Acyclovir is a popular antiviral drug that is used to prevent herpes virus from spreading. It also slows down the growth of the virus in the patient’s body. This drug does not serve as the cure for herpes but just relieves that patient from the symptoms. Acyclovir is pretty safe but there are always some chances of side-effects with the use. Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus in the body. It will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection. Acyclovir is an antiviral drug, a synthetic nucleoside analogue, that has inhibitory activity (interferes with viral replication) against the herpes viruses, including herpes simplex 1 and 2 (cold sores and genital herpes), varicella-zoster (shingles and chickenpox), and Epstein-Barr virus (mononucleosis). Uses. Acyclovir is used to treat infections caused by certain types of viruses. It treats cold sores around the mouth (caused by herpes simplex), shingles (caused by herpes zoster), and chickenpox. EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER. When herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 lesions are in the papule or vesicle stage, there is no benefit to starting oral acyclovir (strength of recommendation [SOR]: C, based on expert opinion). Applies to acyclovir: buccal tablet, compounding powder, intravenous powder for injection, intravenous solution, oral capsule, oral suspension, oral tablet General The more commonly reported adverse reactions include malaise, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache. What Is Acyclovir (Zovirax) and How Does It Work? Acyclovir is approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a prescription drug that is commonly used as a topical , injectable, and oral treatment for genital herpes and cold sores. Acyclovir comes as a tablet, a capsule, and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food two to five times a day for 5 to 10 days, starting as soon as possible after your symptoms begin. Aciclovir (ACV), also known as acyclovir, is an antiviral medication. It is primarily used for the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections, chickenpox , and shingles. [4] Other uses include prevention of cytomegalovirus infections following transplant and severe complications of Epstein-Barr virus infection. Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, expect.