What it means
An antiviral that stops herpes simplex and varicella-zoster viruses from copying themselves. It does not cure the infection, because the virus stays in the nerves, but it shortens outbreaks and can prevent them. It comes as tablets, liquid, cream and an IV form. The IV form can form crystals in the kidneys if the client is not well hydrated.
For the nurse
Give IV acyclovir slowly, over at least an hour, and keep the client well hydrated; watch urine output and creatinine. Teach that treatment works best when started at the first tingling of an outbreak, and that the virus can still spread when sores are present.
At a glance
| Drug class | antiviral (nucleoside analog) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Zovirax |
| Spanish | aciclovir |
| Also written | Zovirax, aciclovir |
Related terms
creatinine
A waste product of muscle that the kidneys remove from the blood; its blood level is used to measure how well the kidneys work.
antiviral
A drug that treats or prevents infection by a virus, usually by stopping the virus from making copies of itself.
varicella
A very contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus; also called chickenpox.
herpes simplex virus
A common virus that infects the skin and lining of the mouth or genitals and stays in the body for life.