Acivir cream (5% w/w acyclovir) is a topical antiviral medication used to treat herpes simplex virus skin infections, primarily cold sores (fever blisters) on the face or lips. It works by inhibiting viral replication, which helps speed healing and reduces pain. It is typically applied five times daily for 4–10 days. 

Acivir Cream (active ingredient: acyclovir 5%) is a topical antiviral medication manufactured by Cipla Ltd, India. It is used to treat viral skin infections caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), primarily cold sores (oral herpes) and genital herpes outbreaks.

Acyclovir works by interfering with viral DNA replication. It is absorbed into virus-infected cells and converted into its active form, acyclovir triphosphate, which inhibits the viral enzyme DNA polymerase. This halts the virus from copying itself and spreading to surrounding cells.

Importantly, acyclovir targets only infected cells — healthy cells are largely unaffected — which is why its side effect profile is relatively mild compared to systemic antivirals.

Acivir Cream is for external topical use only.

Application guidelines:

• Apply a thin layer directly to the affected area 5 times per day, approximately every 4 hours, for 5–10 days.
• Begin treatment as early as possible — ideally at the first sign of tingling, itching, or redness before blisters fully form.
• Wash hands thoroughly before and after application.
• Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, or mucous membranes.
• Do not apply to unaffected skin.

Who it is used by:

• Adults and children over 12 years for cold sores.
• As directed by a physician for genital herpes management.

Faster Healing

• Reduces the duration of active outbreaks when applied early in the cycle.
• Shortens the period of viral shedding, decreasing contagiousness.

Symptom Relief

• Eases pain, burning, and itching associated with herpes lesions.

Targeted Action

• Acts selectively on virus-infected cells with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue.

Accessible and Affordable

• Generic formulation manufactured by a reputable pharmaceutical company at significantly lower cost than branded alternatives.

Acivir Cream is generally well tolerated. Side effects are mostly localised:

Common (localised)

• Mild burning, stinging, or itching at the application site immediately after use.
• Temporary skin dryness or flaking in the treated area.

Less Common

• Contact dermatitis or localised allergic reaction — discontinue use if redness or swelling worsens rather than improves.
• Skin peeling or rash at application site.

Rare

• Hypersensitivity reaction to acyclovir or any inactive ingredient in the formulation.

What it does not do:

• Topical acyclovir does not cure herpes — the virus remains dormant in nerve tissue and can reactivate.
• It does not prevent transmission of HSV to a partner.
• It is not a substitute for oral antiviral therapy in severe or frequent outbreaks — a physician may recommend oral acyclovir or valacyclovir in those cases.

• Effectiveness is significantly higher when treatment begins at the earliest prodromal stage (tingling, itching) rather than after blisters have fully developed.
• Acivir Cream is not suitable for internal use, eye infections, or nail/scalp fungal conditions — it is specifically antiviral, not antifungal.
• Individuals with frequent recurrent outbreaks should consult a physician about oral suppressive therapy rather than relying solely on topical treatment.
• Store below 25°C, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: consult a doctor before use, though topical acyclovir is generally considered low risk due to minimal systemic absorption.