Acyclovir
Active ingredient · 3 therapeutic classes
Sold as XERESE · ZOVIRAX
- Drug class
- Nucleosides and Nucleotides Excl. Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
- Availability
- Prescription only
- Routes
- Intravenous, Topical, Oral
- Markets covered
- 2
- Products on record
- 38
- FDA reports (12 mo)
- 6,372
Overview
Plain-language summary, compiled from the cited regulatory records
Acyclovir is an antiviral medication [1]. It is classified as an antiviral drug [1].
Acyclovir is approved for the treatment of several viral infections. These include the acute treatment of herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles [1]. It is also indicated for the treatment of initial episodes and the management of recurrent episodes of genital herpes [1]. Additionally, acyclovir is approved for the treatment of chickenpox, also called varicella [1].
This medication is available under various brand names, including Zovirax [1]. In the past 12 months, there have been 6,372 adverse event reports associated with acyclovir [2]. The most frequently reported events include off-label use, fatigue, diarrhea, drug ineffectiveness, and nausea [2].
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Regulatory status by market
| Market | Regulator | Products | Last revision |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA Canada | Health Canada | 24 | April 7, 2026 |
| US United States | FDA | 14 | May 21, 2026 |
CACanada· Health Canada
24 products
Uses
Acyclovir Sodium Injection is indicated for: • the treatment of initial and recurrent mucosal and cutaneous herpes simplex (HSV-1 and HSV-2) infections and varicella-zoster (shingles) infections in immunocompromised adults and children.
• severe initial episodes of herpes simplex infections in patients who may not be immunocompromised. 1 Pediatrics Pediatrics (1 year to < 18 years of age): Based on the data submitted and reviewed by Health Canada, the safety and efficacy of Acyclovir Sodium Injection in pediatric patients aged 1 year to < 18 years of age has been established.
Therefore, Health Canada has authorized an indication for pediatric use in patients aged 1 year to < 18 years. 2 Geriatrics Geriatrics: Acyclovir plasma concentrations are higher in geriatric patients compared with younger adults, in part due to age-related changes in renal function.
USUnited States· FDA
14 products
Uses
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Herpes Zoster Infections :
Acyclovir is indicated for the acute treatment of herpes zoster (shingles).
Genital Herpes :
Acyclovir is indicated for the treatment of initial episodes and the management of recurrent episodes of genital herpes.
Chickenpox :
Acyclovir is indicated for the treatment of chickenpox (varicella).
How to take
Drug interactions
Known interactions involving Acyclovir. Select one for details. This list is informational and not a complete interaction checker.
Showing 240 of 443. Type above to find a specific drug.
Interaction data compiled from DDInter (academic, CC-BY). Severity classification only - this is not a complete interaction checker and not medical advice.
Sources & citations
- [1]Health Canada (DPD) · 02236926 · revised March 22, 2025
- [2]FDA DailyMed · 01ae85df-d1a0-44… · revised September 5, 2024 [PDF]
- [3]OpenFDA adverse-event reports (US), 12 months ending June 4, 2026.
Information on this page is compiled from public regulatory records. Drugvu is not affiliated with any regulator or pharmaceutical manufacturer. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.