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DERMATOLOGICALS › ANTIBIOTICS AND CHEMOTHERAPEUTICS FOR DERMATOLOGICAL USE › CHEMOTHERAPEUTICS FOR TOPICAL USE › Antivirals
aciclovir, combinations
D06BB53
Forms & Strengths
- Topical cream: Aciclovir 5% / Hydrocortisone 1% (50 mg / 10 mg per gram)
Adult Dosing
- Topical: Apply 5 times daily for 5 days to lesions on the lips and face at the earliest sign of a cold sore episode
Pediatric Dosing
- Children < 12 years: Safety and efficacy have not been established
- Adolescents (>= 12 years): Same as adult dosing
Indications
- Early treatment of recurrent herpes simplex labialis (cold sores) in immunocompetent patients aged 12 years and older
Mechanism of Action
- Aciclovir is a synthetic purine nucleoside analogue that inhibits herpes simplex virus (HSV types 1 and 2) DNA polymerase
- Hydrocortisone is a mild topical corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictive properties to reduce swelling and pain
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to aciclovir, valaciclovir, hydrocortisone, or any component of the formulation
- Other cutaneous viral lesions caused by viruses other than herpes simplex (e.g., varicella, herpes zoster)
Adverse Reactions
- Local skin reactions at application site: dryness, flaking, burning, stinging
- Contact dermatitis or erythema
- Hypersensitivity reactions including angioedema
Drug Interactions
- Significant systemic drug interactions are unlikely due to minimal percutaneous absorption of topical aciclovir and hydrocortisone
- Avoid simultaneous application of other topical products on the same treatment area
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use