Acyclovir topical Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 4, 2023.
Applies to acyclovir topical: topical cream, topical ointment.
Serious side effects of Acyclovir topical
Along with its needed effects, acyclovir topical may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Other side effects of Acyclovir topical
Some side effects of acyclovir topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Mild pain, burning, or stinging
Less common
Rare
- Itching, stinging, or redness of the genital area
- skin rash
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to acyclovir topical: topical cream, topical ointment.
General
The more commonly reported adverse effects have included local application site reactions including transient stinging and burning.[Ref]
Dermatologic
Very common (10% or more): Mild pain including transient burning and stinging (30%) at application site
Common (1% to 10%): Local pruritus
Rare (less than 0.1%): Erythema
Frequency not reported: Dry lips, desquamation, dryness of skin, cracked lips, burning skin, flakiness of skin
Postmarketing reports: Contact dermatitis, eczema[Ref]
The incidence of events between the drug and placebo group appears to be similar. Where sensitivity tests have been conducted, the reactive substance has often been the component of the cream rather than the active drug.[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Postmarketing reports: Angioedema, anaphylaxis
Cardiovascular
Postmarketing reports: Edema
More about acyclovir topical
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (77)
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: topical antivirals
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
- Acyclovir topical drug information
- Acyclovir (Topical) (Advanced Reading)
- Acyclovir Cream
- Acyclovir Ointment
Other brands
Zovirax Ointment, Zovirax Cream
Professional resources
Other brands
Zovirax Ointment, Zovirax Cream
Related treatment guides
References
1. Product Information. Zovirax (acyclovir). Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. 2017;PROD.
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.
3. Product Information. Zovirax Topical (acyclovir topical). Valeant Pharmaceuticals. 2017.
4. Wagstaff AJ, Faulds D, Goa KL. Aciclovir: a reappraisal of its antiviral activity, pharmacokinetic properties and therapeutic efficacy. Drugs. 1994;47:153-205.
5. Reichman RC, Badger GJ, Guinan ME, Nahmias AJ, Keeney RE, Davis LG, Ashikaga T, Dolin R. Topically administered acyclovir in the treatment of recurrent herpes simplex genitalis: a controlled trial. J Infect Dis. 1983;147:336-40.
6. Corey L, Nahmias AJ, Guinan ME, Benedetti JK, Critchlow CW, Holmes KK. A trial of topical acyclovir in genital herpes simplex virus infections. N Engl J Med. 1982;306:1313-9.
7. Gola M, Francalanci S, Brusi C, Lombardi P, Sertoli A. Contact sensitization to acyclovir. Contact Dermatitis. 1989;20:394-5.
8. Gnann JW Jr, Barton NH, Whitley RJ. Acyclovir: mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, safety and clinical applications. Pharmacotherapy. 1983;3:275-83.
9. Koch P. No evidence of contact sensitization to acyclovir in acute dermatitis of the lips following local application of zovirax cream. Contact Dermatitis. 1995;33:255-7.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.
