Nucleoside antivirals
Antiviral medicines used for herpes virus infections such as cold sores, shingles, chickenpox and genital herpes. Aciclovir is described on this site, and valaciclovir is a related medicine.
Mechanism of action
MedlinePlus describes aciclovir as a synthetic nucleoside analogue antiviral that works by stopping the spread of the herpes virus in the body. The NHS says aciclovir stops the herpes virus growing and spreading, which helps the immune system deal with the infection. The NHS says no medicine or treatment removes the herpes virus from the body completely. NIH LiverTox describes valaciclovir as a nucleoside analogue antiviral and a prodrug of aciclovir.
Members of the class
Members with a page on this site are linked.
Cautions
- UK product information lists allergy to aciclovir or valaciclovir as a reason the medicine is not used.
- UK product information says aciclovir is cleared through the kidneys, so treatment may be adjusted in kidney problems.
Class warnings
- A serious allergic reaction, with signs such as sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue or struggling to breathe, needs a 999 call, according to the NHS. UK
- Liver problems, kidney problems and changes to blood cells are also listed as serious side effects; the NHS advises calling NHS 111 if someone using or recently using aciclovir thinks they may be having these. UK
Class interactions
| With | Effect | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Cimetidine, probenecid (with aciclovir) | UK product information says these can raise aciclovir levels in the blood. | UK |
| Theophylline (with aciclovir) | UK product information says aciclovir may raise theophylline levels. | UK |
Open the Drug Interaction Checker
Connected pages in detail
What each linked page on Anatomy Nexus covers, in a line, for Nucleoside antivirals.
Medications
- Aciclovir Aciclovir is an antiviral medicine used for infections such as cold sores, shingles, chickenpox and genital herpes.