acyclovir
Herpes Antiviral
Plain-language definition
An antiviral medication used to treat herpes simplex and herpes zoster (shingles) infections of the eye and surrounding structures.
Where this term comes up
“It is the prodrug of acyclovir - converted to acyclovir in the body - and offers better oral bioavailability and less frequent dosing than acyclovir itself.”
Medication · Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
“Unlike acyclovir-family agents, its activity is not dependent on viral thymidine kinase, so it can retain activity against some thymidine-kinase-deficient resistant strains.”
Medication · Trifluridine (Viroptic)
“Valacyclovir or acyclovir”
Condition · Bell's Palsy
- Category
- Medication
- Also written as
- No alternate forms listed.
Medication terms describe drugs or drug classes that may be used in eye care, neurology, inflammation, infection, or pain treatment.
Related glossary terms
- antiviral
Virus-Fighting Drug
- trifluridine
Antiviral Eye Drop
- cornea
Clear Front Window
- epithelium
Surface Cell Layer
- stromal
Tissue Framework-Related
- atypical
Unusual Presentation
A note on medical context
A glossary definition can explain a word, but it cannot tell you whether a symptom or test result is serious. If this term came from an article, use the full article and your clinician's guidance for context.