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
Acyclovir is an active pharmaceutical ingredient in the Nucleosides and Nucleotides Excl. Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors group (J05AB). The information below is compiled per regulator from the product labels on record, with direct links to the original documents.
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.