ACYCLOVIR

AcyclovirMonographAcyclovir topicalMonograph USDailyMed:Acyclovir AU:B3 J05AB01(WHO)D06BB03(WHO),S01AD03(WHO),D06BB53(WHO) AU:S4(Prescription only)CA:℞-onlyUK:POM(Prescription only)US:℞-only 2-amino-1,9-dihydro-9-((2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl)-3H-purin-6-one 59277-89-3Y 2022 46506002 4829 DB00787Y 1945Y X4HES1O11F D00222YC06810N CHEBI:2453Y ChEMBL184Y AC2 (PDBe,RCSB PDB) DTXSID1022556 Interactive image O=C2/N=C(\Nc1n(cnc12)COCCO)N InChI=1S/C8H11N5O3/c9-8-11-6-5(7(15)12-8)10-3-13(6)4-16-2-1-14/h3,14H,1-2,4H2,(H3,9,11,12,15)YKey:MKUXAQIIEYXACX-UHFFFAOYSA-NY Aciclovir, al‍‍‍‍‍‍​​​‍​​​​​​so known asacyclovir,is anantiviral medication.It is primarily used for the treatment ofherpes simplex virusinfections,chickenpox, andshingles.Other uses include the prevention ofcytomegalovirusinfections following transplant, and severe complications ofEpstein–Barr virusinfection.It can be taken by mouth, applied as a cream, orinjected. Common side effects include nausea and diarrhea.Potentially serious side effects include kidney problems andlow platelets.Greater care is recommended in those with poor liver or kidney function.It is generally considered safe for use inpregnancywith no harm having been observed.It appears to be safe duringbreastfeeding.Aciclovir is anucleoside analoguethat mimicsguanosine.It works by decreasing the production of the virus'sDNA. Aciclovir was patented in 1974, byBurroughs Wellcome, and approved for medical use in 1981.It is on theWorld Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.It is available as ageneric medicationand is marketed under many brand names worldwide.In 2023, it was the 150th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 3million prescriptions.