Antiviral (antiherpetic) remedy is a synthetic analogue of thymidine nucleoside.
In infected cells containing viral thymidine kinase, phosphorylation and conversion to acyclovir monophosphate occurs. Under the influence of guanylate cyclase acyclovir monophosphate is converted into diphosphate and under the influence of several cellular enzymes - into triphosphate. High selectivity of action and low toxicity for humans are due to the lack of the necessary enzyme for the formation of acyclovir triphosphate in intact cells of the macroorganism. Acyclovir triphosphate, built into the virus-synthesized deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), blocks the multiplication of the virus. Specificity and very high selectivity of action are also due to its predominant accumulation in cells affected by the herpes virus.
Highly active against the virus Herpes simplex 1 and 2 types; a virus that causes varicella and shingles (Varicella zoster); of the Epstein-Barr virus (the types of viruses are listed in order of increasing value of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of acyclovir). Moderately active against cytomegalovirus (CMV).
With herpes prevents the formation of new elements of the rash, reduces the likelihood of cutaneous dissemination and visceral complications,accelerates the formation of crusts, reduces pain in the acute phase of herpes zoster.