acyclovir

[ ey-sahy-kloh-veer, -kluh- ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a crystalline compound, C 18 H 11 N 5 O 3 , used as an antiviral drug in the treatment of herpes infections.

Word History and Origins

Origin of acyclovir¹

1980–85; perhaps acyclo(guanosine) an earlier name for the compound ( a- ⁶ + cyclo- + guanosine a nucleotide) + vir(us) or vir(al)

Example Sentences

Fortunately, there are treatments available such as antiviral medications like acyclovir or famciclovir, in conjunction with corticosteroids.

From Salon

Q: I am prone to cold sores/fever blisters and find that acyclovir works very well.

From Seattle Times

For example, in the case of nucleotide mimics like acyclovir, wouldn’t there be a risk that they would get into the cell’s DNA as well as the virus’s?

From Scientific American

A few months later, Ho said, the genital ulcers recurred, even though Le had been taking acyclovir.

From Washington Post

First thing in the morning I got a prescription for the antiviral drug acyclovir, which halted progress of the disease.

From New York Times