologic effects, severe skin reactions, and hypersensitivity. Kidney problems are more concerning with dehydration, high doses, older age, or reduced renal function. Confusion, tremors, hallucinations, reduced urination, severe rash, or swelling need prompt medical assessment. Hydration and renal dosing reduce avoidable exposure.
No. Acyclovir is an antiviral medicine. It acts against susceptible herpes viruses and does not treat bacterial infections.
No. Acyclovir suppresses viral replication and treats active episodes, but herpes viruses remain in the body and can reactivate later.
Yes. Oral acyclovir is approved for acute herpes zoster, commonly called shingles. Starting treatment promptly after symptoms begin improves its clinical role.
Yes. Systemic acyclovir dosing is adjusted in reduced kidney function. Clinicians also consider hydration, age, other medicines, and infection severity.
Acyclovir. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681045.html. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.
Acyclovir. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542180/. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.
Acyclovir Buccal. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a619042.html. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.
Acyclovir Injection. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681036.html. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.
Acyclovir Topical. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a606001.html. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.