acyclovir
noun
acy·clo·vir (ˌ)ā-ˈsī-klō-ˌvir 
: a cyclic synthetic nucleoside C8H11N5O3 used especially to treat the symptoms of chicken pox, shingles, and the genital form of herpes simplex
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The most common course of antiviral medications has been seven to 10 days of acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir, although some studies have suggested that a longer 21-day course may be more effective. 
Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 12 June 2022 At time, antiviral medicines that help with the herpes family, such as acyclovir or valacyclovir may be prescribed. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 11 June 2022 Treatment options can include anti-inflammatory and antiviral medications such as prednisone, acyclovir and valacyclovir. CBS News, 10 June 2022 Yes, but some antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir, may require patients to wait 48 hours after their last dose before donating blood. Claire Gillespie, Health.com, 6 Apr. 2020 Both were treated with an antiviral drug, acyclovir. Michael Nedelman, CNN, 27 Nov. 2019 Instead, talk to your doctor about treating oral or genital herpes outbreaks with prescription antiviral medications such as acyclovir or valacyclovir, Dr. Finney says. Krissy Brady, SELF, 4 Oct. 2018 Instead, talk to your doctor about treating oral or genital herpes outbreaks with prescription antiviral medications such as acyclovir or valacyclovir, Dr. Finney says. Krissy Brady, SELF, 4 Oct. 2018 Prescription antiviral medicines, including acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir, are not cures for shingles, but these drugs can weaken the virus, reduce pain, expedite healing, and stave off complications. Health.com, 1 May 2017 See More
Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 12 June 2022 At time, antiviral medicines that help with the herpes family, such as acyclovir or valacyclovir may be prescribed. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 11 June 2022 Treatment options can include anti-inflammatory and antiviral medications such as prednisone, acyclovir and valacyclovir. CBS News, 10 June 2022 Yes, but some antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir, may require patients to wait 48 hours after their last dose before donating blood. Claire Gillespie, Health.com, 6 Apr. 2020 Both were treated with an antiviral drug, acyclovir. Michael Nedelman, CNN, 27 Nov. 2019 Instead, talk to your doctor about treating oral or genital herpes outbreaks with prescription antiviral medications such as acyclovir or valacyclovir, Dr. Finney says. Krissy Brady, SELF, 4 Oct. 2018 Instead, talk to your doctor about treating oral or genital herpes outbreaks with prescription antiviral medications such as acyclovir or valacyclovir, Dr. Finney says. Krissy Brady, SELF, 4 Oct. 2018 Prescription antiviral medicines, including acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir, are not cures for shingles, but these drugs can weaken the virus, reduce pain, expedite healing, and stave off complications. Health.com, 1 May 2017 See More Word History
Etymology
acycl(ic) + -o- + vir(us); from its containing less cyclic structure than its naturally occurring analogue guanosine
First Known Use
1979, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
acyclovir
noun
acy·clo·vir ˌā-ˈsī-klō-ˌvir
: a cyclic nucleoside C8H11N5O3 used especially to treat shingles, genital herpes, and chicken pox see zovirax