What are acyclovir pills used to treat?

In the pharmaceutical industry, Acyclovir tablets (commonly available in 200 mg, 400 mg, and 800 mg) are a cornerstone of antiviral therapy. As a pharmacist, I classify Acyclovir as a highly selective guanosine analog that is essential for managing DNA virus infections while maintaining a favorable safety profile for the patient.

Primary Clinical Uses

  • Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): Used for the treatment of primary and recurrent genital herpes, as well as herpes labialis (cold sores).

  • Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV): Effective in treating Chickenpox (varicella) and Shingles (herpes zoster), significantly reducing pain and the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia.

  • Prophylaxis in Immunocompromised Patients: Often prescribed as a preventative measure for patients with weakened immune systems (e.g., those undergoing chemotherapy or HIV patients) to prevent viral reactivation.

  • Herpetic Keratitis: Used in systemic form to manage severe viral infections of the eye.

  • Mechanism of Action

Acyclovir is a “prodrug” that remains inactive until it enters a virus-infected cell. The viral enzyme thymidine kinase converts Acyclovir into its active triphosphate form. Once active, it acts as a competitive inhibitor of viral DNA polymerase. It incorporates itself into the growing viral DNA chain, acting as a “chain terminator” that stops the virus from replicating without interfering with the host’s healthy cells.

The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Formulation & Export

From a manufacturing and global trade standpoint, Acyclovir is a high-volume essential medicine that requires stringent quality oversight:

  • Bioavailability Optimization: Acyclovir has naturally low oral bioavailability. Our manufacturing process focuses on optimized granulation and disintegration parameters to ensure maximum absorption and therapeutic efficacy.

  • Strengths & Versatility: We manufacture multiple strengths (200/400/800 mg) to cater to different clinical protocols, from acute shingles treatment to long-term suppressive therapy for herpes.

  • Global Export Standards: As a WHO-GMP certified manufacturer based in Mumbai, we ensure all batches meet BP/USP/IP standards, making our products suitable for international tenders and private B2B distribution.

  • Regulatory Documentation: We provide comprehensive CTD/eCTD Dossiers to support our partners in the rapid registration of Acyclovir tablets in markets across Africa, Southeast Asia, and the CIS