Aciclovir Cream is an antiviral medicine which helps in treating skin infections caused by Herpes simplex virus such as herpes labialis. It prevents the multiplication of the virus in skin cells and therefore helps in clearing the skin infection.

Aciclovir Cream is used in the treatment of HIV infections

Uses of Aciclovir Cream

Herpes labialis

Benefits of Aciclovir Cream

In Herpes labialis

Herpes labialis, commonly known as cold sores, is a viral infection that primarily affects the lip. Symptoms typically include a burning pain followed by small blisters or sores. Aciclovir Cream can speed up healing of herpes labialis and also prevent recurrence of the sores. Keep using this medicine as prescribed by the doctor to get maximum benefit.

Side effects of Aciclovir Cream

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Aciclovir

Application site reactions (burning, irritation, itching and redness)

How to use Aciclovir Cream

This medicine is for external use only. Use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Clean and dry the affected area and apply the cream. Wash your hands after applying, unless hands are the affected area.

How Aciclovir Cream works

Aciclovir Cream is an antiviral medication which treats skin infections caused by Herpes simplex virus. It works by preventing the multiplication of virus in the skin cells. This stops the virus from producing new viruses and clears up your skin infection.

Safety advice

Alcohol

No interaction found/established

Pregnancy

SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Aciclovir Cream is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.

Breast feeding

SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Aciclovir Cream is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.

Driving

No interaction found/established

Kidney

No interaction found/established

Liver

No interaction found/established

All substitutes

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.

Aciclovir Cream

₹14.4/gm of Cream

Acivir Cream

Cipla Ltd

₹14.51/gm of cream

8% costlier

Herpex 5% Cream

Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹16.43/gm of cream

23% costlier

Ocuvir Skin Cream

FDC Ltd

₹13.09/gm of cream

2% cheaper

Zoster Cream

Leeford Healthcare Ltd

₹10.6/gm of cream

21% cheaper

Primacort Plus Cream

Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

₹13.33/gm of cream

1% cheaper

View all substitutes

Quick tips

Aciclovir Cream helps treat recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores).
Treatment should be started as early as possible following onset of signs and symptoms.
Apply it thinly to affected area five times a day, or as suggested by your doctor.
Do not use it in the eyes, mouth, nose or vagina as it may cause irritation. If accidental exposure occurs, rinse immediately with plenty of water.
Do not touch the sores unnecessarily with your hands or towel, to avoid spreading the infection.
Inform your doctor if your symptoms have not improved after 10 days of treatment.

Fact Box

Chemical Class

Nucleoside analog

Habit Forming

Therapeutic Class

DERMA

Action Class

Antiviral (Non-HIV) drugs

Patient concerns

Hello sir, PATIENT diagnosed with the Herpes. The blisters shown at half left face over the eye, forehead and head. He is now taking Paracetamol, Ibuprofen and Aciclovir 400 mg. But he got severe headache continuously for past 2 days. Pls sir suggest your best for his headache and the precautions should he take. Thanks sir.

Dr. Gaurav Mittal

Paediatrics

Consult a immediately. Herpes ophthalmicus can cause serious problems . Pain in herpes are severe.

Is aciclovir medicine have side effect?? How i can use this tablet

Dr. Atul Jain

Dermatology

One Tab 800mg four times a day

Doctor I want to know in chiken pox, do you need to take antibiotics. My children got they were given no antibiotic only Aciclovir syrup. Now I have got it my has given me Aciclovir tab (herpikind 800) and novaclox (amoxycillin 250/dicloxacillin250). Actually by taking antibiotics. my stomach gets upset do I need to take it pls advise I have taken it for two days.3 times

Dr. Dharamvir Singh

Dermatology

There is no need for antibiotics in chicken poxBut sometimes they can be givenU can stop the antibiotics .

FAQs

Is Aciclovir Cream effective?

Aciclovir Cream is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Aciclovir Cream too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.

How to use Aciclovir Cream?

Before using Aciclovir Cream, clean and dry the affected area. Gently and thoroughly massage it into the skin. Be careful not to get the medication in your eyes or mouth. If Aciclovir Cream gets in your eyes accidentally, wash with plenty of water and call your doctor if your eyes are irritated.

What precautions do I need to take while using Aciclovir Cream?

Be careful not to get Aciclovir Cream into your eyes or mouth. If you happen to get it in your eyes, rinse off with plenty of water immediately and contact your doctor. You must not use Aciclovir Cream if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients. Tell your doctor if you notice any allergic reaction while using it for the first time. Inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines regularly, to prevent any allergic reaction with other medicines. Do not cover the area being treated with Aciclovir Cream with a bandage, as this may increase absorption of this medicine and increase the side effects. Do not use more than what is recommended to relieve your symptoms faster. Using more than what is advised will only increase the side effects. Let your doctor know if you are planning to conceive. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should use Aciclovir Cream only if prescribed by the doctor.

What should I do if I forget to use Aciclovir Cream?

If you forget to use Aciclovir Cream, do not worry and continue using Aciclovir Cream as soon as you remember. However, if you are not sure and have any other doubts, please consult your doctor.

Is Aciclovir Cream safe?

Aciclovir Cream is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Use it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.

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Related lab tests

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 DNA PCR

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 IgG

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Disclaimer:

Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.

References

Acosta EP, Flexner C. Antiviral Agents (Nonretroviral). In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. pp. 1594-1600.
Safrin S. Antiviral Agents. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. pp. 846-47.
Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 18-22.
Drugs.com. Acyclovir. [Accessed 01 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
Medscape. Acyclovir. [Accessed 01 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:

Marketer details

Name: Nanz Med Science Pharma Ltd

Address: Rampur Ghat , Paonta Sahib (HP)-173025

Country of origin: India

The list of available options shown with the same composition has been prepared upon the advice of registered medical practitioners, pharmacists affiliated with TATA 1MG. TATA 1MG does not promote any pharmaceutical product of any particular company, and all recommendations are based on the medical opinion, advisories from specialist medical and pharmaceutical professionals.