Acyclovir: What to Know Before You Take It
Also known as Zovirax
A patient-focused safety profile with information from public regulatory sources.
In plain language
What Acyclovir is used for
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Herpes Zoster Infections : Acyclovir is indicated for the acute treatment of herpes zoster (shingles). Genital Herpes : Acyclovir is indicated for the treatment of initial episodes and the management of recurrent episodes of genital herpes. Chickenpox : Acyclovir is indicated for the treatment of chickenpox (varicella).
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Risks and precautions
Risks and warnings
WARNINGS Acyclovir capsules are intended for oral ingestion only. Renal failure, in some cases resulting in death, has been observed with acyclovir therapy (see ADVERSE REACTIONS: Observed During Clinical Practice and OVERDOSAGE ). Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP/HUS), which has resulted in death, has occurred in immunocompromised patients receiving acyclovir therapy.
Who should not take it
CONTRAINDICATIONS Acyclovir is contraindicated for patients who develop hypersensitivity to acyclovir or valacyclovir.
Medication review
Acyclovir drug interactions
FDA safety data
Most-reported side effects
Based on 112,882 FAERS reports. Reports do not prove the drug caused the effect.
Regulatory record
FDA recalls (9)
Presence of Particulate Matter: Customer complaint of dark particles found inside the vial
Recalling firm: Eugia US LLC
Presence of Particulate Matter: Customer complaint for a dark red, brown and black particulate floating inside vial.
Recalling firm: AuroMedics Pharma LLC
Labeling: Incorrect or Missing Lot and/or Exp Date
Recalling firm: Heritage Pharmaceuticals Inc
Crystallization: customer complaints for crystallization in finished product.
Recalling firm: Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc
Crystallization: customer complaints for crystallization in finished product.
Recalling firm: Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc
Labeling; Label Mix-up; report received of one bottle labeled as Acyclovir Tablets USP 400 mg actually contained Carvedilol Tablets 6.25 mg
Recalling firm: Zydus Pharmaceuticals USA Inc
Presence of Foreign Tablet/Capsule; cartons labeled to contain Acyclovir tablets may contain Torsemide tablets in some of the blister cavities.
Recalling firm: Apace KY LLC
Presence of Foreign Substance: human hair melded into tablet.
Recalling firm: Hetero USA Inc
Presence of Particulate Matter: Product from lot KF2199, may contain tablets with pieces of nitrile rubber glove embedded within the tablets.
Recalling firm: Apotex Inc.
Common questions
Patient questions
What is Acyclovir prescribed for?
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Herpes Zoster Infections : Acyclovir is indicated for the acute treatment of herpes zoster (shingles). Genital Herpes : Acyclovir is indicated for the treatment of initial episodes and the management of recurrent episodes of genital herpes. Chickenpox : Acyclovir is indicated for the treatment of chickenpox (varicella).
What are the key warnings and safety precautions for Acyclovir?
WARNINGS Acyclovir capsules are intended for oral ingestion only. Renal failure, in some cases resulting in death, has been observed with acyclovir therapy (see ADVERSE REACTIONS: Observed During Clinical Practice and OVERDOSAGE ). Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP/HUS), which has resulted in death, has occurred in immunocompromised patients receiving acyclovir therapy.
Does Acyclovir interact with other medications or foods?
Acyclovir has 3 documented drug interaction(s) and 0 food interaction(s) in clinical databases. Always provide your complete medication list to your clinician.
This information is educational — not medical advice.
This page is provided for general educational purposes and summarizes publicly available data from sources such as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. It is not a substitute for the judgment of a licensed clinician and should not be used to start, stop, or change any medication. It may be incomplete or out of date, and individual circumstances vary. Always talk with your prescriber or pharmacist about your specific medications and health conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.