acyclovir

Definition

Antiviral drug used to treat the symptoms of herpes simplex infections (herpes simplex 1 and 2, herpes zoster (shingles), severe genital herpes, and chicken pox (varicella)). Acyclovir does not cure viral infections but helps to relieve the pain and discomfort they cause and prevents the spread of infection to healthy cells by preventing the virus from replicating itself. Generic names for acyclovir: Acyvir, Clovix, Cusiviral, Cyclovir, Herpex, Maynor, Virogon, Zevin, Zovirax; for valacyclovir: Valtrex.