What diseases does acyclovir tablets treat?

Acyclovir is an antiviral medication. Acyclovir tablets are an oral formulation used to treat infections caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) or varicella-zoster virus (VZV). HSV has two subtypes: type 1 (HSV-1), which commonly causes oral or mucocutaneous herpes, and type 2 (HSV-2), which typically causes genital herpes.

What conditions does acyclovir tablet treat?

1. Herpes simplex virus infection

Herpes simplex virus infection is characterized by clusters of small, clear-fluid-filled vesicles appearing on slightly raised, inflamed skin or mucosa. Acyclovir cream may be used for both initial and recurrent episodes of genital herpes.

2. Herpes zoster (shingles)

Herpes zoster is an inflammatory dermatosis caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. It manifests as grouped, band-like lesions distributed unilaterally along a dermatome, accompanied by severe neuropathic pain. Acyclovir cream is indicated for treating herpes zoster in immunocompetent individuals and for mild cases in immunocompromised patients.

3. Treatment of varicella (chickenpox) in immunocompromised patients

After topical absorption through the skin, acyclovir enters virus-infected cells and competes with deoxyguanosine for viral thymidine kinase or cellular kinases. It is then phosphorylated into its active triphosphate form—acyclovir triphosphate—which inhibits viral DNA polymerase and thereby suppresses viral replication. Acyclovir exhibits inhibitory activity against herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, and other related viruses (e.g., cytomegalovirus).

Precautions for herpes zoster

1. Selection of appropriate treatment: Herpes zoster differs from ordinary vesicular eruptions in that it primarily involves dorsal root ganglia, making it both challenging and complex to treat. Inadequate or delayed treatment significantly increases the risk of postherpetic neuralgia. Therefore, selecting an appropriate treatment strategy is crucial. Early-stage management may include anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic agents—for example, “Paofu Ling” (a topical preparation).

2. Dietary considerations: Patients with herpes zoster should follow a light, bland diet during treatment. Spicy, stimulating foods and “trigger foods” (e.g., seafood, lamb, bamboo shoots) should be avoided. Smoking and alcohol consumption must be discontinued to minimize irritation. Additionally, vitamin supplementation is recommended—patients should consume ample fruits and vegetables.

3. Prevention of secondary infection at the affected site: The lesion may be gently cleansed with room-temperature normal saline (1:100 dilution). Avoid hot compresses or excessively hot water during bathing, as elevated temperatures may exacerbate the condition—herpes zoster lesions are heat-sensitive. Furthermore, vesicles must not be punctured; they should be allowed to dry and desquamate naturally to prevent secondary bacterial infection from leakage of vesicular fluid.

4. Isolation precautions: Herpes zoster is contagious. Children with low immunity or no prior history of chickenpox are particularly susceptible. If such individuals reside in the same household, the patient should practice isolation to prevent transmission.

The above outlines the indications for acyclovir tablets. We hope this information proves helpful.