Aciclovir
Aciclovir, the active ingredient in Zovirax, is an antiviral for herpes virus infections including shingles and genital herpes. The tablet line runs from 200 mg to 800 mg.
Key points
- Aciclovir is an antiviral that stops herpes viruses from reproducing in the body.
- Zovirax is the brand-name version of aciclovir, in 200 mg, 400 mg and 800 mg strengths.
- The medicine information highlights hydration and kidney function as important context while taking aciclovir.
How does aciclovir work?
Aciclovir interferes with the enzyme a herpes virus needs to copy its DNA, which stops the virus from spreading to new cells. The latent virus stays in nerve tissue between outbreaks, so aciclovir treats the active infection without eliminating it. It is an Antivirals medicine listed for Herpes Zoster and Genital Herpes Simplex.