In the pharmaceutical industry, Acyclovir is a highly effective guanosine analogue antiviral. As a pharmacist and manufacturer, I must clarify that while Acyclovir is designed to treat viral rashes (like Shingles or Herpes), it can, paradoxically, cause a drug-induced rash as a side effect.
At your WHO-GMP facility in Mumbai, ensuring your product literature distinguishes between the “healing response” and a “hypersensitivity reaction” is a key technical requirement for B2B trust.
Types of Rashes Associated with Acyclovir
| Rash Type | Severity | Clinical Presentation |
| Common Side Effect | Mild | Mild skin rash, hives (urticaria), or itching (pruritus) shortly after starting the dose. |
| Photosensitivity | Moderate | Increased sensitivity to sunlight; a rash may develop only on sun-exposed areas. |
| Hypersensitivity | Severe | Angioedema: Rapid swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. Requires immediate cessation. |
| Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reaction (SCAR) | Critical | Extremely rare cases of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. |
Mechanism: The Antiviral vs. The Immune Response
Acyclovir is a “prodrug” that must be activated by the virus itself.
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Selective Toxicity: Acyclovir is phosphorylated by viral thymidine kinase. It then inhibits viral DNA polymerase, terminating the DNA chain.
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The Rash Paradox: Most “rashes” reported by patients are actually the viral lesions (Herpes/Shingles) surfacing or crusting over. However, a true pharmaceutical rash is an Immune-Mediated Response where the body’s T-cells react to the Acyclovir molecule itself, treating it as an allergen.
The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Technical & Export
From a production and B2B standpoint for Healthy Inc, here is how to position this on your digital platforms:
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The Dispersible Tablet (DT) USP: As we discussed for your Antiviral category, your Acyclovir Dispersible Tablets are designed for rapid absorption. Faster absorption can sometimes lead to a quicker onset of mild side effects; including this in your FAQs for B2B buyers shows professional transparency.
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Purity & Impurity Profiling: Rashes can sometimes be caused by trace impurities or specific excipients (like certain binders or colors). At our Mumbai facility, we utilize HPLC testing to ensure 99.9% purity, reducing the risk of excipient-linked sensitivities.
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Stability for Export: Acyclovir is sensitive to moisture. We utilize Alu-Alu blister packaging to ensure a 36-month shelf life. This prevents chemical degradation that could otherwise increase the risk of adverse skin reactions in patients in Zone IVb regions.
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Dossier & PIL Strategy: Your Product Information Leaflet (PIL) should clearly instruct patients to differentiate between the “tingling” of a healing cold sore and the “hives” of a drug allergy.