Skip to main content

Acyclovir / hydrocortisone topical Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Brand names: Lipsovir, Xerese

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 19, 2024.

Acyclovir / hydrocortisone topical Pregnancy Warnings

The manufacturer makes no recommendation regarding use during pregnancy.

US FDA pregnancy category: B

Animal studies have failed to reveal evidence of teratogenicity following use of acyclovir. Corticosteroids have been found to be teratogenic in animals when administered systemically at relatively low doses. Systemic exposure of acyclovir and hydrocortisone following topical administration is minimal. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

US FDA pregnancy category B: Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

See references

Acyclovir / hydrocortisone topical Breastfeeding Warnings

Caution is recommended.

Excreted into human milk: Unknown
Excreted into animal milk: Data not available

Comments:
-Topical acyclovir applied to small areas of the mother's body away from the breast should pose no risk to the infant.
-Only water-miscible creams or gels should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.
-Any product containing a topical corticosteroid should be wiped off thoroughly prior to nursing if it is being applied to the breast or nipple area.

See references

References for pregnancy information

  1. Product Information. Xerese (acyclovir-hydrocortisone topical). Meda Pharmaceuticals. 2010.

References for breastfeeding information

  1. Product Information. Xerese (acyclovir-hydrocortisone topical). Meda Pharmaceuticals. 2010.
  2. United States National Library of Medicine. Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT 2013.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.