Aciclovir
Antiviral drug for herpes, chickenpox, and shingles.
Last updated
Aciclovir, also known as acyclovir, is an antiviral medication primarily used for the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections, chickenpox, and shingles. It can be taken by mouth, applied as a cream, or injected, and is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.
Quick Facts
- Field
- Antiviral medication
- Known for
- Treatment of herpes simplex virus
- chickenpox
- and shingles
- Common side effects
- Nausea and diarrhea
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
It is a nucleoside analogue that mimics guanosine and works by decreasing the production of the virus's DNA. It is available as a generic medication and marketed under many brand names worldwide.
Reader's Guide
Aciclovir is significant for its role in treating herpes simplex virus infections, chickenpox, and shingles, and for preventing cytomegalovirus infections following transplant. It is generally considered safe for use in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Common side effects include nausea and diarrhea, while potentially serious side effects include kidney problems and low platelets.
Greater care is recommended in those with poor liver or kidney function. Resistance is rare in healthy individuals but more common in immunocompromised patients on chronic antiviral prophylaxis. The drug is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, underscoring its global importance.
More in Respiratory & Infectious Diseases
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Aciclovir (CC BY-SA 4.0).
- Word definitions: the Codexery glossary, each quoted from its Wikipedia article.
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