Acyclovir is an antiviral medication primarily used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. Its main uses include:
- Treating symptoms and speeding healing of chickenpox (varicella), shingles (herpes zoster), and genital herpes infections
- Managing herpes simplex virus infections of the genitals, skin, brain, lips, and mouth, as well as widespread herpes infections in newborns
- Preventing recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes
- Treating herpes infections of the skin, eyes, nose, and mouth in immunocompromised patients, including those with HIV
- Treating herpes simplex encephalitis (brain infection caused by herpes virus)
- Preventing herpes virus infections in immunocompromised individuals, such as those undergoing cancer chemotherapy or organ transplantation
Acyclovir does not cure herpes infections but helps reduce pain, speed healing of sores or blisters, and limit virus spread in the body
. It is available in oral, topical, and intravenous forms depending on the infection severity and location
. In summary, acyclovir is used to treat and prevent various herpes virus infections including genital herpes, cold sores, chickenpox, shingles, and herpes-related complications in immunocompromised patients
