Aciclovir
Antiviral medication used against herpes, chickenpox, and shingles / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Aciclovir, also known as acyclovir,[4] is an antiviral medication.[5] It is primarily used for the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections, chickenpox, and shingles.[6] Other uses include prevention of cytomegalovirus infections following transplant and severe complications of Epstein–Barr virus infection.[6][7] It can be taken by mouth, applied as a cream, or injected.[6]
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Pronunciation | /eɪˈsaɪkloʊvɪər/ |
Trade names | Zovirax, others[1] |
Other names | Acycloguanosine, acyclovir (BAN UK), acyclovir (USAN US) |
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MedlinePlus | a681045 |
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Routes of administration | Intravenous, by mouth, topical, eye ointment |
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Bioavailability | 15–20% (by mouth)[3] |
Protein binding | 9–33%[3] |
Metabolism | Liver |
Elimination half-life | 2–4 hours |
Excretion | Kidney (62–90% as unchanged drug) |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.056.059 |
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Formula | C8H11N5O3 |
Molar mass | 225.208 g·mol−1 |
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Melting point | 256.5 °C (493.7 °F) |
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Common side effects include nausea and diarrhea.[6] Potentially serious side effects include kidney problems and low platelets.[6] Greater care is recommended in those with poor liver or kidney function.[6] It is generally considered safe for use in pregnancy with no harm having been observed.[6][8] It appears to be safe during breastfeeding.[9][10] Aciclovir is a nucleoside analogue that mimics guanosine.[6] It works by decreasing the production of the virus's DNA.[6]
Aciclovir was patented in 1974 by Burroughs Wellcome, and approved for medical use in 1981.[11] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[12][13] It is available as a generic medication and is marketed under many brand names worldwide.[1] In 2021, it was the 169th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 3 million prescriptions.[14][15]