What is the brand name for acyclovir?

Brand Name for Acyclovir

Acyclovir is the generic name; the most common brand name is Zovirax.

Brand Name Information

• Zovirax is the primary brand name under which acyclovir is marketed in topical, oral, and intravenous formulations 1, 2.

• The drug has been available under this brand name since its clinical release in the early 1980s, establishing Zovirax as the standard branded formulation for this antiviral agent 2, 3.

Available Formulations

• Acyclovir/Zovirax is available in multiple formulations including:

  • Topical ointment (including 3% ophthalmic ointment for herpetic keratitis) 1
  • Oral tablets and suspension for systemic therapy 2
  • Intravenous preparation for severe infections 2, 3

• The availability of these different formulations allows for use across a range of clinical situations, from mild mucocutaneous herpes to severe disseminated infections 2.

Clinical Context

• Acyclovir (Zovirax) is a nucleoside antiviral drug with activity against herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2), varicella-zoster virus, and to a lesser extent other herpesviruses 1, 4.

• The drug requires phosphorylation by viral thymidine kinase in infected cells, where it then inhibits viral DNA replication specifically, accounting for its selective antiviral activity 2, 3.

• Generic acyclovir formulations are now widely available and are therapeutically equivalent to the brand name Zovirax, though the brand name remains in use 1.