Aciclovir Cream BP 5%

Generic Name:
Aciclovir Cream BP 5%
Therapeutic Category:
Topical Antiviral
Mechanism of Action:
Highly selective antiviral agent. It is converted by viral thymidine kinase into aciclovir triphosphate, which competitively inhibits viral DNA polymerase, incorporates into the viral DNA chain, and terminates viral replication without disrupting normal cellular processes.

Indications

Dosage & Administration

Contraindications & Precautions

Potential Side Effects

Indications (Therapeutic Uses)

Aciclovir Cream 5% is indicated for the localized topical treatment of cutaneous viral infections caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV):

  • Herpes Labialis (Cold Sores): Treatment of recurrent cold sores on the lips and surrounding facial skin caused by HSV-1.
  • Early-Stage Intervention: Specifically used to reduce healing time and limit the duration of pain, tingling, or blistering when applied during the prodromal (early warning sign) stage.

Dosage & Administration

Website Note: Application frequency and duration must be guided by a registered medical practitioner based on the location and severity of the viral outbreak.

  • Standard Application Frequency: Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected areas 5 times daily at intervals of approximately 4 hours, omitting the nighttime application.
  • Duration of Therapy: Treatment should be continued for a minimum of 4 consecutive days. If complete healing of the blisters or lesions has not occurred, application can be extended up to a maximum of 10 days.
  • Administration Method: Wash hands thoroughly before and after application to prevent spreading the infection to other skin areas or to the eyes. A cotton swab can also be used for application. Rub the cream in gently until it disappears.
  • Early Action: For best results, therapy should be initiated at the very first sign of an outbreak (such as itching, burning, tingling, or redness).

Contraindications & Precautions

  • Absolute Contraindications: Do not use in patients with a known history of severe hypersensitivity to aciclovir, valaciclovir, propylene glycol, or any other excipient present in the cream base.
  • Mucous Membrane Restriction: Strictly intended for external cutaneous use only. Do not apply inside the mouth, eyes, nose, or vagina, as it can cause severe mucosal irritation and inflammation.
  • Immunocompromised Patients: Not recommended for use in severely immunocompromised individuals (such as patients with HIV or bone marrow transplant recipients). In these cases, systemic oral or intravenous antiviral therapy should be considered instead.
  • Transmission Warning: The cream reduces the severity of the outbreak but does not cure the latent viral infection or completely prevent the risk of viral transmission to others. Avoid kissing or direct skin contact while active blisters are present.

Potential Side Effects

  • Common / Mild: Transient stinging, mild burning, or sharp pain immediately following application; localized drying, flaking, or peeling of the treated skin, and mild pruritus (itching).
  • Less Common / Severe: Erythema (redness), contact dermatitis (allergic skin reaction), or immediate hypersensitivity reactions including localized angioedema.
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