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Aciclovir (ACV), also known as acyclovir, is an antiviral medication. It is primarily used for the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections, chickenpox, and shingles. Other uses include prevention of cytomegalovirus infections following transplant and severe complications of Epstein–Barr virus infection. It can be taken by mouth, applied as a cream, or injected. Common side effects include nausea and diarrhea. Potentially serious side effects include kidney problems and low platelets. Greater care is recommended in those with poor liver or kidney function. It is generally considered safe for use in pregnancy with no harm having been observed. It appears to be safe during breastfeeding. Aciclovir is a nucleoside analogue that mimics guanosine. It works by decreasing the production of the virus's DNA. Aciclovir was patented in 1974 by Burroughs Wellcome, and approved for medical use in 1981. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It is available as a generic medication and is marketed under many brand names worldwide. In 2020, it was the 162nd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 3 million prescriptions. Aciclovir is used for the treatment of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus infections, including: Genital herpes simplex (treatment and prevention) Neonatal herpes simplex Herpes simplex labialis (cold sores) Shingles Acute chickenpox in immunocompromised patients Herpes simplex encephalitis Acute mucocutaneous HSV infections in immunocompromised patients Herpes of the eye and herpes simplex blepharitis (a chronic (long-term) form of herpes eye infection) Prevention of herpes viruses in immunocompromised people (such as people undergoing cancer chemotherapy) Its effectiveness in treating Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infections is less clear. It has not been found to be useful for infectious mononucleosis due to EBV.

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Valaciclovir, also spelled valacyclovir, is an antiviral medication used to treat outbreaks of herpes simplex or herpes zoster (shingles). It is also used to prevent cytomegalovirus following a kidney transplant in high risk cases. It is taken by mouth. Common side effects include headache and vomiting. Severe side effects may include kidney problems. Use in pregnancy appears to be safe. It is a prodrug, which works after being converted to aciclovir in a person's body. Valaciclovir was patented in 1987 and came into medical use in 1995.

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