Dosage form: ointment
Drug class:Topical antivirals
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 1, 2021.
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Acyclovir Ointment 5%
RX only
DESCRIPTION
Acyclovir is a synthetic nucleoside analogue active against herpes viruses. Acyclovir Ointment, USP 5% is a formulation for topical administration. Each gram of Acyclovir Ointment 5% contains 50 mg of acyclovir, USP in a polyethylene glycol (PEG) base.
Acyclovir is a white to off-white, crystalline powder with the molecular formula C8H11N5O3 and a molecular weight of 225. The maximum solubility in water at 37°C is 2.5 mg/mL. The pka's of acyclovir are 2.27 and 9.25.
The chemical name of acyclovir is 2-amino-1,9-dihydro-9-[(2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl]-6H-purin-6-one; it has the following structural formula:
VIROLOGY
Mechanism of Antiviral Action: Acyclovir is a synthetic purine nucleoside analogue with in vitro and in vivo inhibitory activity against herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-...
