Aciclovir Cream
Product introduction
Aciclovir Cream is an antiviral medicine used for the treatment of herpes labialis (cold sores) and genital herpes infections caused by the herpes simplex virus. It helps reduce the growth and spread of the virus and helps in clearing the skin infection.
Use Aciclovir Cream in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Clean and dry the affected area before applying the medicine. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying this medicine. Avoid touching or scratching the affected area, and keep the area clean and dry.
Aciclovir Cream may cause mild burning, irritation, itching, and redness at the application site. These are usually temporary and resolve on their own. Consult your doctor if these side effects persist or worsen. Avoid applying other medicine on the treated area unless advised by your doctor.
Aciclovir Cream is for external use only. Do not apply it to the eyes, inside the mouth, or on mucous membranes. Avoid sexual contact while sores are present to prevent transmission of the virus. Use with caution if you have a weakened immune system or kidney problems, and inform your doctor about all other medications you are using. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before using this medicine.
Uses of Aciclovir Cream
Benefits of Aciclovir Cream
In Treatment of Herpes labialis
Aciclovir Cream helps heal cold sores (herpes labialis) faster and reduces pain, itching, and burning. It stops the virus from multiplying and shortens the outbreak, preventing it from worsening. This helps you feel more comfortable and improve your overall quality of life.
In Treatment of Genital herpes infection
Aciclovir Cream helps relieve pain, burning, and itching caused by genital herpes by preventing the virus from multiplying. It promotes faster healing of sores and helps reduce the risk of spreading the infection. Regular use as directed helps control flare-ups and provides relief from discomfort, allowing patients to manage the condition more effectively.
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
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Information regarding the use of Aciclovir Cream during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.
Driving
No interaction found/established
Kidney
No interaction found/established
Liver
No interaction found/established
What if you forget to take Aciclovir Cream?
If you miss a dose of Aciclovir Cream, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
Aciclovir Cream
₹12.96/gm of Cream
ZosTER Cream
Leeford Healthcare Ltd
₹6.88/gm of cream
47% cheaper
Herpiford Cream
Leeford Healthcare Ltd
₹6.88/gm of cream
47% cheaper
Herpex 5% Cream
Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹21.2/gm of cream
64% costlier
Acivir Cream
Cipla Ltd
₹15.7/gm of cream
21% costlier
Ocuvir Skin Cream
FDC Ltd
₹11.7/gm of cream
10% cheaper
Quick tips
- 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. In case of accidental exposure, rinse immediately with plenty of water.
- Do not touch the sores unnecessarily with your hands or towel, as that may spread the infection.
- Inform your doctor if your symptoms have not improved after 10 days of treatment.
Fact Box
Chemical Class
Nucleoside analog
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
DERMA
Action Class
Antiviral Agents (Non-HIV)
Patient concerns
FAQs
What is Aciclovir Cream used for?
Aciclovir Cream is used for treating herpes simplex infections of the skin and lips (cold sores, also called herpes labialis) and for initial genital herpes. It helps sores heal faster and reduces pain when used as directed.
When should I start applying medicine?
Start treatment as soon as you notice the first symptoms (tingling, itching, redness) or when a lesion appears. Early use gives the best chance of shortening the episode.
Will Aciclovir Cream stop me from passing the virus to others?
Aciclovir Cream can speed healing and reduce pain, but there are no data showing it helps prevent transmission. Avoid contact (kissing or sexual contact) while sores are present, and follow good hygiene to reduce spread.
Can I use Aciclovir Cream on the genital area or inside the mouth?
No. The medicine is intended for use on the external lips and face for cold sores. Application to mucous membranes (inside the mouth, nose, eye, or genitals) is not recommended. Follow the product label or your doctor’s instructions.
Can I use it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Topical use results in very low systemic exposure. Use during pregnancy or lactation should be considered only if the potential benefit justifies any possible risk. Discuss this with your doctor. If you have an active herpetic lesion on the breast, avoid nursing from the affected breast.
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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.
- Acyclovir [Prescribing Information]. Ontario, Canada: GlaxoSmithKline; 2014. [Accessed 09 Oct. 2025] (online) Available from:
- Aciclovir [Summary of Product Characteristics]. Dublin 24, Ireland: Haleon Ireland Limited; 2025. [Accessed 09 Oct. 2025] (online) Available from:
- Acyclovir [Prescribing Information]. Bedminster, NJ: Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2025.
Marketer details
Name: Nanz Med Science Pharma Ltd
Address: Rampur Ghat , Paonta Sahib (HP)-173025
Country of origin: India
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DISCONTINUED
We do not facilitate sale of this product at present