Acyclovir and hydrocortisone (Topical application)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 24, 2021.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Xerese
Available Dosage Forms:
- Cream
Therapeutic Class: Antiviral
Pharmacologic Class: Viral DNA Polymerase Inhibitor
Chemical Class: Guanosine Nucleoside Analog
Uses for acyclovir and hydrocortisone
Acyclovir and hydrocortisone topical combination is used to treat the symptoms of herpes simplex virus infection on the lips and around the mouth (cold sores). Although acyclovir and hydrocortisone will not cure herpes simplex, it may help the sores to heal faster and relieve some of the pain and discomfort. Acyclovir is an antiviral agent (treats a virus) and hydrocortisone is a steroid (cortisone-like) medicine.
Acyclovir and hydrocortisone is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using acyclovir and hydrocortisone
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For acyclovir and hydrocortisone, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to acyclovir and hydrocortisone or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of acyclovir and hydrocortisone topical combination in children younger than 6 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Although appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of acyclovir and hydrocortisone topical combination have not been performed in the geriatric population, no geriatric-specific problems have been documented to date.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other medical problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of acyclovir and hydrocortisone. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Weak immune system—Acyclovir and hydrocortisone may not work properly in patients with this condition.
