Zovirax (acyclovir)
Topical Antivirals Topical Cream (Gram); Topical Ointment (Gram)
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Acyclovir, a synthetic purine nucleoside analog derived from guanine, has antiviral activity in vitro against various Herpesviridae including herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2).
Acyclovir is used topically as a 5% cream for the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (perioral herpes, cold sores, fever blisters) in immunocompetent individuals. Acyclovir is used topically as a 5% ointment in the treatment of limited, non-life-threatening, mucocutaneous herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) infections in immunocompromised individuals. The manufacturer states that acyclovir ointment may be used topically for the management of initial genital herpes; however, topical therapy is not usually recommended for the treatment of genital herpes.
There is no evidence that topical acyclovir will either prevent transmission of HSV infections to other individuals or prevent recurrent HSV infections when applied in the absence of signs and symptoms of infection. Acyclovir should not be used topically for prevention of recurrent HSV infections.
Generic name: acyclovir
Pronunciation: (ay-SYE-kloe-vir)
Drug class: Topical Antivirals
Therapeutic class: Dermatological
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Zovirax
Indications
The following indications are listed for Zovirax:
- Genital Herpes Simplex
- Mucocutaneous Herpes Simplex
Also known as: Herpes Genitalis, Mucocutaneous Herpes Simplex Infection, Mucocutaneous Hsv Infection.
Dosing
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Acyclovir 5% cream is applied topically to affected areas of the lips and surrounding skin. The cream should not be applied to the eye, inside the mouth or nose, or to mucous membranes.
Acyclovir 5% ointment is applied topically to the skin. The ointment should not be applied to the eye. A finger cot or rubber glove should be used when applying the ointment to prevent autoinoculation of other sites and transmission of the virus to other individuals.
| Drug label | Dosing type | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Zovirax 5% Ointment | Maintenance | Apply to the affected area(s) by topical route every 3 hours 6 times per day. |
| Zovirax 5% Cream | Maintenance | Apply to the affected area(s) by topical route 5 times per day. |
| Drug label | Dosing type | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Acyclovir 5% Cream | Maintenance | Apply to the affected area(s) by topical route 5 times per day. |
| Acyclovir 5% Ointment | Maintenance | Apply to the affected area(s) by topical route every 3 hours 6 times per day. |
Drug interactions
Because systemic absorption appears to be minimal following topical application of acyclovir, drug interactions between topical acyclovir and systemically administered drugs is unlikely. The manufacturer states that drug interactions in patients receiving topical acyclovir concurrently with other topical or systemic drugs have not been reported to date.
There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
There are no severe interactions for this drug.
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
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There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
There are no severe contraindications for this drug.
- No disease contraindications
Adverse reactions
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Rare or Very Rare
- Anaphylaxis
- Angioedema
More Frequent
- Abnormal desquamation
- Dry skin
- Skin irritation
- Stinging of skin
Less Frequent
- Cheilosis
- Pruritus of skin
Rare or Very Rare
- Contact dermatitis
- Eczema
Precautions
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No enhanced messaging available.
Acyclovir has not been shown to be teratogenic in standard tests following subcutaneous administration in rats and rabbits, IV administration in rabbits, and oral administration in mice. However, in nonstandard tests in rats, fetal abnormalities, principally involving the head and tail, were observed at higher subcutaneous acyclovir dosages, which also were associated with maternal toxicity. The drug crosses the placenta in humans following oral or IV administration. There are no adequate and controlled studies to date using acyclovir in pregnant women, and the drug should be used during pregnancy only when the potential benefits justify the possible risks to the fetus.
Although it is not known whether acyclovir is distributed into milk following topical application, the drug is distributed into milk following oral or IV administration. Following oral administration of acyclovir in 2 nursing women, milk acyclovir concentrations were 0.6-4.1 times the simultaneous maternal plasma drug concentrations. Therefore, acyclovir ointment and cream should be used with caution in nursing women. Women who have active herpetic lesions near or on the breast should avoid nursing.
No enhanced messaging available.
ICD codes
| Code | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Genital herpes simplex | ||
| A60 | ICD10CM | Anogenital herpesviral [herpes simplex] infections |
| A60.0 | ICD10CM | Herpesviral infection of genitalia and urogenital tract |
| A60.00 | ICD10CM | Herpesviral infection of urogenital system, unspecified |
| A60.01 | ICD10CM | Herpesviral infection of penis |
| A60.02 | ICD10CM | Herpesviral infection of other male genital organs |
| A60.03 | ICD10CM | Herpesviral cervicitis |
| A60.04 | ICD10CM | Herpesviral vulvovaginitis |
| A60.09 | ICD10CM | Herpesviral infection of other urogenital tract |
| A60.9 | ICD10CM | Anogenital herpesviral infection, unspecified |
| Mucocutaneous herpes simplex | ||
| A60 | ICD10CM | Anogenital herpesviral [herpes simplex] infections |
| A60.0 | ICD10CM | Herpesviral infection of genitalia and urogenital tract |
| A60.00 | ICD10CM | Herpesviral infection of urogenital system, unspecified |
| A60.01 | ICD10CM | Herpesviral infection of penis |
| A60.02 | ICD10CM | Herpesviral infection of other male genital organs |
| A60.03 | ICD10CM | Herpesviral cervicitis |
| A60.04 | ICD10CM | Herpesviral vulvovaginitis |
| A60.09 | ICD10CM | Herpesviral infection of other urogenital tract |
| A60.1 | ICD10CM | Herpesviral infection of perianal skin and rectum |
| A60.9 | ICD10CM | Anogenital herpesviral infection, unspecified |
| B00.1 | ICD10CM | Herpesviral vesicular dermatitis |
| B00.2 | ICD10CM | Herpesviral gingivostomatitis and pharyngotonsillitis |
| B00.89 | ICD10CM | Other herpesviral infection |
| Recurrent herpes simplex labialis | ||
| B00.1 | ICD10CM | Herpesviral vesicular dermatitis |
ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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