Uses
ZOVIRAX Ointment 5% is indicated in the management of initial genital herpes and in limited non-lifethreatening mucocutaneous HSV infections in immunocompromised patients.
Source: US FDA prescribing information
Molecule
Acyclovir
Also known as acyclovir sodium
- Presentations
- 14
- Brands
- 2
- Manufacturers
- 2
- Available from stock
- 0
Acyclovir is a herpes simplex virus nucleoside analog DNA polymerase inhibitor indicated in the management of initial genital herpes and in limited non-lifethreatening mucocutaneous HSV infections in immunocompromised patients. MedsAcross supplies Acyclovir for export from India to licensed hospitals, importers and physicians acting for named patients, with the documents each country requires.
Information from the US FDA prescribing information, retrieved 12 November 2026. Not yet medically reviewed.How we review
Key facts
- Pharmacological class
- Herpes Simplex Virus Nucleoside Analog DNA Polymerase Inhibitor, Herpes Zoster Virus Nucleoside Analog DNA Polymerase Inhibitor, Herpesvirus Nucleoside Analog DNA Polymerase Inhibitor, Nucleoside Analog, DNA Polymerase Inhibitors
- ATC classification
- D06BB03 Acyclovir · Antibiotics and antivirals for the skin, subgroup D06B, subgroup D06BBJ05AB01 Acyclovir · Direct acting antiviral, subgroup J05ABS01AD03 Acyclovir · Eye medicines, subgroup S01A, subgroup S01AD
- US FDA first approval
- 29 March 1982
- EU status
- Not recorded
- Orphan designation
- Yes
- WHO essential medicine
- Not recorded
- India (CDSCO)
- Not yet confirmed against CDSCO approval lists
- Routes
- Oral, Topical, Intravenous, Cutaneous, Ophthalmic
- Dosage forms
- Tablet, Capsule, Ointment, Injection, Oral suspension, Cream, Powder for injection, Eye ointment
- Identifiers
- UNII X4HES1O11FRxCUI 281CAS 59277-89-3DrugBank DB00787Q147101
Clinical information
From the regulator-approved product information. Each section names its source.
Dosing overview
Apply sufficient quantity to adequately cover all lesions every 3 hours, 6 times per day for 7 days. The dose size per application will vary depending upon the total lesion area but should approximate a one-half inch ribbon of ointment per 4 square inches of surface area. A finger cot or rubber glove should be used when applying ZOVIRAX to prevent autoinoculation of other body sites and transmission of infection to other persons. Therapy should be initiated as early as possible following onset of signs and symptoms.
Source: US FDA prescribing information
Contraindications
ZOVIRAX Ointment 5% is contraindicated in patients who develop hypersensitivity to the components of the formulation.
Source: US FDA prescribing information
Warnings and precautions
ZOVIRAX Ointment 5% is intended for cutaneous use only and should not be used in the eye.
Source: US FDA prescribing information
Side effects
In the controlled clinical trials, mild pain (including transient burning and stinging) was reported by about 30% of patients in both the active and placebo arms, treatment was discontinued in two of these patients. Local pruritus occurred in 4% of these patients. In all studies, there was no significant difference between the drug and placebo group in the rate or type of reported adverse reactions nor were there any differences in abnormal clinical laboratory findings. Observed During Clinical Practice: Based on clinical practice experience in patients treated with ZOVIRAX Ointment in the U.S., spontaneously reported adverse events are uncommon. Data are insufficient to support an estimate of their incidence or to establish causation. These events may also occur as part of the underlying disease process.
Source: US FDA prescribing information
Interactions
Clinical experience has identified no interactions resulting from topical or systemic administration of other drugs concomitantly with ZOVIRAX Ointment 5%.
Source: US FDA prescribing information
Storage
Store at 15° to 25°C (59° to 77°F) in a dry place.
Source: US FDA prescribing information
For healthcare professionals and buyers. This is not medical advice. Treatment decisions belong to the prescriber.
All presentations
14 presentations of Acyclovir, sorted by availability.
| Medicine | Manufacturer | Register | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acyclovir 400 mg tabletOralGeneric name | — | US FDA | Available on request |
| Acyclovir 800 mg tabletOralGeneric name | — | US FDA | Available on request |
| Acyclovir 200 mg capsuleOralGeneric name | — | US FDA | Available on request |
| Acyclovir 5% ointmentTopicalGeneric name | — | US FDA | Available on request |
| Acyclovir 200 mg/5 mL oral suspensionOralGeneric name | — | US FDA | Available on request |
| Acyclovir 5% creamTopicalGeneric name | — | US FDA | Available on request |
| Acyclovir 1000 mg/20 mL injectionIntravenousGeneric name | — | US FDA | Available on request |
| Acyclovir 500 mg/10 mL injectionIntravenousGeneric name | — | US FDA | Available on request |
| Acyclovir 5% ointmentCutaneousGeneric name | — | US FDA | Available on request |
| Acyclovir 1 g powder for injectionIntravenousGeneric name | — | US FDA | Available on request |
| Acyclovir 500 mg powder for injectionIntravenousGeneric name | — | US FDA | Available on request |
| Avaclyr 3% eye ointmentOphthalmic | Fera Pharmaceuticals | US FDA | Available on request |
| Zovirax 5% ointmentTopical | Bausch Health | US FDA | Available on request |
| Zovirax 5% creamTopical | Bausch Health | US FDA | Available on request |
Brands by market
2 brand names across 1 markets.
Manufacturers
Regulatory status
Approval facts from US FDA, EMA and CDSCO data, and registration status by country where we hold register data.
| Register | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|
| US FDA | First approved 29 March 1982 | Drugs@FDA |
| EU (EMA) | Not recorded | — |
| India (CDSCO) | Not yet confirmed against CDSCO approval lists | — |
| United States | Registered | US FDA (NDC directory, openFDA)Checked 12 November 2026 |
Conditions
Conditions linked to Acyclovir in public data. This is not a list of approved uses, see the clinical information.
Questions and answers
Is Acyclovir available for export from India?
Yes, on request. MedsAcross lists 14 presentations of Acyclovir and sources them for licensed hospitals, importers and physicians against valid import documents.
What brand names does Acyclovir have?
The catalogue lists 2 brand names for Acyclovir, including Avaclyr, Zovirax.
Is Acyclovir approved by the US FDA?
Yes. The US FDA first approved Acyclovir on 29 March 1982, according to Drugs@FDA.
Does Acyclovir need cold chain shipping?
No listed presentation of Acyclovir is recorded as needing a cold chain. Storage conditions are shown on each presentation page.
Which ATC class is Acyclovir in?
Acyclovir is classified under ATC code D06BB03 (Acyclovir).
References
- Zovirax prescribing information (Bausch Health). U.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed. Retrieved 31 October 2020
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